Overview

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common diagnoses that gastroenterologists and primary care providers make; yet, the underlying causes of IBS are poorly understood. Advances in genetics and genomics over the past decade, including sequencing of the human genome and DNA sequencing technologies, have made it possible to discover the genetic basis for many diseases. With the discovery of multiple genetic loci for other gastrointestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease, we believe there are discoverable genes for IBS. As genetic research in IBS is relatively nascent, much opportunity, as well as many challenges, exist in identifying the genes responsible for IBS.

Our patient-oriented research centers on the study of the genetics of IBS in families, identification of environmental and social risk factors for IBS, patient education, diet and nutritional factors, and treatment efficacy in patients with IBS. Through funding by the National Institutes of Health, a current study seeks to identify patterns of symptom transmission through family members and potential genes responsible for bowel symptoms.

The ultimate goal of our research program is to better understand the mechanisms underlying IBS to identify and create better diagnostic tests and treatments for patients.

Affiliations

The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Lab is affiliated with several Mayo Clinic research areas: