Peter Laboratory

Our Research Interests

Our laboratory investigates the interplay between the host genetics, microbiome, and environmental exposures in the development of complex diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and craniosynostosis. We combine genetic mapping in admixed and isolated populations with systems biology approaches and experimental studies to gain a deeper understanding of the biological pathways involved in disease pathogenesis and risk transmission. A detailed description of current projects can be found under the Research tab and studies that are currently enrolling can be found under the Open Enrollment tab in the menu above.

The Peter Lab had a very successful 2024 that we look back on fondly. The MECONIUM Study continues to collect longitudinal samples, with the oldest participants turning 9 last year! The MELODY Trial finished collecting samples, And The PLANET Study, led by Manasi Agrawal, MD, MS, wrapped up recruitment for their first pilot analysis. We are excited to share more accomplishments in 2025!

And on a personal level, we are pleased to have our high school summer volunteers getting into college and our college volunteers and team members moving on to new phases of life in medical and graduate school!

Peter Lab News

June 13th, 2025: See Dr. Manasi Agrawal featured by Mount Sinai Department of Medicine on Instagram and Facebook
May 14th, 2025: a long-time volunteer, Nick Thomas, moves on to medical school!
May 7th, 2025, a new publication from the IBD/PD studies: Chai Z, Ouyang Y, Debebe A, Picker M, Lee WJ, Fenton S, Becker-Dorison A, Augustin-Emmerichs K, Schwiertz A, Weber SN, Lammert F, Hu J, Fang G, Unger MM, Peter I. Intestinal biomarkers, microbiota composition, and genetic predisposition to inflammatory bowel disease as predictors of Parkinson’s disease manifestation. J Parkinsons Dis. 2025 May 7:1877718X251328567. doi: 10.1177/1877718X251328567. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40336252.
April 21st, 2025, Dr. Manasi Agrawal is featured in a piece about Microplastics and IBD: https://reimaginingnews.ca/2025/04/13/microplastics-in-the-digestive-system/
March 7th, 2025, a new publication from the MECONIUM Study: Tarassishin L, Kim T, Hu J, Barre A, Rendon A, Picker M, Chen R, Weinstein K, Thjømøe A, Mørk E, Stone J, Torres J, Colombel JF, Agrawal M, Peter I. Elevated Fecal Lipocalin-2 Levels During Early Life Are Associated with Maternal Inflammatory Bowel Disease Diagnosis. Dig Dis Sci. 2025 Mar;70(3):1150-1159. doi: 10.1007/s10620-025-08864-9. Epub 2025 Jan 24. PMID: 39856480; PMCID: PMC11919928.