University of Arizona · BiologyThe Gut Barrier Lab
Jean M Wilson · Tucson, Arizona
Research Focus
Dr. Jean M. Wilson's lab at the University of Arizona focuses on understanding how cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection affects the cells of the colon. The team investigates how CMV alters the barrier function of the colonic epithelium, which is critical for maintaining gut health and preventing diseases like colitis. By studying the interactions between the virus and the colon cells, they aim to uncover new ways to treat and prevent CMV-related complications, especially in immunocompromised patients.
cytomegaloviruscolonic epitheliumbarrier functioninflammatory bowel diseasecolitis
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate how CMV infection impacts colonic epithelial barrier function.
AIM 02Analyze the role of tight junctions in CMV-related colitis.
AIM 03Explore signaling pathways affected by CMV in colon cells.
AIM 04Understand the differentiation of colonic epithelial cell types during CMV infection.
AIM 05Identify potential therapeutic targets to treat CMV colitis.
Skills the Lab Values
cell culturemolecular assaysviral infection techniquestight junction analysissignal transduction studies
Output against the department
Publications51bottom 12% of dept.906th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations1.6kbottom 11% of dept.923rd 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.