01.25.2023
Disease Biology
$838,931.00
30 months
Role of PPAR-alpha in promoting brush border maturity of intestinal enterocytes
Absorptive cells in the ileum are covered with thousands of finger-like projections known as microvilli, and a shortened microvillus length (MVL) in Crohn's disease (CD) patients is indicative of disease severity. Yet, development of these microvilli remains poorly understood. This study will characterize transcriptional and epigenetic changes that correlate with a shortened MVL in post-treatment pediatric CD patients, focusing on the role of PPAR-alpha. Work herein may provide inroads for new therapies targeting the epithelium and barrier maintenance.