Research Interests

My research interests lie in mechanisms of repair and renewal of the intestinal epithelium. During diseases such as colon cancer and IBD, epithelial repair homeostasis is disrupted. My research focuses on the interplay between luminal bacteria and the epithelium through a family of proteins termed suppressors of cytokine signalling (SOCS) which are important mediators of cancer and inflammation.

The translational nature of my research utilises several models including human tissue, human and mouse ex-vivo cell cultures, cancer cell lines and Drosophila.

Current research projects include:

How microflora sustain a healthy intestine through analysis of signaling pathways and immune cells - project funded by Bowel Cancer Research and is aimed at improving the outcome of stoma reversal surgery,

How epithelial cells generate tolerance and resistance to intestinal microflora and pathogens - project funded by the MRC

What microbial-related signaling events lead to the development of colon cancer

Investigating the impact of intestinal health on life span and behaviour

Whether infection-induced dysbiosis is linked to IBD or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - funded by UHMBT

My work led to the discovery that a cell protein, SOCS3, is an inhibitor of tumorigenesis in the colon. I was lead author on both the original paper, published in Oncogene, and a review published in Gastroenterology. I also published that commensal flora impact on intestinal inflammation and fibrosis following surgical resection and I was also first author on one of the original reports that Dendritic Cell cytokine production is influenced by microbial products.

It is extremely important to me that my research has direct relevance to human health and disease.

Current Teaching

BIOL131 Biomedical Science in Practice: lecturer BIOL243 Medical Microbiology: module convenor BIOL353 Cancer: lecturer BIOL303 Cell Cycle and Stem cells: lecturer Director of Part I for Biomedical and Life SciencesSpecial Study Module convenor on the Medicine MBChB degree

PhD Supervision Interests

Projects available in my lab include investigating the role of intestinal microbiota, and associated signaling pathways, in diseases such as cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and neurological conditions. I'm also interested in how microbes train the immune response to protect or predispose individuals to disease and influence treatments or therapies, including recovery from surgery and immunotherapy. Please contact me on rachael.rigby@lancaster.ac.uk to discuss a specific area of study for PhD or Master by Research projects.