| |
|
|
The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Newsletter, 2002 Crohn's and Colitis Research Centre, Royal Brisbane Hospital.
The Scientific Research Programme
The major goal in this part of our programme is to identify those genes that contribute to the development of either CD or UC. This type of study requires a very large number of patients and families, and cooperation is essential. We have been particularly lucky in having so much support from the patients and families that we have approached.
Within this programme we have investigated the first gene for CD, called NOD2, and established how common it is in our population. About 30% of the CD population in Queensland will carry a mutation (change) in this gene.
We have also looked at genes that control inflammation and scarring, and those genes that may increase the risk of developing some of the major complications of CD or UC, such as cancer or liver failure (in patients with sclerosing cholangitis/PSC). We have identified a gene that may increase the risk of developing PSC.
Our research unit has recently joined a larger group of doctors and scientists studying the genetics of IBD, called the IBD consortium. This larger group is likely to make progress more quickly by collaborating closely with larger numbers of families, and we feel that this will be good for us and the Australian IBD population. It will also allow us to collaborate with other groups within Australia.
|
 |