Stanford University · BiologyTuft Cell and Microbiome Research Unit
Michael R Howitt · Stanford, California
Research Focus
Dr. Michael R. Howitt's lab at Stanford University focuses on understanding unique cells in the colon called tuft cells, which play a critical role in sensing infections and regulating the immune response. By studying how these cells interact with the gut microbiome, especially under the influence of different organisms, the research aims to develop insights for treating gastrointestinal disorders. The lab's work may lead to new therapies for infections and inflammation in the gut.
tuft cellsmicrobiomemucosal immunitygut healthintestinal inflammationparasitic infectionsimmune responsemicrobial sensors
Research Aims
3AIM 01Examine the impact of tritrichomonad-tuft cell interactions on colonic immunity.
AIM 02Identify the novel tuft cell receptor(s) activated by tritrichomonads in the colon.
AIM 03Investigate the impact of colonic tuft cells on barrier function and resistance to pathogens.
Skills the Lab Values
cell cultureimmunofluorescencePCRRNA sequencingmouse modelsflow cytometryprotein secretion assaysin vitro infection modelsmicroscopy
Output against the department
Publications29bottom 3% of dept.995th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations9.3ktop 41% of dept.423rd of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.