Damon Runyon Researchers

Dr. Ramanan studies the interplay between commensal microbes and immune cells in the intestine, and how these interactions influence the progression of inflammation and colorectal cancer. Immune fitness of an individual is thought to be the result of ongoing interactions between genetics and microbial exposure. A fundamental and often overlooked aspect of immunity, however, is the effect of maternal and environmental factors in early life. She uncovered a novel mode of non-genetic multigenerational transfer of immune traits (entero-mammary axis). She will utilize this tool to understand how maternal factors can modulate immune responses to infections, inflammation, and colorectal carcinoma.