The fast turnover of gastrointestinal (GI) epithelium requires dynamic regulation of intestinal stem cells (ISCs). GI tract is innervated by peripheral nerves and by an intrinsic enteric nervous system, also referred to as "second brain", but it is currently not understood how neuronal signals regulate ISCs. Neurons are an important functional component of the tumor microenvironment in many types of cancer but how they affect colorectal cancer (CRC) initiation and progression is unknown. Furthermore, it is not known whether known risk factors such as high fat diet impact CRC risk in part through neuro-epithelial interactions. In my research, I will address my hypothesis that GI neurons interact with and regulate ISCs and that this has implications in CRC. Further, I will study whether physiological stresses such as high-fat diet modulates neuro-epithelial crosstalk. My research will provide insights to ISC regulation and CRC risk, with potential translational applications.

2018

2024