Understanding RNA Editing and Inflammation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Impaired cellular RNA editing as a cause of inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease
This project explores how a natural process called RNA editing might go wrong and cause inflammation in people with inflammatory bowel disease, like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11189668 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has unclear causes, though genetics play a significant role. We've found that many genetic risk factors for IBD are located near specific RNA structures in our cells. A protein called ADAR1 normally edits these RNAs, acting like a 'self' marker to prevent the immune system from overreacting and causing inflammation. This project aims to understand how insufficient RNA editing, potentially due to genetic changes, contributes to the inflammation seen in IBD. By uncovering these basic mechanisms, we hope to shed light on why IBD develops.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work focuses on understanding disease mechanisms and does not currently involve direct patient participation, but future studies may seek individuals with inflammatory bowel disease.
Not a fit: Patients whose inflammatory bowel disease is not linked to genetic factors or RNA editing pathways may not directly benefit from this specific line of inquiry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could uncover new ways to understand and potentially treat the inflammation that drives inflammatory bowel disease.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of ADAR1 and RNA editing in preventing inflammation is known, this specific connection to IBD susceptibility loci and genetic heritability represents a novel direction.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Jin Billy — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Li, Jin Billy
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.