Wallace K. MacNaughton, PhD

Professor
Department of Physiology and Pharmacology
3330 Hospital Drive NW
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 4N1

Phone:         (4030 220-5882
Fax:             (403) 283-3840
E-mail:          wmacnaug@ucalgary.ca
Web Site:     http://www.ucalgary.ca/~wmacnaug

Research

Inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are associated with a variety of symptoms including pain, diarrhea, and malabsorption among others. We are investigating various aspects of mucosal inflammation, concentrating on the role of the epithelium in the intestinal inflammatory response. Specifically, we are involved in investigations of the role of nitric oxide,  prostaglandins and protease-activated receptors in alterations of host defence mechanisms; dysfunctions which could lead to relapse of disease or exacerbation of inflammation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. In addition, we are investigating the link between inflammation and cancer, focusing on how mutations in the β-catenin transcription pathway alter epithelial responses to inflammatory mediators.  Finally, secretion of water is an important component of the role of the epithelium in host defence, so we are studying the regulation of aquaporin expression to see how these water channels may play a role in inflammation-induced epithelial dysfunction.

Return to main menu