Predicting IBD worsening using genes, gut microbes, and metabolism
Integrative and longitudinal multi-omic risk assessment in inflammatory bowel disease progression
This project combines genetic, microbiome, and metabolic information to predict which people with inflammatory bowel disease may develop more severe symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141194 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will collect blood, gut tissue, stool, and lifestyle information and follow you over time. They will measure DNA, gene activity, DNA methylation, gut microbes, and metabolic markers and combine those data into personalized risk scores. The team will also include information on diet, smoking, and alcohol to see how these habits change risk. The work includes diverse patient groups and aims to spot patterns that signal higher risk of disease progression so care can be adapted earlier.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults with a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) who can provide biological samples and share medical and lifestyle information over time.
Not a fit: People without IBD, those unwilling to provide samples or follow-up information, or those already with end-stage bowel complications may not receive direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help identify people with IBD who need closer monitoring or earlier treatment to prevent severe complications.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has separately linked genetics, the gut microbiome, and lifestyle to IBD outcomes, but integrating these data into personalized, longitudinal risk scores is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kugathasan, Subra — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Kugathasan, Subra
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.