The principal goal of LEADD is to catalyze the development and dissemination of innovative techniques in advanced gastrointestinal endoscopy at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, by providing the resources and expertise to conceptualize, design, build, and test new endoscopic devices. LEADD resources will also provide resources for endoscopy education for trainees and faculty. Additional Faculty: Anthony Kalloo, M.D.; Mouen Khashab, M.D., Saowanee Ngamruengphong, M.D. 

Dr. Florin Selaru is the director of the Johns Hopkins Inflammatory Bowel disease Center and the research interests in the Selaru Lab comprise the molecular changes associated with the transition from inflammatory states in the GI tract (colon, stomach, biliary tree) to frank cancers. In addition, our current research funded by the AGA, FAMRI and the Broad Foundation works to further the understanding of cancer development and progression in the gastrointestinal tract. Additional areas of investigation include collaboration with biomedical engineers to develop novel compounds for the treatment of IBD associated fistulizing disease, as well as new techniques for administering medications directly to inflamed GI tissues.

David Hackam’s laboratory focuses on necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a devastating disease of premature infants and the leading cause of death and disability from gastrointestinal disease in newborns. The disease strikes acutely and without warning, causing sudden death of the small and large intestines. In severe cases, tiny patients with the disease are either dying or dead from overwhelming sepsis within 24 hours. Surgical treatment to remove most of the affected gut results in lifelong short gut (short bowel) syndrome. The Hackam Lab has identified a critical role for the innate immune receptor toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis. The lab has shown that TLR4 regulates the development of the disease by tipping the balance between injury and repair in the stressed intestine of the premature infant. Developing an Artificial Intestine A key goal is to create, in the laboratory, new intestines made from patients’ own cells, which can then be implanted into the patient to restore normal digestive function. This innovative design could transform child development and quality of life in necrotizing enterocolitis survivors without the risks of conventional donor transplant.