Gastroenterology
Coates Lab
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About the Lab
Dr. Coates' laboratory utilizes a variety of innovative molecular techniques, such as next-generation genomics, immunohistochemistry, immunoassays, and functional techniques, such as quantitative sensory and visceromotor testing, to investigate these issues.
Dr. Coates also oversees a gastroenterology-focused data registry and biorepository. This initiative collects unique clinical data and tissue samples (including endoscopically-derived gastrointestinal biopsies and blood) in order to support cutting-edge research related to digestive disease.
Meet the Team

Peter and Marshia Carlino Professor, Medicine

Senior Laboratory Technician for the Gastroenterology Data Registry and Biobank, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Research Coordinator, IBD Center
Research Topics and Current Projects
The Penn State Gastroenterology Data Registry and Biobank
Our laboratory serves as the “home base” for this important initiative whose primary mission is focused on providing better care to individuals suffering from digestive diseases through the development and implementation of innovative biomedical research. We recruit individuals who receive care in our clinics to participate in this project. Study participants provide health-related information (via interviews and surveys) and/or biological specimens ranging from gastrointestinal biopsy samples to blood, sputum, urine and/or stool (all during routine, scheduled care visits). As a result, we are able to undertake high quality, novel investigations evaluating essentially any gastrointestinal disorder (including irritable bowel syndrome, pancreatitis, celiac disease and the inflammatory bowel diseases).
The Role of Sodium Channels in Silent Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Other Disorders of Visceral Sensitivity
Silent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common and poorly understood phenomenon associated with serious complications and increased healthcare resource utilization. We received a NIH (NIDDK) R01 award to examine the potential role that the voltage-gated sodium channel, NaV1.8, and the functionally relevant, associated polymorphism, rs6795970, play in this condition (link to story about this award). As part of this investigation, we are genotyping study participants and assessing pain experience using special surveys and objective assessments of pain perception (including quantitative somatosensory and visceral sensory testing techniques). Findings from this research will be used to develop more objective diagnostic tools to identify patients at risk for silent IBD, and new management strategies to help individuals suffering with disorders associated with altered abdominal pain perception.
The Influence of Intestinal Serotonin Signaling on Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Disorders of Visceral Sensitivity
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is frequently associated with chronic abdominal pain, including during quiescent phases of these disorders. We are examining the potential role that serotonin has in the generation of this pain in IBD along with other gastrointestinal disorders associated with chronic abdominal pain. In order to do this, we are evaluating each major component of serotonin signaling in the intestinal tract in carefully characterized patient populations. Our hope is that the findings of these studies could be used to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic tools to help patients with inflammatory bowel disease and other disorders associated with chronic abdominal pain.
The Impact of Cannabis and Its Derivatives on IBD and Its Symptoms
Cannabis has demonstrated analgesic properties in animal models of enterocolitis and in human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) studies, but it is unclear which component(s) is/are responsible for these effects. In coordination with Drs. Kent Vrana and Wesley Raup-Konsavage in the Penn State College of Medicine Department of Pharmacology, we are undertaking studies designed to investigate the role of non-euphorigenic cannabis components in visceral nociception in order to identify potential new targets and therapies to manage abdominal pain in IBD and other related disorders.
Examining the Causes and Costs of Abdominal Pain and Other Symptoms in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
In addition to the laboratory-based research projects described above, Dr. Coates is involved in a broad number of clinical research projects focused on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with a particular focus on abdominal pain in this setting. Utilizing the database described above, Dr. Coates and his colleagues have investigated a wide array of issues related to IBD. A list of his publications related to these topics can be found here.
Participating in Studies

For Current and Potential Study Participants
Thank you for your interest in participating in research!
For questions about current studies, please contact August Stuart at 717-531-0003, ext. 281928.
Contact Us
If you are interested in learning more about the work in our lab, please call 717-531-0003, ext. 281928.