Allen Institute and Seattle Children’s collaborating to study inflammatory bowel disorder in search of a cure

The Allen Institute for Immunology and Seattle Children’s Research Institute have partnered to launch a groundbreaking study called the Seattle Spatial Transcriptomic Research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Evaluation (STRIDE) study. This study aims to understand the origins of inflammatory bowel disorder (IBD) in children using state-of-the-art technology to analyze how genes and molecules behave in individual cells of untreated patients. IBD, which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, affects 3 million people in the United States, with 30% of all diagnoses occurring in patients under 20. The incidence of IBD in children is steadily increasing, with around 10.9 cases per 100,000 children.

Pediatric IBD is more challenging to treat than adult IBD and is typically more extensive and aggressive. Currently, there is no curative therapy for pediatric IBD, making it a pressing issue in the medical community. The STRIDE study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the intestinal immune system using advanced and unbiased techniques. Dr. Hengqi (Betty) Zheng, the principal investigator for the trial at Seattle Children’s, expressed excitement about the study’s potential to revolutionize the treatment of IBD in children. The ultimate goal of this collaboration is to develop curative therapies and eventually cure IBD in pediatric patients.

The collaboration between the Allen Institute for Immunology and Seattle Children’s Research Institute marks a significant step forward in the research and treatment of pediatric IBD. By combining their expertise and resources, these organizations aim to make groundbreaking discoveries that could have a lasting impact on the lives of children suffering from IBD. The unique approach of the STRIDE study, focusing on individual cell behavior in untreated patients, sets it apart from previous research efforts in the field. This innovative approach is expected to provide valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of IBD and pave the way for targeted and curative therapies.

The prevalence of IBD in children is a growing concern, with cases on the rise in recent years. This increase underscores the urgent need for more effective treatments and potential cures for pediatric IBD. By conducting a first-of-its-kind study like STRIDE, researchers hope to unlock new avenues for personalized and curative therapies that could transform the way IBD is treated in children. Through a comprehensive analysis of genes and molecules at the individual cell level, the study is poised to provide a deeper understanding of the disease and its mechanisms, offering hope for improved outcomes for pediatric IBD patients in the future.

Dr. Hengqi (Betty) Zheng’s leadership in spearheading the STRIDE study reflects a commitment to advancing the field of pediatric gastroenterology and improving outcomes for children with IBD. Her expertise and dedication to the study of IBD make her a crucial figure in the fight against this challenging disease. With her guidance and the support of the Allen Institute for Immunology and Seattle Children’s Research Institute, the STRIDE study is poised to make significant strides in our understanding of pediatric IBD and pave the way for targeted therapies that could provide lasting relief to young patients suffering from this condition.