Dr. Mark Ropeleski
M.D., FRCP(C)
Asst. Professor, Dept. of Medicine
Office Tel: 613 544-3400 ext. 2288
Lab Tel: 613 549-6666 ext. 6538
email: ropelesm@hdh.kari.net
My clinical interests focus on the chronic idiopathic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease. My research interests focus on the epithelial layer of the intestine and the identification and study of epithelial cytoprotective genes and signaling pathways. Our long-term goal in the lab is to characterize novel epithelial mechanisms of cellular defence in order to exploit these endogenous protective pathways and apply this new knowledge to counteract key pathologic processes characteristic of intestinal inflammation seen in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Our principal focus is the cytokine Interleukin-11. The role of IL-11 in protecting the vulnerable proliferative compartment of the epithelial crypt from injury through the antagonism of apoptosis is a principal focus of currently funded projects. The importance of cytoprotection and signaling by IL-11 in the intestinal epithelium is being tested in various models of intestinal inflammation.
Ongoing themes in the laboratory involve:
A) Interleukin -11: An intestinal epithelial and myofibroblast derived anti-inflammatory cytokine with beneficial effects in numerous models of intestinal injury. We are currently studying various physiologic effects of IL-11 in models of inflammation associated injury and apoptosis.
Current studies:
1) The physiologic effects of Interleukin -11 in intestinal epithelia and its effects on proapoptotic ( Fas/CD95) and survival signaling pathways such as NFkB and Akt.
2) The regulation of IL-11and IL-11R expression in intestinal epithelia.
3) Effects of IL-11 in models of colitis
