Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), shows substantial heterogeneity in disease course, treatment response and complication risk, which is not fully captured by current classifications based on symptom and anatomy. Recent multi-omics studies indicate that integrating proteomic, genomic and clinical data can reveal biologically meaningful disease subtypes and clarify mechanisms underlying variable patient trajectories.
This project aims to perform a comprehensive multi-omics investigation of IBD using UK Biobank resources, with plasma proteomics as a central analytic layer. We will address five core questions: (1) Can proteomic and multi-omic profiles be used to identify reproducible molecular subtypes of IBD? (2) What biological pathways distinguish these subtypes, and how do they relate to immune function, metabolism and inflammatory activity? (3) Are molecular subtypes associated with clinical outcomes, including surgery, complications, hospitalization and long-term prognosis? (4) Can proteomic biomarkers predict disease onset, progression or treatment response to commonly used medications? (5) Do pQTLs and Mendelian randomization support causal roles for key proteins in IBD pathogenesis?
To achieve these aims, we will integrate plasma proteomics, genetic data, longitudinal clinical information and imaging-derived phenotypes. The project aims to generate a refined molecular framework for IBD, identify clinically actionable biomarkers and highlight therapeutic targets. This integrative multi-omics approach supports precision stratification and improved management of IBD across diverse patient groups.
