How genetic differences influence inflammatory bowel disease
Multi-omic characterization of genetic variants in IBD risk loci
Researchers will use multiple laboratory approaches to find how genetic differences in people with inflammatory bowel disease change gene activity and cell behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11290436 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at genetic regions already linked to IBD and uses multiple 'omics' methods—like measuring gene expression, alternative RNA splicing, and chromatin accessibility—to see which specific variants change how genes work. The team will analyze tissue and immune cells from people with IBD and compare findings to non-diseased samples to find disease-specific effects. By mapping molecular QTLs (variants tied to gene expression, splicing, or chromatin) in patient-derived samples, researchers aim to connect genetic changes to altered cell function. These results are intended to point to the exact variants and mechanisms that contribute to IBD symptoms and progression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) who are willing to provide blood and/or intestinal tissue samples would be the most appropriate participants.
Not a fit: People without IBD, or patients seeking immediate changes to their clinical care, are unlikely to get direct medical benefit from this research now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could pinpoint the specific genetic changes and pathways that drive IBD, helping to guide new diagnostic tests and targeted treatments in the future.
How similar studies have performed: Previous large-scale efforts have identified some gene links but have left many GWAS loci unexplained, so this builds on prior work but remains largely exploratory.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Furey, Terrence S. — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Furey, Terrence S.
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.