Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic, relapsing inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract that significantly affect patients’ quality of life. Their incidence continues to rise globally, highlighting the urgent need for improved understanding and treatment. Despite major progress in clinical studies, the underlying causes and mechanisms of IBD remain only partially understood. A major limitation of current research lies in the lack of relevant experimental models that accurately reproduce the complex architecture and cellular diversity of the human intestine.

This project aims to address this gap by utilization of in vitro IBD model using advanced three-dimensional organoid technology. Organoids are miniature, self-organizing structures that closely resemble the physiological architecture of human organs. They can be derived either from biopsy samples of patients or from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are capable of differentiating into all cell types of the intestinal epithelium. These 3D cultures represent a breakthrough in modern biomedical research, as they allow scientists to study disease mechanisms under controlled laboratory conditions while maintaining the genetic background and cellular complexity of human tissue.

Within this project, organoids will be used to model the inflammatory environment typical of IBD by exposure to defined pro-inflammatory cytokines that activate molecular pathways. The resulting cellular and molecular changes will be analyzed using various techniques, including gene expression analysis, immunofluorescence microscopy, and protein assays, to assess epithelial integrity and inflammation intensity. Furthermore, the established model will be validated through testing of standard and novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics, providing proof-of-concept for its translational relevance.
The main outcome of the project will be the establishment and validation of a reproducible dual organoid platform: patient-derived and iPSC-derived intestinal organoids, along with a standardized protocol for 3D intestinal organoid culture and IBD modeling. This methodology will serve as a foundation for future studies focused on intestinal biology, drug screening, and the development of personalized therapeutic strategies for patients with IBD.

Sustainable Development Goals

Masaryk University is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to improve the conditions and quality of life on our planet by 2030.