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Translational Research

ENIGMA

The cause of IBD is unknown, but strong evidence suggests that microbial factors are central to the inflammatory process. In addition to broad changes in the microbial profile in IBD, a number of specific changes have been identified.

Our ENIGMA study aims to: 

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  1. study key identified bacteria and broader aspects of the microbiota that may play a role in Crohn’s disease pathophysiology.

  2. evaluate the role of environmental factors in Crohn’s disease causation, and to relate these to microbial changes

  3. target microbial and environmental factors as therapy in Crohn’s disease

  4. address the influence of dietary additives and/or environmental antibiotic exposures on the etiology and prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

MECONIUM

Exploring MECanism Of disease traNsmission In Utero through the Microbiome

In collaboration with Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, we study the bacterial profiles of pregnant women with and without Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and their newborn babies. The goal is to explore the role of genetic make-up, disease activity throughout pregnancy, medications and clinical features on the bacterial composition of the baby. In addition, we will assess if feeding behavior (breastfeeding versus formula) and/or antibiotic use early in life help modify the microbiome.

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