Investigating intestinal fibrosis and inflammation in Crohn's Disease using advanced imaging techniques
Official title: Assessing biomarkers of intestinal fibrosis and inflammation in Crohn's Disease via an endoscopic imaging catheter
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10908285 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help doctors better understand Crohn's Disease by using a special tool to see signs of inflammation and scarring in the intestines, which can help tell if a patient needs medication or surgery, ultimately aiming to improve treatment and health for those living with the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $509,929 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK125687-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908285 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Crohn's Disease who are experiencing intestinal strictures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Crohn's Disease who do not have strictures or those with other gastrointestinal conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the diagnosis of Crohn's Disease by using an endoscopic imaging catheter to assess biomarkers of intestinal fibrosis and inflammation. The study aims to differentiate between acute inflammatory strictures, which can be treated with medication, and chronic strictures that may require surgery. By combining molecular markers and mechanical assessments, the research seeks to provide a more accurate characterization of intestinal damage. This could lead to better treatment decisions and improved patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatments for patients with Crohn's Disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for diagnosing intestinal conditions, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Higgins, Peter D.r. — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Higgins, Peter D.r.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Investigating the role of gut bacteria and genetics in Crohn's disease complications.
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut, your genes, and fat around your intestines can affect scarring in Crohn's disease, and it aims to create a way to spot patients who might be at higher risk for complications or flare-ups after surgery, with the hope of finding better treatments to help manage this
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How mechanical stress affects tissue changes in Crohn's disease
This study is looking at how physical stress on the intestines might lead to complications in people with Crohn's disease, especially the narrowing of the intestines, and it hopes to find new ways to treat this issue beyond just using anti-inflammatory medications.
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Site-specific gene-microbial interactions in children with Crohn’s disease
A child-focused study explores how genes and gut microbes interact in very young children with Crohn’s disease to understand why the disease starts and how it might be treated.
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Ultrasound markers to measure Crohn’s disease activity
A Mayo Clinic team is testing new 3D ultrasound methods to reliably track inflammation and scarring in Crohn’s disease using safe, affordable imaging that could replace more costly scans.
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Understanding abnormal sugar building blocks in Crohn’s disease to guide smarter therapies
This project looks at how a specific genetic variation affects how Crohn’s disease works and whether targeting that pathway could lead to new treatments.
-
AI and single-cell tests to predict Crohn's disease course in children
This project uses artificial intelligence plus single-cell and other molecular data to predict which children and teens with Crohn's disease will have mild versus severe or treatment‑resistant disease.
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.