NIH-funded research R01 grant

Investigating genetic factors in inflammatory bowel disease using advanced cell analysis

Official title: Trans-ancestry, single-cell multiomics dissection of IBD-associated loci in CD4 memory T cells

Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11038041 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how our genes might play a role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, by examining certain immune cells from people of different backgrounds, with the hope of finding better treatments tailored just for you.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project startMarch 1, 2024
Project endFebruary 29, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$477,000
NIH project number5R01DK138458-02
Project IDNIH-11038041 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, particularly those of African American or diverse ancestry.

Less likely to help

Patients without a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease or those not of African ancestry may not receive direct benefits from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the genetic factors that contribute to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), specifically Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. By analyzing CD4 memory T cells from diverse ancestry groups, the study aims to identify causal genetic variants associated with IBD. The approach involves integrating multiomic data and epigenetic mapping to bridge the gap between genetic associations and the underlying mechanisms of the disease. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatments and personalized medicine for IBD.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted therapies for patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using multiomic approaches to understand complex diseases, suggesting potential for success in this novel investigation.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
    Pittsburgh, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Duerr, Richard H — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
  • Study coordinator: Duerr, Richard H

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About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.