How genes and DNA changes influence celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease
Celiac and inflammatory bowel diseases: functional post-GWAS approach
This project looks for DNA changes that alter gene activity to help predict risk, severity, and treatment response for people with celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hackensack University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hackensack, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173823 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We will use genomic and DNA-methylation methods to find places in the genome where one version of a gene changes how nearby genes are turned on or off. The team will focus on intestinal epithelial cells and immune cells to find regulatory DNA changes tied to celiac disease and IBD. By linking those changes back to known genetic risk regions, they aim to pinpoint functional genetic variants that matter for symptoms and treatment response. The work is done in collaboration between Hackensack and other clinical centers, using laboratory and patient-derived samples.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) may be eligible to provide samples or join related studies.
Not a fit: People without celiac disease or IBD, or those seeking immediate changes to their medical treatment, are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors better predict who is at higher risk, who may develop severe disease, and which treatments are more likely to work for individual patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies, including the investigators' own work on allele-specific methylation, have shown promise as a post-GWAS approach but applying it specifically to intestinal epithelial cells and IBD is a newer direction.
Where this research is happening
Hackensack, United States
- Hackensack University Medical Center — Hackensack, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tycko, Benjamin — Hackensack University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Tycko, Benjamin
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.