Lay Summary
Proposal No. IBD-289R
Principal Investigator: Andrew R. Silver, Ph.D.
Applicant Organization: Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London (England)
Project Title: MicroRNA expression profiles in blood and tissues in patients with chronic ulcerative colitis: identifying biomarkers for progression to cancer
Period of Award: February 1, 2010 – June 30, 2013
Ulcerative colitis is a relatively common but serious condition affecting the large bowel (colon and rectum). Patients develop symptoms of pain, diarrhea and bleeding caused by inflammation of the bowel wall. Although we know that the problem results from abnormal interactions between bacteria that live in the bowel and the cells that line the bowel wall, the exact cause is unknown. Unfortunately, patients with long standing disease have a significantly increased risk of bowel cancer. Current tests to monitor the progress of ulcerative colitis employ studies of multiple biopsies (small tissue samples) taken at colonoscopy (an uncomfortable procedure with some risks). Using existing tests on biopsies to monitor the changes that may lead to cancer is very difficult. We will develop new tests to monitor disease progression using both biopsies and a special blood test. These tests utilize very new insights into molecular genetic changes that may accompany various diseases including chronic inflammation and cancer by detecting molecules that regulate genes. These molecules are called micro-RNAs and they can be detected by using a proven technique, which is available in our laboratory. Tests will be conducted using tissues available from a large tissue bank stored here and new samples from patients in both London and Birmingham. Our goal is to ensure patients can undergo timely elective surgery to remove part of the diseased bowel to prevent bowel cancer.
Ulcerative colitis is a relatively common but serious condition affecting the large bowel (colon and rectum). Patients develop symptoms of pain, diarrhea and bleeding caused by inflammation of the bowel wall. Although we know that the problem results from abnormal interactions between bacteria that live in the bowel and the cells that line the bowel wall, the exact cause is unknown. Unfortunately, patients with long standing disease have a significantly increased risk of bowel cancer. Current tests to monitor the progress of ulcerative colitis employ studies of multiple biopsies (small tissue samples) taken at colonoscopy (an uncomfortable procedure with some risks). Using existing tests on biopsies to monitor the changes that may lead to cancer is very difficult. We will develop new tests to monitor disease progression using both biopsies and a special blood test. These tests utilize very new insights into molecular genetic changes that may accompany various diseases including chronic inflammation and cancer by detecting molecules that regulate genes. These molecules are called micro-RNAs and they can be detected by using a proven technique, which is available in our laboratory. Tests will be conducted using tissues available from a large tissue bank stored here and new samples from patients in both London and Birmingham. Our goal is to ensure patients can undergo timely elective surgery to remove part of the diseased bowel to prevent bowel cancer.