It is now well recognized that IBD develops as a result of complex gene-environment interactions. Since there is no cure for IBD, treatment has focused on alleviating the symptoms. A better understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that drive the development and progression of IBD would allow for the design of more specific and effective treatments. […]
In IBD, the microbes within the intestinal tract, collectively known as the microbiota, are targeted by inappropriate immune responses. There are also a number of changes in the microbiota composition that are thought to drive or amplify IBD pathology. One of these is the expansion of E. coli. However, our preliminary data has identified select […]
Our project aims to revolutionise the role of the microbiome to develop therapies for IBD in the near future. Recent trials of fecal transplant in UC have shown the potential that changing the gut’s microbes can have in IBD care. We will advance this technology for all IBD patients. Our group has developed new methods […]
Abdominal pain, discomfort, and cramping are symptoms commonly experienced by individuals who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease or inflammatory bowel syndrome. Our conscious perception of gastrointestinal pain begins when sensory nerve fibers in the gut are activated or sensitized by chemical agents that we ingest, or that are produced by inflammation, stress, or bacteria. While […]
Despite medical advances, a significant proportion of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients are resistant to therapies, with CD4 T cells being consistently activated. Analysis of inflamed tissues from a cohort of refractory IBD patients reveals an enrichment of metabolism gene transcripts in CD4 T cells. Exploring the mechanisms, our preliminary data demonstrate that several proinflammatory […]
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have dysfunctions in gut motility (the movement of muscles in the gastrointestinal tract). Currently, most available therapeutics developed to directly target the gut fail to stabilize symptoms, suggesting that dysfunctions in gut motility could arise from pathological changes occurring outside the gut. Intriguingly, gut motility problems also occur at […]
Our gut is constantly exposed to environmental harms, such as bacteria and dietary products, among others. The epithelium layer of our intestinal tract, which is the most exposed to the external world, contains a variety of immune cells, which likely play an important role in patrolling and defending our intestine. However, how these cells protect […]
NOD2 was the first and to do date the most frequent gene associated with inflammatory bowel disease. The NOD2 protein functions as a sensor of bacteria by binding molecules (peptidoglycans) shed from the bacterial cell wall. The IBD mutations in NOD2 result in its inactivation or partial loss of function. In 2019 we reported that […]
Microbiota small molecules correlate with IBD pathogenesis, yet the molecular mechanisms behind remain elusive. We recently developed gene manipulation tools in multiple gut Clostridia commensals, and by mutating the responsible gene and mono-colonizing germ-free mice with the mutant, we can switch specific microbiota metabolites on/off in vivo and found that metabolites derived from Clostridia amino […]
Besides the brain, the gastrointestinal tract has the highest number of neurons in the entire body. The enteric nervous system (ENS) is often referred to as the second brain as it commands all manner of intestinal function, from nutrient absorption to defecation control. In patients suffering from IBD, the ENS undergoes major disruption resulting in […]
