Understanding the genetic causes of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
High-throughput functional analyses of the genetic drivers of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
This research aims to uncover the specific genetic changes that contribute to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and related conditions like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11180303 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Inflammatory Bowel Disease causes ongoing inflammation in the gut, making it hard for the intestines to work properly. We know that many genetic and environmental factors play a role in who gets IBD, but we don't fully understand how most of these genetic factors actually contribute to the disease. This project uses advanced methods to look at many potential IBD genes in both a small worm model and human intestinal organoids, which are miniature gut models grown in the lab. By doing this, we hope to learn how specific genetic changes lead to the gut problems seen in IBD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but focuses on understanding the disease mechanisms relevant to anyone living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis.
Not a fit: Patients without a diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease or related conditions may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a much clearer understanding of IBD's genetic roots, potentially paving the way for new and more personalized treatments.
How similar studies have performed: While some genetic risk factors for IBD are known, the functional contributions of most are unclear, making this approach to high-throughput functional profiling a novel and important step.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Samuel, Buck Sparrow — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Samuel, Buck Sparrow
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.