They also confirmed the role of one previously localized gene named IBD1, near the center of chromosome 16, that appears to act in concert with the disease gene on chromosome 1. This genetic approach is our best bet for unraveling the complicated set of events that initiates these disorders and developing more specific therapies to treat the disease and not just the symptoms. Brant is also an assistant professor of medicine. They afflict about 250 out of every 100,000 people, usually beginning in adolescents and young adults.
Treatments focus on controlling the inflammation through powerful drugs such as corticosteroids.
Some patients require long-term use of medications, and many patients need surgery to remove inflamed or damaged portions of the intestines. Additionally, there is a greater risk of developing colorectal cancer. Although environmental factors clearly contribute, these is strong evidence from studies of twins and affected families that IBD, especially Crohn's disease, has a genetic basis. The patterns of inheritance, however, are extremely complex. This is the first genome-wide study to look at Ashkenazi Jews, who made up 37 percent of the families in this study.