How the CREM gene helps protect the gut in amebic colitis and inflammatory bowel disease
Role of CREM in Amebic Colitis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
['FUNDING_R37'] · UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · NIH-11242003
This project looks at whether the CREM gene helps protect people from gut inflammation caused by amebiasis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R37'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11242003 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project studies a human gene called CREM to understand how it helps the innate immune system protect the gut from Entamoeba histolytica (amebic colitis) and from inflammatory bowel disease. Researchers combine human genetic analyses, lab studies of immune cells and signaling pathways, and microbiome and bile-acid experiments to find where and how CREM works. Past work from this team linked CREM to amebiasis risk and showed that gut microbes and bile acids can influence immune responses, which guides the current work. The goal is to point to new targets or strategies that could reduce bowel injury from infections or chronic IBD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had amebic colitis, recurrent intestinal infections, or who live with inflammatory bowel disease would be the most relevant candidates to contribute samples or join related studies.
Not a fit: People without intestinal inflammation or unrelated medical conditions are unlikely to see direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to new treatments or prevention strategies that reduce gut inflammation and bowel injury in amebic colitis and IBD.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies by this team and others have linked CREM and related immune pathways to susceptibility to intestinal infections, but applying these findings to new treatments is still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA — CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PETRI, WILLIAM A — UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
- Study coordinator: PETRI, WILLIAM A
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.