Aleixo Muise, MD, PhD, FRCPC
We focus solely on understanding the pathogenesis of severe forms of intestinal disease in very young children, including inflammatory bowel disease (termed very early onset (VEO) IBD). Unfortunately, these children often do not respond to conventional therapies, suffer significant morbidity, and are at risk of premature death.We have identified the genetic and functional causes for a number of novel intestinal diseases. We have used state-of-the-art techniques including animal models (mouse and zebrafish) and human intestinal organoids (mini-guts) to define the molecular defect. Most importantly, our studies have led to SickKids and international patients achieving cures from diseases that hitherto have been lifelong and life shortening. Understanding the role of the microbiome with genetic, immune and environmental factors is critical for developing novel treatments for these patients.