Project Summary The Harvard Digestive Disease Center (HDDC) is a community of 66 Principal (Full) Members with over $39M annual funding for research directly related to the digestive diseases (this is our Research Base, 31% NIDDK). Center members focus on understanding the cell, tissue, and developmental biology of the mucosal surfaces lining the alimentary tract: this is the Center?s Theme. We address the fundamental mechanisms that underlie normal digestive tract function and the pathogenesis of digestive diseases. Center members work in 4 major Research Areas that address the basis for most diseases of the alimentary tract: n Cell, Developmental, and Stem Cell Biology of the Alimentary Tract; n Innate and Adaptive Mucosal Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis; n Gut Microbiology and Metabolism; and n Clinical and Translational Human Studies. The Center also includes 55 Affiliate Members (not included in Research Base), who participate in Center activities, use our Cores, but who conduct research that falls outside the theme of the HDDC. Our Members? resources are amplified through services, equipment and training in 3 Biomedical Cores that provide: (Core B) high-resolution microscopy & histopathology, (Core C) diverse technologies to study epithelial cell function & mucosal immunology, and (Core D) technologies in gnotobiotic mice, microbiological and metabolic analyses. Our Cores helped produce 424 original papers. The HDDC Clinical Component supports clinical and translational GI research through subsidized biostatistical and bio-repository services. The Center fosters scientific collaborations through an Enrichment Program reflecting our theme, including an annual symposium, a biennial regional conference Frontiers in Mucosal Immunology, and monthly seminars and workshops focused on young investigators. The HDDC also promotes careers of young scientists through a competitive Pilot-Feasibility Grant Program that has supported 62 investigators since 2006: 92% were awarded major independent funding within 5 years of their award, and all, but one, remain active in digestive diseases-related research. Center Director Wayne Lencer (PI) and Associate Director Richard Blumberg (Co-PI) are highly accomplished physician-scientists, currently Division Chiefs of Pediatric and Adult GI at two major Harvard teaching hospitals, and both are Directors of NIH-funded T32 training programs in Gastroenterology. They are assisted in HDDC leadership by an Executive Committee that includes all Core Directors and Research Area (Affinity-group) Directors, and guided by an External Advisory Board who are all highly accomplished scientists and leaders in GI-related research. The HDDC?s overarching mission is to foster and expand basic and translational science in digestive diseases by n connecting people, n creating opportunity, and n extending resources.

P30DK034854

1984-09-30

2026-03-31