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Biography
Dr. Levin graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University in 1981 and trained in internal medicine at Barnes Hospital. He joined the faculty in 1988 after completing clinical training in gastroenterology at Washington University and a postdoctoral fellowship in molecular biology in Dr. Jeffrey Gordon’s laboratory.
Short bowel syndrome resulting from diminished intestinal absorptive function is a major cause of morbidity and impaired quality of life. Following loss of small bowel surface area, the intestine undergoes an adaptive response, however, little is known about the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms. The goal of Dr. Levin’s laboratory is to elucidate these mechanisms to facilitate the design of rational nutritional and pharmacological regimens to maximize intestinal adaptation. To achieve this goal, his laboratory is investigating the molecular basis of the small intestinal adaptive response following loss of small bowel surface area and the ability of nutrients to modulate adaptation. Rodent resection models are being used in studies that are focused on identifying and studying genes, cell products and nutrients that mediate the adaptive response. His laboratory has identified vitamin A and as an important pro-adaptive nutrient and ongoing studies are addressing the therapeutic potential of vitamin.
Dr. Levin’s clinical expertise is directed toward the management of small intestinal disorders and inflammatory bowel disease.
Research Interests
The molecular basis of the small intestinal adaptive response following loss of small bowel surface area; Nutrient modulation of the small intestinal adaptive response; The role of retinoids and cellular retinol binding proteins in small intestinal adaptation.