Genes and pathways in Crohn's disease

PhD ceremony: Mr. R.J. Xavier, 16.15 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Thesis: Genes and pathways in Crohn's disease

Promotor(s): prof. C. Wijmenga

Faculty: Medical Sciences

Crohn’s disease is a chronic and debilitating inflammatory condition of gastrointestinal tract. The etiology of Crohn’s disease is unknown; however, it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental and immunological factors. Clinical observations that suggest genetic factors contribute to the susceptibility of Crohn’s disease include wide variations in the incidence and prevalence of Crohn’s disease among different populations, co-segregation of inflammatory bowel disease in rare kindred with a variety of uncommon genetic disorders and more directly familial aggregation of inflammatory bowel disease. The aim of this research work was to investigate the genetics of Crohn’s disease.