Drug Targets in IBD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Defining new drug targets in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
IRAS ID
140367
Contact name
James Kinchen
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust
Research summary
Many human cells, including those of the immune system and bowel, contain proteins called pattern recognition receptors, whose function is to detect common components of bacteria and viruses and activate the body’s defence mechanisms.
The pathway by which these receptors signal and activate defences is only beginning to be understood. However, genetic studies have shown that individual variation in the genes responsible may contribute to the risk of a person developing important diseases including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and cancer.
We aim to study in detail how pattern recognition receptors and their signalling pathways function in the different types of cells that make up the bowel. We are interested in whether these pathways act as a defence against damage and the development of cancer, and whether this defence might be disrupted by conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.
We aim to recruit participants undergoing colonoscopy or bowel surgery as part of their usual clinical care at Oxford University Hospitals NHS trust (John Radcliffe Hospital and Churchill Hospital sites). For participants undergoing colonoscopy, we will take up to eight 7mm forceps biopsies from the bowel wall. For participants having surgery, we will collect a small sample of any excess bowel tissue removed during the operation that is not required for any diagnostic or clinical purpose. This tissue would otherwise be discarded. We will also collect a blood sample from participants. The research is funded by the Lee Placito Medical Trust and the Wellcome Trust.
By understanding the steps in pattern recognition receptor signalling pathways and their significance in protecting the body from cancer, we hope to identify targets for future drug development.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/YH/1116
Date of REC Opinion
30 Jul 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion