Colleen McGregor

1. How did you become interested in translational gastroenterology? 

My interest in translational gastroenterology developed early in my specialist training, alongside a growing focus on luminal gastroenterology and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is a complex and heterogeneous group of conditions that sits at the intersection of immunology, genetics, microbiology and tissue biology. While therapeutic options have expanded considerably in recent years, many patients continue to experience severe disease complications that remain poorly understood and difficult to treat. 

This gap between clinical need and biological understanding is what drew me towards translational research. I became increasingly motivated to explore disease mechanisms at a cellular and tissue level, with the aim of understanding why certain complications arise and persist, rather than simply managing their consequences. Walking past the TGLU laboratories each day within the main hospital is a constant and inspiring reminder of the close interface between science and medicine, and of how essential mechanistic research is to driving meaningful advances in patient care. 

2. What are you currently working on and what importance does your work hold for current patients with gastrointestinal issues? 
    

My current research focuses on fistulating Crohn’s disease, a severe complication in which abnormal tracts form between the bowel and surrounding tissues or organs. These fistulae can cause debilitating symptoms and often have a profound impact on quality of life. However, the biological processes that underpin fistula formation and persistence have historically been poorly defined, limiting the development of effective, targeted treatments. 

Using single-cell and spatial transcriptomic approaches, my work examines how cells within fistula tissue are organised and how they communicate with one another in their local environment. In particular, I have defined specialised fibroblast populations that adopt abnormal wound-healing behaviours and interact with immune and epithelial cells in ways that prevent normal tissue repair. By characterising these cellular interactions in situ, this research provides a framework for understanding why fistulae fail to heal and highlights pathways that could be targeted to promote more effective tissue regeneration. 

My hope is that improving our understanding of complex Crohn’s disease complications, such as fistulae, will ultimately lead to more effective treatments and improved quality of life for patients. 

3. What do you enjoy most about scientific research? 
    

What I enjoy most about scientific research is the process of discovery - starting with a clinically driven question, developing hypotheses, designing experiments, and interpreting results in the context of what is already known. I value both the creativity and the rigour involved, as well as the balance between independent thinking and collaborative problem-solving. 

As a clinician, I find it particularly motivating to work on research that is directly informed by patient experience. Keeping the clinical context in mind helps ensure that the questions I ask in the laboratory remain relevant and focused on areas where improved understanding could genuinely advance patient care. 

4. What’s the best part of being an Oxford University TGLU member?  

I strongly believe that collaboration maximises the impact of research, and one of the key strengths of the TGLU lies in its collaborative and multidisciplinary ethos. I value being part of a dynamic and inspiring environment in which clinicians and scientists - across both experimental and computational disciplines - work closely together to address complex biological questions from multiple perspectives. This truly multidisciplinary approach, united by a shared commitment to improving outcomes for patients with chronic gastrointestinal disease, is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a TGLU member.