Peter Jurutka, Ph.D. is a Professor and award-winning molecular endocrinologist at ASU with a research focus on bone biology, gene-environment interactions, anti-aging gene expression, chemoprevention, and steroid hormone biology. He directs a group of interdisciplinary researchers in his Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory at the ASU Health Futures Center (HFC) on the Mayo Clinic campus where his team applies modern molecular medicine approaches to elucidate fundamental questions in human health and disease. Researchers in the Jurutka laboratory study the mechanism of action of steroid hormones, with particular emphasis on vitamin D and its role in the pathophysiology of diseases. Several Projects are ongoing in the Jurutka Lab at HFC.
Bone and Mineral Homeostasis
One set of projects focuses on bone biology/remodeling and mineral homeostasis, as well as the role of the putative anti-aging hormone, klotho, and its interaction with vitamin D (1,25D) signaling, and the role of FGF23 in bone physiology and senescence.
We are also interested in both calcium and phosphate absorption and prevention of rickets and osteoporosis, as well as the extra-osseous (non-bone) effects of vitamin D.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
We are currently collaborating with research partners at the Mayo Clinic and ASU Biodesign Institute to elucidate genetic "fingerprints" for diagnosis/treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and the role of vitamin D and the gut microbiome in IBS pathophysiology.
Nutraceuticals and Nutrition
Our Lab is a leader in studying the mechanistic effects of "nutraceuticals" such as vitamin D, resveratrol, and curcumin on anti-aging gene expression and chemoprevention, especially in GI cancers. We are elucidating the role of the b-catenin pathway and its interaction with nutraceuticals on human colon cancer risk, as well as exploring critical genetic polymorphisms, both in VDR and in key CYP genes, on their role in chemoprevention, including the contribution of nutritional and dietary factors.
Rexinoid Drug Design/Discovery
The human retinoid X receptors (hRXRs) are thought to be potential drug targets because they regulate key genes which control signaling pathways that are central to a number of disease pathologies. We are to developing novel RXR analogs (rexinoids) as pharmaceuticals for treatment of cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson's disease in combination with vitamin D.
Neurobiology of Vitamin D Action
In 2015, our lab was one of the first to provide molecular evidence that vitamin D could enhance the production of serotonin in brain cells, a critical new insight with implications for disorders including autism and depression that are linked to a deficiency in brain serotonin levels. We are examining the regulation of tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), the key enzyme in serotonin synthesis, by vitamin D and other nutraceuticals. We are also exploring the expression other proteins in the serotonin metabolic pathway including the serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT) and the MAO-A catabolic enzyme.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and the Gut Microbiome
We are working with clinicians at Phoenix Children’s Hospital to design novel approaches in assessing the gut microbiome and other biomarkers in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease populations.