Research in my lab is broadly directed at understanding the key events that cause inflammation during infections and autoimmune disorders of gastrointestinal tract. Specifically, we work on very important human diseases which arise due to bacterial infections and immune disorders. Our key interests are: (i) Host-Salmonella crosstalk, (ii) Persistent Salmonella infections, (iii) Gut microbiota and its connection to human diseases, (iv) Intestinal autoimmune disorders, (v) Molecular mechanisms of colorectal cancer and gallbladder cancer.

We focus on model bacterial pathogen Salmonella Typhimurium, a gram negative, facultative intracellular bacterial pathogen and frequent causes of acute gastroenteritis in humans. The disease results from a complex cascade of interactions between the pathogenic bacterium, the host intestinal epithelium, the commensal microbiota and the immune system of the host. Each of these entities are of interest to us.

Another form of inflammation of gut is seen in both Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). They are associated with fluctuations in composition of gut microbiota, which we study in our lab. Uncontrolled inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases as well as the development of cancers.

Using state of the art tools of microbiology, molecular biology and fluorescent-imaging and proteomics, our group probes complex mechanisms operational during these illnesses. We utilise cell culture model, murine model(s), organotypic models and human patient samples to carry out these investigations.

Our strength lies on our ability to culture intestinal organoids and certain anaerobic microbes from gut microbiota. We have long standing collaborations with clinicians and experts in the field which has allowed us to create our own niche. We aim to dissect the precise role of PTM pathways in governing epithelial-immune crosstalk particularly in the context of intestinal inflammation. The ultimate goal is not only to combat bacterial pathogenesis but also find therapeutic solutions to auto-immune disorders.