Neuro-immune regulation of inter-organ skin-gut inflammation

Project Summary/Abstract Research: Emerging studies have characterized intricate neuro-immune interactions that influence immunity and tissue homeostasis at various barrier surfaces. Thus, synergistic targeting of neuro-immune pathways may be a novel therapeutic approach for treating various inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). My recent study demonstrated that a cholinergic neuropeptide, neuromedin U (NMU), and intestinal tissue- resident group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) cooperatively regulate the pathogenesis of IBD. However, the etiology of IBD is highly complex, and patients with extraintestinal inflammation, such as chronic inflammatory skin diseases, also present gastrointestinal complications and are at increased risk for IBD. Based on my new preliminary data combined with my recent work, this proposal will investigate the role of NMU and ILC2s in regulating such skin-gut inflammatory circuits. Completion of proposed studies will allow for the rational design and development of novel therapeutics and preventative medicine for IBD and other inflammatory diseases. Career Goals: My overarching career goal is to become an independent investigator at an academic institution to study novel approaches to harness neuro-immune circuitries to treat inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, I believe that training future scientists is also an essential aspect of being an independent investigator. Thus, I will strive to become an inspirational mentor for my future trainees. Career Development Plan: To successfully transition to independence, I must develop various scientific, professional, and personal skills, including broadening my expertise in murine models of skin inflammation and molecular and cellular techniques to modulate neuro-immune interactions in the skin and the intestine. I must also cultivate collaborations and skills in writing, communicating, mentoring, and laboratory management. In addition to the support provided by mentors and advisory committee members, I will participate in workshops and programs led by distinguished scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM) and the New York Academy of Sciences to aid in developing skills in specialized experimental techniques and laboratory management. Career Development Environment: I will conduct the K99 phase of the proposed research in the Artis lab (WCM), which is located at the heart of the Tri-Institutional campus, comprising the WCM, The Rockefeller, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The laboratory has access to all the state-of-art equipment and core facilities required to complete the experiments proposed in this proposal, including transcriptomic sequencing, optical and high-throughput imaging, and the animal facility. Lastly, as part of Cornell University, WCM follows the `Open Doors, Open Hearts, Open Minds' initiatives to improve diversity, inclusion, and accessibility on campus. Their monthly town hall meetings will be an invaluable resource to ensure equal opportunity for future trainees in my laboratory. Thus, the WCM campus is an ideal environment for my K99 mentored research training phase.