The inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) comprise Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). These are lifelong conditions which cause ulceration and inflammation in the gut, commonly first presenting in the teens and twenties. These diseases are common, affecting approximately 1 in 200 people in the United Kingdom. There is a genetic predisposition which increases the risk of developing disease and which determines the pattern and severity of the disease in any individual patient. To date more than 90 IBD genes have been identified.
The UKIBD Genetics Consortium (UKIBDGC) comprises clinicians and scientists with a track record of successful collaborative research in the genetics of inflammatory bowel disease. Our aims are to identify and understand the genes that determine disease susceptibility, course and response and side effects of treatment.
Participation: For this IBD patients who join the BioResource we were also invited to join the UK IBD Genetics Consortium.
Organisation: This study is organised by Dr Miles Parkes from the University of Cambridge as part of the UK IBD Genetics Consortium.
