Kirk Bergstrom

Dr. Kirk Bergstrom earned his BSc in biology at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). As a research assistant at UNBC, he researched a unique endoribonuclease that degrades c-myc mRNA in vitro. Shifting his focus to innate immunity during his Ph.D. studies at UBC Vancouver, he discovered the vital role of goblet cells and colon mucus in host defense against E. coli-related pathogens.

During his postdoctoral studies at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, he revealed how specific sugars (a.k.a O-glycans) abundant in mucus regulate microbial communities, preventing inflammation and cancer in the gastrointestinal tract. As he transitioned to assistant professor at UBC’s Okanagan campus, he uncovered new findings on the formation and function of the glycosylated mucus network.

Dr. Bergstrom now follows up these findings by investigating the human mucus network and using preclinical models to understand genetic systems controlling mucus glycans to regulate microbial symbiosis and prevent inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. A major goal of this research is to apply the knowledge gained toward novel mucin-based therapies against these diseases.