As a gastroenterologist and physician-scientist, my research integrates translational approaches to investigate how intestinal signaling influences health and disease. I focus on how lifestyle factors such as diet and circadian disruption impact organ health by modulating interactions within the tissue microenvironment. We have identified the gut microbiota as a key regulator of intestinal barrier integrity, mediating host-environment interactions that contribute to tissue damage and inflammation.
Building on these insights, we are exploring gut-microbiome interaction in tissue damage. We also study how tumor-specific circadian rhythms can be leveraged for precision medicine in cancer. Supported by the NIH Director’s Transformative Research Award, we are developing a platform for circadian-based precision therapeutics in pancreatic cancer. In addition to conventional cell culture and animal models, we employ advanced primary tissue-based systems (e.g., organoids) and ex vivo technologies (e.g., organ-on-chip) to bridge bench research with bedside applications. These tools enable us to dissect how circadian cues from both macro- and microenvironments interact with host signaling pathways within and beyond the intestine.