Nusrat and Parkos Laboratories
Emory Epithelial Pathobiology Unit


Asma Nusrat, MD
Professor, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Graduate Programs: Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology (BCDB)
Email: anusrat@emory.edu
Research interests:
Our research interests focus on epithelial cell biology. Simple epithelia that line organ systems such as the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts serve as important regulated barriers that separate tissue compartments from luminal surfaces. Intercellular junctions play a pivotal role in the development and maintenance of the epithelial barrier. The overarching goals of our group are to understand the mechanisms by which epithelial intercellular junctions regulate epithelial differentiation and barrier function, and we are analyzing epithelial cell migration during wound closure and cancer metastasis. Since the epithelial barrier function is compromised in inflammatory states, we are analyzing the epithelial response to injury during inflammation and, we are investigating the mechanisms by which the epithelium restores the mucosal barrier. Understanding mechanisms by which the epithelial barrier is maintained and restored following injury will broaden our knowledge of epithelial cell biology and will facilitate in the development of therapeutic agents aimed at promoting epithelial barrier recovery following inflammation.

Key projects in the group include:

1) Analysis of epithelial Apical Junctional Complex and Desmosome structure and function.
2) Understanding the mechanisms by which the epithelial barrier is compromised during inflammation.
3) Determine the impact of aberrant regulation of intercellular junction proteins on epithelial differentiation and cancer development.
4) Defining the role of Annexin I and II in regulation of epithelial cell migration and wound closure.
5) Investigate the function of formyl-peptide receptors in epithelial cell differentiation, migration and barrier maintenance/recovery.
6) Understanding the function of Dickkopf family of proteins that modulate Wnt signaling on intestinal epithelial biology.
7) Examine the cross-talk of cell-cell and cell-matrix association required for coordinated epithelial sheet migration.

Grants:  Link to Current Grants
List of Active Grant Support
-P.I., National Institutes of Health, "Intestinal Epithelial Tight Junction Structure-Function." R01-DK59888, 2001-2011
-P.I., National Institutes of Health, "Intestinal Mucosal Wound Researling." R01-DK055679, 2003-2008.
-Core Director, National Institutes of Health, "Emory Epithelial Pathobiology Research Development Center." R24-DK064399, 2003-2008.