Inflammatory and Diarrheal Diseases
Kris A. Steinbrecher, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Pediatrics; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, & Nutrition
Visit the Steinbrecher Lab Site
Description of Research
Dr. Steinbrecher’s research goal is to understand how cytoplasmic signaling pathways and gene expression are regulated in the intestine and to determine how this relates to the pathogenesis of enteric inflammation and cancer. His primary focus is the epithelial cell layer. He studies two specific aspects of epithelial cell biology. First, collaborative studies are aimed at determining how guanylate cyclase proteins and the second messenger cGMP control epithelial layer barrier function and gene expression. Second, he is investigating the role of a cellular signaling protein called GSK-3β in coordinating the interplay between multiple signal transduction pathways and transcription factors that control intestinal development, inflammation, and tumorigenesis. He is specifically interested in how GSK-3β regulates the activity of the transcription factor NF-κB.
Collaborations and Core Use
Dr. Steinbrecher collaborates with Dr. Cohen on mechanisms of guanylate cyclase C in enteric inflammation and intestinal epithelial gene expression. He also works with Dr. Hogan investigating the role of NFκB in regulating mucosal repair following gut injury. Anticipated use of Cores: Integrative Morphology, Gene and Protein Expression, and Bioinformatics Cores.
