Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute and University College London believe they have uncovered the answers to what causes inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a discovery that could transform the lives of thousands of sufferers.

This major breakthrough, announced by UK scientists, sheds light on the origins of IBD and offers hope for effective treatment plans to alleviate the painful symptoms many people endure. Previously, the cause of the condition was unclear, but this finding could pave the way for new, targeted therapies.

The researchers discovered a weak spot in the DNA of 95% of IBD patients, marking a significant step forward in understanding the disease. This discovery came from studying a “gene desert” on chromosome 21, a DNA region that doesn’t code for proteins but has been associated with various health issues, including autoimmune diseases like IBD.

Dr. James Lee, who leads the genetic mechanisms of disease laboratory at Francis Crick, explained that his team “stumbled” upon this groundbreaking discovery while investigating this gene desert. They identified a specific DNA section known as an “enhancer,” which acts like a volume control for nearby genes. This enhancer was found in immune cells, specifically macrophages, where it amplified the ETS2 gene, increasing the risk of IBD.