Poster #040
Modeling Host-Microbiome Interactions in IBD with Intestinal Organoids
Mentors: Carlotta Ronda, PhD; Patricia Santana, PhD; Minjoo Kim, PhD
Inflammatory Bowel Disease, which includes Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, is a chronic disorder that causes intestinal inflammation and affects millions worldwide. Microbial triggers may activate receptors like the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, driving inflammation. This project uses human intestinal organoids to model host-microbiome interactions. We hypothesize that microbial factors involved in IBD alter epithelial inflammation and protein localization. Organoids will be generated from human induced pluripotent stem cells and gene expression of markers such as CDX2 and MUC2 will be analyzed using qPCR. Protein localization will be assessed using immunofluorescence and confocal imaging. This research aims to reveal molecular mechanisms contributing to IBD and support the development of targeted therapies that improve outcomes for individuals affected by these chronic and often debilitating conditions.