Post-transcriptional modifications of mRNA have emerged as a central mechanism to control genetic information flow. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant post-transcriptional modification in eukaryotic mRNAs. It is known that m6A methylation directs mRNAs to distinct fates for differential processing, translation and decay in various biological processes; however, the role of m6A methylation in intestinal […]

Fecal Microbial Transplant as a therapeutic modality for ulcerative colitis is effective in approximately 40% of patients. Trials of FMT offer the opportunity to identify the specific microbial functions and strains that promote disease remission and to develop more refined, high potency interventions comprised of groups of microbial strains that increase treatment efficacy. Microbes naturally […]

Trillions of microorganisms line our intestine and play essential roles in human health. Our immune system needs to ignore these microorganisms, but be capable of attacking harmful bugs that enter the body. When this delicate balance goes wrong, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can occur. Understanding the molecules and pathways that control the gut immune system […]

Individuals with mutations in the receptor for IL-10 suffer from very early onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease. These patients are typically unresponsive to conventional therapies and have a poor long-term prognosis. The only available curative therapy is bone marrow transplantation from a suitable donor, which carries significant risks and often is not available. We propose to […]

The intestinal microbiota is the collective term used to described the microbial community living in our intestine and playing important roles. However, the intestinal microbiota is also playing a central role in the development of many chronic inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We previously reported, in mice, that the consumption of dietary emulsifiers, […]

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation, which causes damage to the intestinal epithelium. This inflammatory response in the small and large bowel is thought to be initiated by interactions between genes, environment, and microbes, which reside in the gastrointestinal tract. However, the mechanisms by which environmental factors modulate susceptibility to IBD […]

Genome wide association studies (GWAS) show that the human gene ITLN1 is associated with Crohn’s disease. A common form of this gene is present in a substantial fraction of individuals with the disease. The functional significance of this association is unknown. A critical step in using genetic information to develop treatments with the potential to […]

The incidence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease is increasing worldwide in lockstep with modernization and worldwide ‘Westernization’ of lifestyles. One of the most important aspects of Westernization for human health is the adoption of a diet high in fat and sugar and low in fiber. Relatively little is known about how dietary sugar specifically affects the […]

The gut is composed of many cell types that contribute to its complex functions and ability to adapt to changing conditions associated with diet, lifestyles and the environment. Each of these factors can affect the health of the gut and contribute to intestinal disease such as inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal discomfort and pain. Many […]

Microbial communities living on the surfaces of the mammalian intestinal tract likely play a role in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), but this role is not yet fully understood. We will develop two innovative technologies that will help researchers visualize and quantify which microbes live on intestinal surfaces, where these microbes are located relative to each […]