Research in Gastrointestinal Disease

PictureInflammatory bowel disease and GI cancers account for more than half the gastrointestinal disease in the U.S. Faculty in the UCSF Division of Gastroenterology contribute importantly to the knowledge base for these disorders and are influential in the translation of scientific discoveries to the clinic. Several basic and clinical experts in the division are integrated within the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center.

Additional specialists in the division are recognized for their work on GI cancers and cancer genetics and their research to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of GI care.

Basic Science Research in Gastrointestinal Disease

  • Gastrointestinal microbiome. GI faculty investigate how interactions between microbes and intestinal cells contribute to inflammatory bowel disease, and how events in early life impact GI bacteria and the risk of subsequent intestinal disease. (Susan Lynch)
     
  • Mucosal immunology. GI faculty are experts in mucosal immunology who study cell signaling processes that contribute to inflammatory bowel diseases. (Averil Ma, Michael Kattah)
     
  • Gastrointestinal cancer. GI faculty are using systems biology approaches to study the cell biology of GI tumors (esophagus, pancreas) and design rational therapies.

Patient-oriented Research in Gastrointestinal Disease