Gregory Yochum, PhD

My lab studies the molecular genetics of colorectal cancer (CRC) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). For colorectal cancer, we study the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. We focus on understanding how TCF/beta-catenin transcription factor complexes deregulate target gene expression to drive CRC. For IBD, we research how single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with disease predisposition impact target gene expression to disrupt homeostasis of the intestinal epithelium. I also direct the research efforts of the Carlino Family Inflammatory Bowel and Colorectal Disease biobank. The biobank was initiated in 1998 and contains samples for over 5,600 consented patients. We use genomic DNA, full-thickness surgically resected intestinal segments and human organoid cultures from the bank for our translational research.