Kristen Engevik PhD

Purines are among the most influential and ancient biochemical molecules in evolutionary history. Numerous studies have shown that purines such as ATP and ADP are released from cells during infections or tissue injury, acting as vital signaling molecules for cell-to-cell communication. These purines interact with nearby cells through autocrine or paracrine pathways, activating purinergic receptors to alert the surrounding tissue. While several studies have highlighted the crucial role of P2 purinergic receptors in immune cells and neurons during inflammatory and infectious diseases, the role of P2 receptors in the gut epithelium remains largely unexplored.

 

Kristen's lab aims to dissect the role of purinergic signaling in epithelial homeostasis, injury response, and cancer development.

 

This research could ultimately identify epithelial purinergic signaling pathways as novel therapeutic targets to mitigate tissue damage, promote repair, and reduce tumorigenesis. The scope of this work could be extended to pathogens and other diseases. Current projects are focused on two main objectives: (1) elucidating the role of purinergic signaling in intestinal damage and repair, and (2) investigating the ability of the P2Y1 receptor to suppress colon cancer progression.