The Role of the Pregnane X Receptor (PXR) in Indole Signaling and Intestinal Permeability in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The goal of this study is to better understand the mechanisms responsible for the development of and the severity of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), such as Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, which cause inflammation of the gut as well as potentially affecting other areas of the body

Based on promising preliminary data, the study will characterize the claim that PXR signaling serves as a key mechanistic link between the host environment and the innate immune system in the gut. It is widely believed that one cause of IBD stems from abnormal sensing of commensal bacteria. The research will shed light on the molecular mechanisms used by gut barrier epithelial cells in sensing commensals and regulating inflammatory responses in the gut. This will provide a new mechanism towards which more mechanisms derived probiotics could be used to abrogate intestinal inflammation. It is hoped that these agents would eventually serve as non-toxic alternatives or adjuncts to currently available therapeutics for IBD. The research protocol will involve the collection of feces, either by self-collection or through colonoscopic washing.