My laboratory is interested in defining the pathogenesis of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD, comprised of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis). We have identified over 163 loci containing predominantly common variants associated with IBD. We are currently interrogating less common genetic variation associated to IBD, with a particular focus on Ashkenazi Jewish patients. We are particularly interesting in defining the relationship between context-specific expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) and cell- and tissue-specific enhancers, with a particular focus on myeloid cells. Of great interest to us is interrogating gene expression along the prostaglandin E2 pathway for potential therapeutic targeting. We are also defining the interactions between intestinal stem cells and the microbial milieu that likely modulates chronic inflammatory changes in IBD.