Major Gene Discovery in Crohn’s

Since the first years of this decade/century/millennium, there has been a fairly steady stream of research discoveries showing connections between specific genes and the occurrence of Crohn’s disease. But this month saw the release of research study results that up the ante for genetic discoveries related to Crohn’s.

Dr. Subra Kugathasen – whom I have the good fortune to know through his involvement with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA*) – is the lead researcher on this current study. The reason this study is so groundbreaking, according to Dr. Kugathasen, is the fact that it is the first to focus on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with childhood onset. A new gene called tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 6B (TNFRSF6B) was associated with the degree of inflammation in the colon of children (average age 11) diagnosed with IBD.

One thing that appears to be beyond the scope of this study is the question of whether this new gene (TNFRSF6B) is associated exclusively with childhood onset IBD, but not with adult onset IBD. I am among those who suspect that there may be multiple diseases at play here, all masquerading as (and lumped under the single heading of) Crohn’s disease. For example, if one genetic profile leads to Crohn’s at age 11, while another leads to Crohn’s at age 40, that could mean there are two different (and separate) disease processes, calling for two different treatment approaches. What I would like to see next is a research study that looks for TNFRSF6B in the genome of individuals who first developed IBD as an adult. Such a study could go a long way toward the treatment and eventual cure of IBD.

One other point to note: This research study was funded and supported in part by two organizations that are well known here in Wisconsin for their role in IBD research — CCFA* and the Koss Foundation. Thanks to them, and all of the other sponsors behind this important research. Any stay tuned ... even more news and progress against Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis is sure to follow!

You can read the original press release for this study here: “Early onset gene for inflammatory bowel diseases identified”

*The best source for information about Crohn’s disease is the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, also known as CCFA. CCFA is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to finding the cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. CCFA provides accurate, current, disease-related information to the public, health care professionals, and patients and their families. The CCFA Information Resource Center can be reached at: 888.694.8872. The CCFA website is www.ccfa.org.