The focus of my group is on the study of the intestinal microbes and how they interact with the host. This relationship is fundamental to our health and, when perturbed, the consequences can be catastrophic. In this regard, the emergence of “new age” disorders like diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, cancer and autoimmune disorders over the past century may be related to large shifts in the composite human microbiome caused by changes in the environment and life styles. In genetically susceptible individuals, these factors can potentially trigger events that disturb immune and metabolic homeostasis, initiating the development of disease. Our efforts are therefore directed towards gaining a better understanding of what factors are involved in the selection and assembly of intestinal microbes, and how they can be used to reshape the enteric microbiome to prevent and treat disease. We employ cutting edge approaches that include cultivation-dependent and –independent technologies for microbial analysis, genetically modified and gnotobiotic mouse models, metabolic and functional measurements, and advanced bioinformatic tools to investigate both the host and the microbiome.
For more information, visit my laboratory website: http://changlab.uchicago.edu/
A randomized controlled trial adding behavioral counseling to supervised physical activity in people living with and beyond cancer (BOOST-UP-): a study protocol for a live remotely-delivered behavior change intervention.
A randomized controlled trial adding behavioral counseling to supervised physical activity in people living with and beyond cancer (BOOST-UP-): a study protocol for a live remotely-delivered behavior change intervention. BMC Cancer. 2025 May 09; 25(1):847.
PMID: 40346460
Protocol to characterize longitudinal gut motility in mice using transit time, tissue harvest, and whole-mount immunostaining.
Protocol to characterize longitudinal gut motility in mice using transit time, tissue harvest, and whole-mount immunostaining. STAR Protoc. 2025 Apr 15; 6(2):103761.
PMID: 40238633
Fecal Microbial Profiles and Short-Chain Fatty Acid/Bile Acid Metabolomics in Patients With Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Pilot Study.
Fecal Microbial Profiles and Short-Chain Fatty Acid/Bile Acid Metabolomics in Patients With Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Pilot Study. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2025 Apr 01; 66(4):21.
PMID: 40202735
Histopathologic Evaluation and Single-Cell Spatial Transcriptomics of the Colon Reveal Cellular and Molecular Abnormalities Linked to J-Pouch Failure in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Histopathologic Evaluation and Single-Cell Spatial Transcriptomics of the Colon Reveal Cellular and Molecular Abnormalities Linked to J-Pouch Failure in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. bioRxiv. 2025 Jan 28.
PMID: 39974918
Multiomic analysis reveals cellular, transcriptomic and epigenetic changes in intestinal pouches of ulcerative colitis patients.
Multiomic analysis reveals cellular, transcriptomic and epigenetic changes in intestinal pouches of ulcerative colitis patients. Nat Commun. 2025 Jan 21; 16(1):904.
PMID: 39837850
Multiomic analysis reveals cellular, transcriptomic and epigenetic changes in intestinal pouches of ulcerative colitis patients.
Multiomic analysis reveals cellular, transcriptomic and epigenetic changes in intestinal pouches of ulcerative colitis patients. medRxiv. 2025 Jan 09.
PMID: 38014192
Endoscopic Normalization and Transition of J-Pouch Phenotypes Over Time in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Endoscopic Normalization and Transition of J-Pouch Phenotypes Over Time in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2025 01 06; 31(1):63-71.
PMID: 38916136
Cell-type-resolved chromatin accessibility in the human intestine identifies complex regulatory programs and clarifies genetic associations in Crohn's disease.
Cell-type-resolved chromatin accessibility in the human intestine identifies complex regulatory programs and clarifies genetic associations in Crohn's disease. medRxiv. 2024 Dec 11.
PMID: 39711713
A metagenome-assembled genome inventory for children reveals early-life gut bacteriome and virome dynamics.
A metagenome-assembled genome inventory for children reveals early-life gut bacteriome and virome dynamics. Cell Host Microbe. 2024 Dec 11; 32(12):2212-2230.e8.
PMID: 39591974
Correction: Sodium oligomannate alters gut microbiota, reduces cerebral amyloidosis and reactive microglia in a sex-specific manner.
Correction: Sodium oligomannate alters gut microbiota, reduces cerebral amyloidosis and reactive microglia in a sex-specific manner. Mol Neurodegener. 2024 Oct 10; 19(1):70.
PMID: 39390529
Takeda Distinguished Scientist Award
Takeda, Inc.
2014
National Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease Advisory Council
National Institutes of Health
2013 - 2017
AGA Outstanding Mentorship award
American Gastroenterological Association
2013
AGA Academy of Educators
American Gastroenterological Association
2013
NIH Merit Award
National Institutes of Health
2008 - 2018