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arthur_janelle

Contact Information

6104 Marsico Hall
CB#7290
(O) 919-966-2206

Website Links

PubMed
Website

Assistant Professor
Dept. of Microbiology & Immunology
School of Medicine
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Research Summary

Janelle Arthur is a microbiologist/immunologist who seeks to define mechanisms by which inflammation-associated alterations to the gut microbiota influence mammalian disease processes. Her laboratory investigates how the functional capabilities and molecular features of resident microbes impact mucosal colonization, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and inflammation-associated pathologies including fibrosis and tumorigenesis.  Dr. Arthur’s postdoctoral work revealed a pro-carcinogenic role for inflammation-associated intestinal E. coli that produce a small molecule termed Colibactin.  Her current studies have revealed a novel role for intestinal E. coli siderophores (iron-binding small molecules) to promote inflammation-associated fibrosis, a significant complication in many IBD patients.  Her lab performs basic and translational research combining microbiology, immunology, genomics, bioinformatics, and gnotobiotic mouse models to identify inflammatory, pro-carcinogenic, and pro-fibrotic resident bacteria and define mechanisms by which these bacteria promote disease.  Ultimately this research will uncover novel microbial targets and enable us to manipulate the intestinal microbiota as a therapeutic target for many human digestive diseases.

Relevance of Research to CGIBD Mission: The focus of Dr. Arthur’s research is to understand how specific functional capabilities and molecular features of resident microbes impact mucosal colonization and drive inflammation-associated pathologies including fibrosis and tumorigenesis. 

CGIBD Focus Area(s):  Microbiome

Collaborators:  Azcarate-Peril, Carroll, Fodor, Galanko, Gulati, Hansen, Magness, Sartor