IBD and gene deserts
Join clinician and group leader James Lee, as he shares insights from his work on Crohn’s and colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
In this Crick Crash Course talk, James Lee gives us a scientist’s perspective on IBD – what it is, what causes it, and current treatments – as well sharing his latest research.
Genetics can help us understand and treat diseases like Crohn’s and colitis, which is why James Lee and his team have been investigating the role of a gene desert called chr21q22 - a section of DNA that does not code for proteins.
James and his team found a segment of DNA that acts as an 'enhancer', boosting a gene in a type of immune cell called a macrophage that increases the chances of developing IBD.
James leads the Crick’s Genetic Mechanisms of Disease Laboratory, which studies how tiny differences in our DNA predispose us to autoimmune diseases such as Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. He is also a consultant gastroenterologist at the Royal Free Hospital in London.
With 1 in 10 people in the UK affected by autoimmune diseases like IBD, better treatments can bring enormous benefits to people’s lives and to health services.
Crick Crash Courses started life as talks for our staff, to help everyone working here – scientists and non-scientists – better understand the Crick's discovery research into how life works.
We're now opening our doors to our crash course talks, giving everyone, everywhere the opportunity to hear directly from our scientists as they investigate some of the most complex challenges in human health.
