Arpitha Mysore Rajashekara

Boone Lab

My research focuses on exploring the potential mechanisms for mammalian stomach specific protein gastrokine-1 (GKN1) mediated protection against inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) using mouse models. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two major forms of idiopathic IBD that are characterized by uncontrolled pathogenic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract leading to the disruption of intestinal homeostasis. IBD affect over a million adults in the United States and have growing incidence worldwide. The disease pathogenesis is complex and includes genetic, microbial and environmental factors. Studies have shown that there is a significant association of the pathobiont adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) with Crohn’s disease. I study how the anti-amyloidogenic protein GKN1 inhibits AIEC biofilm formation and intestinal colonization both in vitro & in vivo. The goal is to understand host factors that prevent AIEC gut colonization as this may lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease and provide insight into treatments for this disease.

Fellowships & Awards: Warner-Lambert Fellowship & Notebaert Professional Development Fund