Research

Vasuki Wijendran, PhD
Instructor in Pediatrics

Phone: 617-726-7991
Fax: 617-724-1731
Email: vwijendran@partners.org

Curriculum Vita

The focus of my research is to investigate the mechanisms by which n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) protect the immature gut against excessive inflammation during early human development.  I am also studying PUFA uptake and their metabolism to long chain fatty acids in fetal intestinal enterocytes. Current evidence suggests that the n-3 long chain PUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), present in human milk, may protect the immature intestine against excessive inflammation underlying Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC).  My research is focused on delineating the molecular mechanisms by which DHA and n-6 PUFA (arachidonic acid, AA) modulate inflammation in immature and mature intestinal enterocytes. Using primary human fetal intestinal cell lines and xeonograft transplant models established at the Mucosal Immunology Laboratory, we are studying the developmental regulation of intestinal inflammation by n-3 and n-6 PUFA.  Specifically, we will determine the effects of DHA and AA on innate immune response and TLR4 mediated signaling pathways. Information from these studies will provide crucial knowledge on the beneficial effects of n-3 PUFA on immature gut inflammation and may help identify novel therapeutic targets for preventing and treating NEC.