Despite advances in understanding Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), research has been constrained by the inability to sample the intestinal microenvironment under physiological conditions. Current methods utilize fecal specimens, constraining our comprehension of regional differences within the gut, or use invasive biopsies from colonoscopy-accessible areas, which represent less than 25% of the intestine. Furthermore, these biopsies are usually performed in fasted, sedated patients who have undergone rigorous bowel preparation. Unfortunately, all of these actions significantly change the intestinal microenvironment and limit our knowledge of how the microbiome influences IBD pathology.
Utilizing CapScan, a novel sampling device the size of a common vitamin pill, and our team’s expertise in integrating multi-omics investigations, we aim to fill crucial knowledge gaps, particularly in understanding the intricate interplay between the human microbiome and IBD pathophysiology. This pill technology passively samples the colon and crucially, the largely unexplored small intestine under physiologic conditions.
For the first time, we can directly assess the regional gut microenvironment (including the microbiome, inflammatory proteins, drug metabolites/levels, as well as host and bacterial metabolites) under natural conditions.
Leveraging our expertise in machine learning, we will correlate changes in the intestinal microenvironment with clinical characteristics including medical/dietary exposures. Our approach will address the pressing need for a more comprehensive understanding of IBD pathology, laying the groundwork for improved diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers and personalized treatments.
