Rate My Professor Arthur Kaser

Kaser's laboratory investigates the intricate biology underlying Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, two major forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) triggered by gene-environment interactions. By developing and utilizing complex genetic models alongside cutting-edge techniques like sophisticated liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, his team has uncovered critical mechanisms, including the collusion of autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress to induce a pathological unfolded protein response. Landmark publications include "A purine metabolic checkpoint that prevents autoimmunity and autoinflammation" (Cell Metabolism, 2022), "FAMIN is a multifunctional purine enzyme enabling the purine nucleotide cycle" (Cell, 2020), "Epithelial endoplasmic reticulum stress orchestrates a protective IgA response" (Science, 2019), and "Induction therapy with the selective interleukin-23 inhibitor risankizumab in patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease" (Lancet, 2017). These findings demonstrate how genetic dysregulation in enterocytes drives IBD and highlight therapeutic targets. Complementing basic research, Kaser oversees a clinical trials unit at Addenbrooke’s Hospital's Clinical Research Facility, conducting studies from early-phase proof-of-concept to pivotal registration trials. His contributions, recognized by election as a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences in 2017, have profoundly influenced the field of gastroenterology and IBD research.