Research in Tier 2 will be laboratory-based studies which will use animal models of IBD and cell cultures to build on and help direct clinical research in Tier 1. Findings from the clinical research in Tier 1 will be used to generate new hypotheses in animal models and cell cultures in Tier 2.
The objectives of the Tier 2 research are to:
- Assess the ways that gene-environment-microbial interactions take place through using cell culture systems and animal models of colitis
- Identify effects of genes and environmental factors on the way human immune cells interact with microbes
- Evaluate gene-environment-microbial interactions through computer modeling
Some of the specific studies that are in progress or being planned include:
- Diet/Pollution Interaction – Examine the interaction of diesel exhaust and a “western diet” (high fat, high sugar) on the likelihood of developing the disease, gut microorganisms and the function of the immune system in the gut
- Gene/Environment Interaction using immune cells – Immune cells from patients with certain genetic profiles related to IBD will be compared to controls to study the interaction of a variety of known environmental agents with known genetic risk factors