Alexis Gibson is studying how the epithelial cells that line our intestines play a central role in defense against infections and chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. Using organoids – effectively, miniature intestines derived from biopsies taken from human patients or mice – she wants to examine how cell death is coordinated to maintain the epithelial barrier through the process of extrusion. Studying extrusion will help us to understand and manipulate key differences between homeostasis and inflammation.