NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding genetic factors that influence inflammatory bowel diseases

Official title: Genetic variants guiding pathogenicity of colitogenic T cells

Funded at Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason · NIH-10991186 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain genes might change the way immune cells behave in people with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which could help us understand the condition better and find new ways to treat it.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBenaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2024
Project endJune 30, 2027
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$498,064
NIH project number1R01DK140972-01
Project IDNIH-10991186 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

Less likely to help

Patients without inflammatory bowel diseases or those with other unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how specific genetic variants affect the behavior of immune cells, particularly pathogenic Th17 cells, in individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). By analyzing non-coding regions of the genome, the study aims to identify genetic factors that contribute to the risk and progression of IBD. The researchers will use advanced techniques like massively parallel reporter assays to assess how these genetic variants influence the function of Th17 cells, which play a critical role in inflammation. This approach could lead to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of IBD and potential new therapeutic targets.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized treatment strategies for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding genetic influences on autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • 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

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.