Investigation of the role of Par4-associated cell polarity and associated barrier defects in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases  

Federica Branchi © Federica Branchi

Aim of the research

In Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), epithelial barrier defects occur as a consequence of chronic inflammation. Recent research has suggested that cell polarity alterations may be upstream of barrier defects and additionally play a role in IBD-associated carcinogenesis (colitis-associated and small intestinal carcinoma). Par4 is a gene encoding a protein crucial in the development of cell polarity. LKB1, its human homologue, is mutated in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), a genetic condition characterised by a higher risk of epithelial cancers. Considering the pivotal role of Par4/LKB1 in the development of epithelial cell polarity, this project aims to assess its involvement in IBD-associated barrier defects and carcinogenesis.

The educational programme of the 14^th Congress of ECCO starts prior to the official start of the ECCO Congress and courses take place from March 6-8, 2019. These activities are targeted towards ECCO’s different interest groups including young gastroenterologists, surgeons, paediatricians, IBD nurses, dietitians and allied health professionals and scientists.

An overview of these activities can be found below. Some courses/workshops run parallel and have a limited capacity, so please register at your earliest convenience.

We look forward to seeing you in Copenhagen!

The Scientific Programme of the 14^th Congress of ECCO provides attendees the unique opportunity to learn from the world’s leading specialists in the field of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Held from Thursday to Saturday, March 7-9, 2019, the Scientific Programme is structured around basic science, translational medicine and clinical sessions. Additionally, it includes oral presentations of the 38 best abstracts of the Congress. All sessions focus on clinical practice founded on science with practical take home messages, and as every year, the congress registration fee includes access to all scientific sessions.

Register now and seize the opportunity to hear current and relevant studies from international experts in IBD!

Silvio Danese  ©  ECCO

Dear ECCO friends,

Summer has passed and I truly hope you had a great vacation.

We are approaching fall with great enthusiasm and looking forward to the new Educational Activities that are scheduled for the upcoming 14^th Congress of ECCO, which will be held in Copenhagen in March 2019. In order to enhance competence and knowledge in IBD and patients’ care, education is one of our top priorities.

Portugal

Name of group: Grupo de Estudos de Doença Inflamatória Intestinal (Study Group of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases) - GEDII
Number of active members:300
Number of meetings per year: 2
President: Luís Correia
Secretary: Paula Ministro
National Representatives: Ana Isabel Vieira and Isadora Rosa
Joined ECCO in:  2004
Incidence of IBD in the country (if available): 
14/100,000 habitants

Moldova

Name of group: IBD Group of the Moldovan Association of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 
Number of active members: Five active members in IBD Group, 109 members of the Moldovan Association of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Number of meetings per year: 3-4
National Representatives: Svetlana Turcan and Eugen Tcaciuc
Joined ECCO in:  2015
Incidence of IBD in the country (if available): 
2009–2017: 4.8 per 100,000 inhabitants

Israel

Name of group: IBD Society
Number of active members: 40
Number of meetings per year: 2
President: Yehuda Chowers
Secretary: Eran Israeli
National Representatives: Matti Waterman and Henit Yanai
Joined ECCO in:  2006
Incidence of IBD in the country (if available): 27/100,000

Cyprus

Name of group: Cyprus Gastroenterology Society
Number of active members: 45
Number of meetings per year: 12
President: Andreas Evgeniou
Secretary: Adamos Saveriades
National Representatives: Ioannis Kaimakliotis, Theodora Demetriou and Anastasia Nicolaou
Joined ECCO in:  2007
Incidence of IBD in the country (if available): 
31/100,000 (approximation, not based on Ministry of Health epidemiological report, which is pending)

Viktor Domislović  © Viktor Domislović

Cumulative burden of inflammation predicts colorectal neoplasia risk in Ulcerative Colitis: A large single-centre study

Choi CR, Al Bakir I, Ding NJ, Lee GH, Askari A, Warusavitarne J, Moorghen M, Humphries A, Ignjatovic-Wilson A, Thomas-Gibson S, Saunders BP, Rutter MD, Graham TA, Hart AL
Gut. 2017 Nov 17. pii: gutjnl-2017-314190. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2017-314190.

Valentina Petito © Valentina Petito

Uncoupling of mucosal gene regulation, mRNA splicing and adherent microbiota signatures in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Häsler R, Sheibani-Tezerji R, Sinha A, Barann M, Rehman A, Esser D, Aden K, Knecht C, Brandt B, Nikolaus S, Schäuble S, Kaleta C, Franke A, Fretter C, Müller W, Hütt MT, Krawczak M, Schreiber S, Rosenstiel P
Gut. 2017;66:2087–2097. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2016-311651