How do the genes in particular intestine cells differ between IBD and healthy patients?

What is this research looking at?

Scientists believe that Crohn’s is caused by a combination of factors, including the genes a person has inherited. Studying these gene differences is vital in helping scientists investigate the processes involved in the disease. Looking at the cells and tissues which are most relevant to the disease may help to understand which genes are expressed in affected patients – and how this is related to the individual person’s genes.

The researchers want to look at mucosal stromal cells (cells in the connective tissue in the intestines). Stromal cells help regulate the immune response within the bowel wall – this process is thought to go wrong in IBD. Stromal cells recognise particular components of bacteria – this is important because it is thought that IBD arises as a response to specific bacterial triggers in genetically susceptible individuals.

The researchers want to grow stromal cells taken from routine biopsies, and then use special new techniques to study their genetics.

They are particularly interested to see how environmental factors are leading to gene alterations in people with IBD.

Conclusions: This project is ongoing

What do researchers think this could this mean for people with IBD?

The researchers hope that this research will give them more of an insight into the role of genetics in IBD.

Who is leading the research: Dr Julian Knight, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford
Our funding: £45,070 over 12 months
Official title of the application: "Functional Genomic Profiling of Intestinal Stromal Cells in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Susceptibility."
Tags: Genetics