Jatin Roper, MD

Research Summary

The Roper Laboratory is interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms of stem cell function in the intestinal homeostasis, inflammation, and carcinogenesis using innovative three-dimensional organoid and in vivo platforms. Jatin Roper and colleagues demonstrated that high fat diet-induced obesity activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARd) signaling in intestinal stem cells and progenitor cells, which increases stem cell regeneration and tumor initiation in the colon. He also pioneered novel organoid transplantation and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing models of colorectal cancer that recapitulate the adenoma-carcinoma-metastasis sequence of cancer progression. Research in the laboratory is focused on three main areas: 1) Immune regulation of the intestinal epithelium and colorectal cancer; 2) The effects of diet-induced obesity on regeneration in the intestine; and 3) analysis of colorectal cancer heterogeneity in genetically engineered mouse models. The overall goal of this research is to develop new treatment approaches for intestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. Dr. Roper is a gastroenterologist with a clinical interest in hereditary gastrointestinal cancer syndromes.

Relevance of Research to CGIBD Mission:  The Roper Laboratory is interested in collaborating with CGIBD scientists to study the role or the intestinal stem cells in inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer.

CGIBD Focus Area(s):  Regenerative Medicine/Repair

Collaborators:  Bohorquez