معرفی
Dr. Prashant Nighot is a Professor and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Medicine at Penn State College of Medicine, with a joint appointment in the Department of Molecular and Precision Medicine. He leads the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology’s Basic Science Research efforts. His academic career includes roles at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine (2014–2018) and postdoctoral training at North Carolina State University (PhD 2008).
Research focuses on intestinal mucosal homeostasis, particularly tight junction (TJ) barrier dysfunction in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Key areas include autophagy’s role in TJ regulation, AhR pathway activation for barrier enhancement, and ClC-2 chloride channel function. NIH-funded studies examine molecular mechanisms linking autophagy to TJ integrity and anti-inflammatory strategies targeting TJ defects.
Teaching responsibilities include co-directing the GI Pathophysiology course for medical students and contributing to graduate courses in Cell Biology and Physiology. He employs mouse models, in vitro systems, and advanced imaging to investigate TJ dynamics.
Recent publications (2023–2025) highlight discoveries in TJ modulation via AhR/Nrf2 pathways and autophagy, with clinical translation potential for IBD therapies. Active grants include studies on hepatic stellate cell autophagy and ClC-2’s role in barrier recovery.
