Investigation of the role of Par4-associated cell polarity and associated barrier defects in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases  

Federica Branchi © Federica Branchi

Aim of the research

In Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), epithelial barrier defects occur as a consequence of chronic inflammation. Recent research has suggested that cell polarity alterations may be upstream of barrier defects and additionally play a role in IBD-associated carcinogenesis (colitis-associated and small intestinal carcinoma). Par4 is a gene encoding a protein crucial in the development of cell polarity. LKB1, its human homologue, is mutated in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), a genetic condition characterised by a higher risk of epithelial cancers. Considering the pivotal role of Par4/LKB1 in the development of epithelial cell polarity, this project aims to assess its involvement in IBD-associated barrier defects and carcinogenesis.