Category Archives: IBD in Ashkenazi Jewish populations

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A major focus of our research is understanding the prevalence of IBD in the Ashkenazi Jewish population. We are working on further identifying rare disease associated variants in Ashkenazi Jewish population by Exome Chip technology as well as the biological function of those identified genes. Dr. Cho’s research has contributed to defining the pathophysiologic mechanisms of IBD by identifying associations to NOD2, IL23R, and 163 loci to IBD. With new findings our research is evolving to now looking at the function of lipid mediators and their related cytokines in innate immune cells, and the full transcriptome of enteroids, the intestinal epithelial stem cells.

Furthermore, we investigate the relationship between environmental factors and IBD by examining how hosts (humans) interact with gut microbes and how the interaction may lead to IBD susceptibility and/or maintain IBD pathogenesis. By dissecting the relationship between IBD genetics, immune response, and microbes, we would have a better chance to develop treatment for blocking pro-inflammatory proteins, inflammatory pathways, or immune cell entry into intestine. The integration of our research with the clinical research for IBD has great potential for the future of IBD treatment.

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Dr. Judy Cho Presents at New York Genome Center

On February 4th, 2015, Judy Cho, M.D. discussed IBD in Ashkenazi Jewish populations in a presentation titled “Common and rare variation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): studies in Ashkenazi Jewish populations” at the Five Point Lecture Series of New York Genome Center. Dr. Cho expounded on the evolution of the Ashkenazi Jewish susceptibility to IBD and what the future holds for identifying the genetic markers of this susceptibility. She hypothesized that that the rare genetic variation predominantly observed in Jewish populations will provide key pathophysiologic insight for IBD.

The Five Points Lecture Series, held every week, brings both local and distant scientists to discuss their work in technical detail. The speakers offer intriguing findings and thoughtful perspectives in full scientific depth. The talks, which last approximately 45 minutes, generally frame about five key points, aptly earning the title “Five Points Lecture.”  More information regarding the lecture series and the New York Genome Center can be found on the center’s website.

 

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Dr. Judy Cho Wins CCFA Award for IBD Research

Judy Cho, MD won the prestigious Scientific Achievement in Basic IBD Research award at the annual meeting of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) in December, 2014. She is pictured above between Mount Sinai gastroenterologists Jean-Frédéric Colombel, MD (on the right) and David Sachar (on the left), who won the Scientific Achievement in IBD Clinical Research Award and Lifetime Achievement Award, respectively, marking the first occasion that all three CCFA awards were given to individuals of the same institution.