Edan Foley

Edan Foley is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry. He leads an active research laboratory focused on innate immunity and host-microbe interactions, supported by his roles as a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Innate Immunity and an Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Scholar. His lab is based at the Heritage Medical Research Centre.

Research Interests: Dr. Foley's research explores the complex interplay between gut microbiota and host immunity, particularly in intestinal health and disease. Using Drosophila and zebrafish models, his work centers on two major areas: (1) how immune signals regulate intestinal stem cell behavior under chronic stress, and (2) how Vibrio cholerae interacts with host commensals to influence disease progression. His lab also investigates the roles of nutrition, inflammation, and microbial communities in gut homeostasis.

Recent Research Trends: Over the past five years, Dr. Foley's publications reveal a strong focus on immune regulation of stem cells, microbiome dynamics, and host-pathogen competition. His studies frequently use genetic models to dissect signaling pathways such as the Immune Deficiency (Imd) pathway, and explore how immune activity affects metabolism, barrier integrity, and tumorigenesis. The consistent use of Drosophila and zebrafish highlights an evolutionary-conserved approach to understanding vertebrate health.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Innate Immunity
• Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Scholar
• Editors’ choice in Science
• Highlighted in mBio
• Editors’ choice at mBio

Advising and Funding: Dr. Foley actively mentors graduate students and technicians in his lab. His research is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), supporting investigations into microbial containment, inflammatory diseases, and gut immunity. He is a directing member of the Alberta Institute for Viral Immunology, further demonstrating his leadership in immunological research.

Laboratory and Team: The Foley Lab includes graduate students, technicians, and undergraduate researchers, fostering a collaborative environment for studying host-microbe relationships. Current lab members include Eduardo Bueno, Mckenna Eklund, Reegan Willms, Xinyue Xu, and technician Lena Jones.