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Lauri Diehl Scientist/Pathologist: Pathology |
"Genentech was a company which captured my imagination during my residency and later research training. Genentech scientists were publishing cutting-edge research results, but were also integrated into an active biotechnology company with the goal of translating scientific discovery into practical therapeutics. I thought taking an idea from bench research to clinical medicine would be an exciting and rewarding scientific opportunity.
In late 2002, I joined Genentech in the research pathology group. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities. I've been a part of collaborative research programs where drugs are now moving into clinical trials, and I've had the chance to pursue new research ideas of my own. I still find the possibility of translating basic scientific research into improved clinical benefit to be the most compelling part of my job."
Current Projects "Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, chronic autoimmune diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, are the two major conditions included in the broad category of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). My laboratory research focuses on two areas — understanding patient heterogeneity and understanding the role of intestinal epithelial cells in IBD pathogenesis.
The IBD heterogeneity studies involve collaborations with academic gastroenterology centers, and we work to identify patient/disease characteristics which may predict disease course or responsiveness to particular therapeutic agents. Our discovery research efforts focus on intestinal epithelial cell interaction with the mucosal immune system. We are particularly interested in how intestinal epithelial cells may initiate or amplify mucosal inflammation in IBD and are studying proteins which are differentially regulated under inflammatory conditions."
Collaborations "Research collaboration between functional groups is encouraged at Genentech. I have a joint appointment with the Immunology research department and work with immunologists and clinical scientists on collaborative research and diagnostics programs. Some of these programs focus on IBD, but other projects give me the opportunity to work on rheumatoid arthritis and other immune-mediated diseases. These close collaborations with a variety of investigators provide insight into new ideas and research approaches. Perhaps more importantly, it reminds me to take a larger view of autoimmune disease and to look for shared disease processes."
Inspiration/Vision "Like most scientists, I find a lot of satisfaction in getting even one small step closer to understanding how biologic processes work. But what really pushes me to work harder, think more broadly, and try new things is the possibility that our research could result in better outcomes for patients suffering from severe chronic diseases."