Understanding Genetic Differences in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Genetic variants guiding pathogenicity of colitogenic T cells
This research looks into how genetic differences might make certain immune cells more harmful in people with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178722 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) have a genetic link, but it's still unclear exactly how our genes contribute to these conditions. This project focuses on specific genetic variations found in non-coding parts of our DNA, which are highly active in a type of immune cell called pathogenic Th17 cells. These cells normally help keep the gut healthy, but in IBD, they cause unwanted inflammation. We are using new methods to identify which genetic changes in these cells might make them more pathogenic, potentially leading to new ways to understand and treat IBD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational genetic research is relevant to patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Not a fit: Patients without inflammatory bowel diseases or those seeking immediate treatment options may not directly benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us better understand the genetic causes of inflammatory bowel diseases, potentially leading to new ways to identify individuals at risk or develop more targeted treatments.
How similar studies have performed: While genome-wide association studies have identified many IBD-associated genetic regions, this project uses novel methods to pinpoint specific causal variants and their effects on immune cells.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ray, John Philip — Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason
- Study coordinator: Ray, John Philip
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.