My laboratory is interested in understanding how host-microbial interactions modulate intestinal inflammation and carcinogenesis using mouse models. We have focused on understanding the mechanism by which certain members of the Nod-like receptor (NLR) can regulate the composition of the gut microbiome and susceptibility to colitis and tumorigenesis. We also investigate how the gut microbiota regulates colon tumorigenesis using germfree and gnotobiotic mice as well as identify tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting bacterial populations. Other projects in the lab include understanding the role of dietary factors on the microbiome and susceptibility to colitis and tumorigenesis and identifying bacterial populations that influence responses to cancer therapy in rectal cancer patients.