Image taken through spatial transcriptomics showing patterns of cell death-related genes in gut tissue from people with inflammatory bowel disease. Credit: WEHI
Researchers have uncovered early molecular warning signs of inflammatory bowel disease, revealing the condition can begin before symptoms appear and continue silently even when patients appear well. The WEHI-led study found a hidden flaw that can damage intestinal cells and is present even in patients whose disease is well controlled.
Published in Science, the findings, which were produced in partnership with the Royal Melbourne Hospital, could help explain why many patients experience flare-ups even when their condition appears stable.
A hidden defect in the gut
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic condition affecting around 180,000 Australians.
