Peter Jurutka

Peter Jurutka is a tenured Professor in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU) and a Professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix. He is a founding faculty member of the latter and has held roles at both institutions since joining ASU in 2004. His research focuses on molecular endocrinology, vitamin D signaling, and the interplay between hormones and disease. Jurutka leads the Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory at ASU Health Futures Center, collaborating with institutions like Mayo Clinic and Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

• Education: Ph.D. in Biochemistry (University of Arizona), B.S. in Chemistry (University of Nevada).

Research Interests:
Jurutka’s work explores gene-environment interactions, anti-aging mechanisms, and chemoprevention. Key projects include studying vitamin D’s role in serotonin production, IBS/IBD pathophysiology, and rexinoid drug design for cancer and Alzheimer’s. His lab pioneered findings linking vitamin D to serotonin regulation in brain cells, impacting autism and depression research. Collaborations span microbiome analysis, drug development, and biomarker discovery.

Articles Trends:
Recent work emphasizes microbiome profiling in IBD, synthetic rexinoid development, and vitamin D’s systemic effects. Studies highlight synergistic drug interactions, differential gene expression in brain/glioblastoma cells, and the role of cytochrome P450 enzymes in vitamin D metabolism.

• Awards: Norwich-Eaton Young Investigator Award, John Haddad Young Investigator Award, ASU Faculty Achievement Award (Mentoring).

Grants & Advising:
Jurutka has secured grants for Alzheimer’s therapies, IBS biomarker research, and RXR agonist development. He mentors students, many of whom co-author papers on topics like IBS genetics and chemoprevention. His lab also explores vaccine adjuvants and mucosal homing of T-cells.

Labs/Teams:
Jurutka directs the Molecular Endocrinology Lab and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams at ASU’s Biodesign Institute, Mayo Clinic, and Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Research outcomes are published in high-impact journals like Journal of Bone and Mineral Research and Scientific Reports.