Precision and Predictive Medicine

Big Data, Genomics, and Molecular Diagnosis

We are translating our research findings to precisely understand individual patients and use these data to make diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic decisions.

Computational Medicine and Artificial Intelligence

We apply computational medicine and artificial intelligence to develop predictive and precision medicine. For instance, we developed an artificial intelligence-based platform that can more easily classify esophageal biopsies. Using computer vision, the platform analyzes biopsy imagery to identify changes in tissue structure that are not seen under a microscope by the naked eye. Read more.

Current Projects

Eosinophilic esophagitis diagnostic panel (EDP)
Eosinophilic gastritis diagnostic panel (EoGDP)
Other biomarkers
Development of non-invasive biomarkers of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)
Identify biomarkers that predict responsiveness to anti-IL-13 and other therapies
Artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve diagnosis and treatment of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGID)

Broad Transcriptional Response of the Human Esophageal Epithelium to Proton Pump Inhibitors

We have demonstrated broad effects of proton pump inhibitors on esophageal epithelium, including their ability to curtail transcriptomic processes involved in cellular proliferation and IL-13–induced responses, and they highlight the importance of ayrl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling in mediating these responses. Learn more.

EGID Diagnostics

We strive to translate our research into clinical utility and practice, as exemplified by our development of diagnostics for eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs). Read More

EoE and EoG Diagnostic Panels

We developed a molecular diagnostic test called the eosinophilic esophagitis diagnostic panel (EDP), as well as the eosinophilic gastritis diagnostic panel (Shoda et al. JACI, 2020). The EDP uses a high-density Taqman quantitative PCR array to probe biopsy tissue in order to distinguish patients with eosinophilic esophagitis, the disease activity, and exposure to swallowed glucocorticoids. Read More

PPI-Responsive Esophageal Eosinophilia

Esophageal eosinophilia can be resistant or responsive to proton pump inhibitors (PPI), representing eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) if it is resistant and PPI-responsive esophageal eosinophilia (PPI-REE) if it is responsive. Our research has shown significant molecular overlap between EoE and PPI-REE transcriptomes, suggesting that these conditions have similar underlying mechanisms. A major research question being pursued is how PPIs can reverse esophageal eosinophilia and the pathogenetic relationship between EoE and PPI-REE. In this regard, we have shown PPIs have broad anti-inflammatory effects by triggering aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling in esophageal epithelial cells (Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2021). Read More

EoE Diagnosis is Invasive

Finding a Less Invasive Method of Diagnosing Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)

Currently the diagnosis of EoE, and assessment of treatment response, involves invasive endoscopy and biopsy procurement and analysis and is not always accurate. Our lab is working on a more definitive molecular diagnostic test, which may also prove to be less invasive. This research involves developing a multigene panel of the genes involved in the “EoE signature” into an array format that can be run using clinical samples from patients. This array should also be able to tell us which patients will be responsive to specific treatments as well as predict disease severity and quality of life for these patients.

Rothenberg CURED LabCurrent Projects