Jayant M. Pinto is an Otolaryngologist who studies sinonasal and other airway disorders. He received a B.S. in Biological Sciences with Honors, an A.B. in History, and a M.D. from Stanford University. Dr. Pinto completed his training at The University of Chicago, including two years dedicated to basic research, and was recruited to the faculty in the Department of Surgery, Section of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, in 2004, where he serves as Associate Professor.
One of his longstanding interests is the basic mechanisms underlying chronic inflammatory disorders of the nose. These interests include the role of bacteria and other pathogens in mucosal airway disease such as Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS). Dr. Pinto’s research spans several disciplines and include genetic, translational and population approaches to better understand this prevalent and burdensome disorder.
With Carole Ober, Ph.D., Chair of Human Genetics, Dr. Pinto leads a major study of the genetics and genomics of CRS, as part of the Chronic Rhinosinusitis Integrated Studies Program, supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. Using state-of-the-art genetic, epigenetic and genomic approaches, this project seeks to identify genetic variation in pathogen response that underlies the hallmark chronic inflammation of this common condition. They are also actively investigating the relationship between host genetics and microbiota in the nose, and how these may interact in both healthy and disease states.