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Abstract or Project Description

Abstract or Project Description

Mental health profoundly impacts inflammatory diseases of the body. This is particularly apparent in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), where stressful events in a patient’s life often enhance the severity of subsequent disease flares. Psychological stress is also strongly linked to bowel motility problems in IBD patients. How the state of the brain influences inflammation in the gut is a fascinating question that remains poorly understood.

In this study, we will explore the mechanisms of brain-gut communication that link psychological stress to IBD severity. Using several different mouse models of IBD, we have recently discovered a pathway that links stress perception by the brain to the enteric nervous system (ENS), and in particular glia cells that reside in the gastrointestinal tract. We will explore how this neuronal brain-gut connection exacerbates the inflammatory state in the gut. We will also determine whether the same pathway is active in IBD patients in the context of stressful life events.

Collectively, this work will improve our understanding of how the brain and the gut communicate during psychological stress. We hope that an improved understanding of how stress influences intestinal inflammation will ultimately facilitate harnessing the power of brain-derived signals in the treatment of IBD.

Abstract or Project Description

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the intestine, leading to chronic inflammation and bowel damage. One unique feature of IBD is the growth of new lymphatic vessels—tiny tubes responsible for draining fluids and immune cells to maintain balance in the body. However, in IBD, even with the formation of new lymphatic vessels, inflammation persists, suggesting that these vessels may not function properly.

Our recent findings reveal a specialized drainage system in the colon that follows specific structures called colonic folds. These folds degrade during colitis, disrupting the drainage system and contributing to inflammation. Additionally, we found that lymphatic vessels can adopt different structural states—either tightly sealed or more open—which can affect how well they transport fluids and immune cells.

We aim to understand how these lymphatic changes influence inflammation and immune responses in IBD. By studying the growth of lymphatic vessels and how their structures affect immune cell movement, we hope to uncover new ways to reduce inflammation and restore gut health. This research may lead to new treatments for people living with IBD by targeting lymphatic vessels to improve their function.

Abstract or Project Description

A multidisciplinary piece blending climate science, vertical dance and audiovisual design to celebrate trans joy. Premiering at the 2026 Trans March, it reimagines public space in San Francisco’s Transgender District.

Abstract or Project Description

We currently lack cures for chronic intestinal diseases. Despite incredible advances in understanding and targeting inflammation that promotes diseases like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, many patients develop resistance to treatment, suggesting alternative disease drivers beyond immune cells and the inflammatory molecules they produce. While the gut has remarkable regenerative capacity due to specialized stem cells that can rapidly generate all mature epithelial cells, diseases may impact underlying structural cells called fibroblasts which typically guide epithelial cell regeneration. 

Our research vision is to identify the root causes of inflammatory diseases in the human gut. Our work suggests that fibroblasts play a central role, and our experiments to date have developed a unique and simple way to test how fibroblasts work closely with inflammatory immune cells. The specific internal cellular wiring diagrams and external cellular communication systems responsible for the identity and variety of fibroblasts that exist in the gut remain elusive. Our project aims to realize an integrative research plan that bridges careful human observation, computation and mechanistic experimental models. Our group is fundamentally interested in determining whether and how fibroblasts store and propagate disease in intestinal tissues to develop cures for IBD.

Abstract or Project Description

Males and females with IBD differ in terms of incidence of disease, symptoms and response to treatments. The underlying reasons are largely unknown. Understanding why these sex differences exist could reveal why many patients develop IBD as they enter young adulthood. Sex hormones such as testosterone surge during adolescence and then circulate at very different levels in males and females. These hormones are powerful signaling molecules that regulate diverse aspects of physiology and may play a role in IBD. Clinical studies hint that testosterone signaling is protective in IBD, but it is largely unclear which cells this hormone signals to in the gut and how this signaling might influence intestinal inflammation. We have discovered that testosterone signals to an important population of nerve cells along the gut-brain axis, called nociceptors, that communicate information about the gut to the brain and regulate local immune responses. Using mice in which we can specifically disable testosterone signaling in nociceptors without altering it in the rest of the body, we will determine how testosterone influences inflammation and tissue repair in colitis. The results will advance the understanding of how sex hormones impact disease activity in IBD, potentially explain sex-dependent outcomes and inform therapeutic strategies.

Abstract or Project Description

The epithelial cells lining the intestine control responses to gut bacteria, limiting intestinal damage in Crohn’s disease. A critical gene in this pathway is DUOX2, which is up-regulated in response to bacteria and helps maintain intestinal health. We discovered that Crohn’s disease patients who carry genetic variants in DUOX2 are more likely to progress to fibrotic disease complications requiring surgery. We tested an intestinal gene signature for refractory pediatric Crohn’s disease in a database containing 2000 small molecules, identifying 140 which might be more effective therapies. Our studies will now utilize a novel Human Intestinal Organoid, or “mini-gut” model system for refractory pediatric Crohn’s disease that we have developed informed by genetic factors like DUOX2. We have prepared stem cells from pediatric Crohn’s disease patients who did or did not have DUOX2 genetic variants, and will differentiate them into white blood cells and human intestinal organoids. This novel model system will be used to test ways to modulate pathways linked to fibrosis in patients, by screening the top small molecules which we have identified as potentially beneficial. Our studies will advance precision medicine, by developing a platform to screen new therapies in patient-derived intestinal organoids with clinically important genetic variants.

Abstract or Project Description

“Figure it out (a temporary commune)” is a two-month community residency for creative experiments, workshops and performances taking place October-November 2025 at Space 124. Directed by Circo Zero, “Figure it out” creates a context for queer, cross-racial and intergenerational collaboration centering politically-engaged dance.

Abstract or Project Description

Hip-hop theater ensemble Felonious explores commodification, ageism and survival, as told through the eyes of an almost washed-up band in this new play.

Abstract or Project Description

A new full-length work for dance artists Leyya Mona Tawil and Zari Le’on, with an interactive live score by musician St Celfer, premiering at The Lab in February 2027.

Abstract or Project Description

A new multi disciplinary ritual performance experience that utilizes sacred myths, stories, folk wisdom and Yorubá/Lukumí divination technologies to respond to the current environmental climate crisis through a process of community and land listening, prayer and embodied oracle practice.

Abstract or Project Description

In collaboration with community class members, company members, artists and Senegalese cultural practitioners, Diamano Coura will design and host a tanebeer to celebrate Senegal’s Independence Day on Saturday, April 4, 2026, to revive Senegalese Sabar in Oakland. 

Abstract or Project Description

An intergenerational outdoor activation project created and performed by dNaga Dance Co. and members of the GIRL Project community weaving spoken word, dance and live music to center the female voice and uplift a community of kindness.

Abstract or Project Description

An interactive performance driven by audience choice that allows participants to learn about, discuss, envision and practice individual and collective healing.

Abstract or Project Description

A community co-created ritual performance merging Korean shamanism with digital technologies, featuring Oakland immigrant communities and diasporic artists in an immersive experience where digital ancestors perform alongside live performers at EastSide Cultural Center.

Abstract or Project Description

An immersive, multidisciplinary event that transforms Queer and Transgender Black, Indigenous and People of Color rage into collective power, artistry and healing through musical performances, somatic choreography and interactive installations to foster collective catharsis and cultural affirmation.