Research & Educational Programs in IBD

Research Programs in IBD:

Basic Research: The IBD Basic Research Laboratory is located on the seventh floor of the Clinical Academic Building (CAB). The laboratory is exclusively dedicated to the fundamental research in IBD at the cellular and molecular level. During the last several years, the research focused on understanding the cause of IBD and the development of new and novel treatment strategies. We identified two novel proteins from colon epithelial cells that are involved in the disease process. We are currently investigating the possibility of oral vaccine therapy utilizing animal model of colitis. The research activities at the IBD laboratory are recognized nationally and internationally at the cutting edge of IBD research and are supported by the federal government through the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Some of the research activities are in part, supported by various grants from the pharmaceutical industry as well.

Educational Activities:

Educational activities include training students, residents, GI fellows (both for adult and pediatric patients), and general physicians through exposure to the clinical services, educational materials, group meetings and symposia. Educational service is also available to patients/ family members through support group meetings, brochures, audiovisual aids and symposia dedicated to the lay public.