Comprehensive genomic/post-genomic analyses of host-microbe interactions in gastrointestinal disorders

Initiatives to broadly define host-microbe interactions have now progressed to include characterizing macromolecules that can bridge the species barrier. Our group have initiated a research project that aims to define the mechanisms and key players involved in the onset and progression of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The major goal here is to ultimately possess the tools to identify, understand and eventually arrest the progression of some of the more chronic gastrointestinal ailments. A brief description of the project will be presented including a first definitive report demonstrating a bacterial mediated signalling pathway (TLR4) that converge on a signalling pathway (Wnt/APC) intimately linked to the colorectal cancer in humans.