The Epigenetic, Environmental, and Microbial Intersection of Crohn’s Disease

Abstract

Crohn's Disease (CD), a debilitating subtype of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), affects over half a million Americans and is characterized by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Living with CD can profoundly impact an individual's quality of life, usually requiring lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and ongoing medical management. Both genetic and environmental aspects can affect CD in patients. Genes such as NOD2, ATG16L1, and IL23R play vital roles in immune system function, influencing the body's ability to sense and respond to bacteria in the digestive tract. (Torres et al). Here, we explore the interactions between these genes and the gut microbiome to understand their collective impact on disease severity, treatment response, and clinical symptoms.

This study also investigates the dynamic relationship between genetic predisposition and environmental triggers in activating CD. Environmental factors, including viral or bacterial infections, can induce an autoimmune response, leading the immune system to attack the body's own cells and trigger inflammation. Despite being carriers of the gene and possessing genetic markers, not all individuals develop the disease, underscoring the complex interplay between genetics and the environment. The ultimate goal of the research is to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between genetics and environmental triggers on the onset of CD, which could help disease prevention, pave the way for effective treatments, and potentially lead to a cure, because the exact cause of the disease remains unknown to this day.