How a common IBD gene variant affects the gut lining and immune interactions
Targeted Identification of IBD Risk Gene Variant Impact on Immune-Epithelial Crosstalk and Intestinal Barrier Function
This project looks at whether a common IBD gene change (PTPN2) alters how gut lining cells and immune cells work together in people with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11290305 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, researchers will compare genetic and tissue data from people who carry the PTPN2 rs1893217 variant with those who do not. The team will create lab-grown gut cell models with that exact gene change using gene-editing tools and expose them to bacteria and immune signals to see how the barrier responds. They will test drugs or genetic fixes in these models to try to restore normal barrier and immune interactions. Finally, they will build gut-on-chip systems that mimic the human intestine to confirm findings in a more realistic setting.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, especially those who already know they carry the PTPN2 rs1893217 variant or are willing to provide genetic information or samples.
Not a fit: People without IBD or those whose disease is unrelated to PTPN2 variants are unlikely to see direct benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to treatments or biomarkers that strengthen the gut barrier or personalize therapy for patients with the PTPN2 variant.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab studies using PTPN2 knockdown or knockout models have given clues about its role, but applying patient genetic data and gut-on-chip models to specific clinical PTPN2 variants is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Riverside, United States
- University of California Riverside — Riverside, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mccole, Declan — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Mccole, Declan
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.