Intestinal Lipid Metabolism and Inter-Organ Communication
The intestine is increasingly recognized as a central regulator of systemic metabolism. Our research investigates how dietary and endogenous lipids are sensed, processed, and utilized within the intestine and how these processes influence whole-body energy balance, glucose homeostasis, and metabolic health.
A major focus of the laboratory is understanding how the intestine communicates with distant organs, including the liver, pancreas, adipose tissue, and brain. We study how bioactive lipids, enteroendocrine hormones, and other intestine-derived signals coordinate metabolic responses and how disruption of these pathways contributes to obesity, diabetes, and related metabolic diseases.
Lipids, Intestinal Inflammation, and Ferroptotic Cell Death
Maintenance of intestinal health requires precise regulation of epithelial metabolism and barrier function. Emerging evidence suggests that disturbances in lipid homeostasis can promote oxidative stress, inflammation, and tissue injury.
Our research examines how specific lipid species and lipid metabolic pathways regulate intestinal inflammation, epithelial integrity, and susceptibility to injury. We are particularly interested in understanding the role of monounsaturated fatty acids in protecting against oxidative damage and ferroptotic cell death. These studies aim to uncover new therapeutic opportunities for inflammatory bowel disease and other disorders characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation.
Intestinal Cell Identity and Epithelial Homeostasis
The intestinal epithelium is one of the most rapidly renewing tissues in the body and relies on tightly regulated programs of stem cell renewal, differentiation, and cellular adaptation to maintain tissue health. Our research seeks to understand how lipid metabolism regulates epithelial cell identity, lineage specification, and tissue homeostasis.
We are particularly interested in how nutrient availability and cellular lipid composition influence epithelial function and adaptation during physiological and pathological stress. These studies seek to define fundamental mechanisms governing intestinal health and regeneration.
We are always interested in hearing from talented undergraduate, graduate, postdoctoral, and research staff candidates who are excited about metabolism, lipid biology, intestinal physiology, and inflammation.
