Predicting flare-ups from genetics

What the research is looking at? 

The progression and impact of Crohn’s Disease varies dramatically from person to person. While one person with Crohn's may have regular flare-ups (periods when symptoms are particularly severe), another may have very few flare-ups. So far, there has been very little research into why this is the case. If doctors did know, then they would be able to tailor treatment specifically for their individual patients. 

The researchers are looking at DNA samples taken from people with IBD, to see whether there are any common mutations in the genes of people with IBD that might alter the course of their disease (and how many flare-ups they may have). The researchers on this project have already found one mutation, called FOXO3, which is linked to the behaviour of Crohn’s. The researchers hope that they will find more mutations, which may eventually lead to targets for new drugs, and perhaps even the development of a test that can predict how Crohn’s Disease will develop in individual patients. 

Conclusions: The researchers compared the genes of people with Crohn’s who had experienced very aggressive disease to the genes of those who had experienced very few flare ups. They found four key differences in the genes (known as genetic variants) between these two groups. Interestingly, none of these genetic variants were associated with developing Crohn’s in the first place. This was not previously known and suggests that different pathways are involved in driving the development of the disease and driving the progression of the disease. 

Not only does this study provide clues as to why patients have very different experiences of Crohn’s, but by identifying the pathways involved, this may provide opportunities to develop new medicines for treating Crohn’s. 

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

If researchers can discover which genes influence the progression of Crohn’s Disease, then they may be able to develop new drugs, and also predict the disease course for individual patients. This could lead to individualised, personal treatment for patients. 

Who's leading the research: Prof Ken Smith,Dr James Lee and Mr Daniele Biasci - Cambridge Institute for Medical Research 
Our funding: £107,680 over 24 months 
Official title of the application: “The genetics of prognosis in Crohn’s disease.” 
Tags: Genetics / Drugs