Shared genetic background of inflammatory diseases of the bowel

PhD ceremony: Ms. E.A.M. Festen, 16.15 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Title: Shared genetic background of inflammatory diseases of the bowel

Promotor(s): prof. C. Wijmenga, prof. J.H. Kleibeuker

Faculty: Medical Sciences

Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease are chronic inflammatory bowel diseases with a relatively high prevalence in Western countries. Patients are usually bound to strict diets and/or anti-inflammatory drugs. This thesis describes research into the genetic factors involved in Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and celiac disease. A screen for variants in genes in the innate immune system was used to identify new risk genes for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. It was also found that there is overlap in genetic risk between these diseases and celiac disease. The findings are relevant for our better understanding of the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases and to further research in therapeutic treatments.