Towards IBD Prediction and Prevention: The Contribution of Genetics and Genomics

This review appraises the current genetic and genomic knowledge in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with regard to diagnosis, therapy, and medicine for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The results of numerous genetic and genome-wide association studies leave no doubts that IBD has an undeniable and biologically relevant genetic component, deeply rooted in the patient individual genetic makeup. Decades of research have firmly established that numerous genetic loci are linked to IBD, making the individuals who inherit them significantly more susceptible to developing ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. IBD genetics are very heterogeneous and variable when considering natural history, clinical features, age of onset, and the discrete subgroups that are affected. The review interrogates the risk for IBD and highlights some opportunities that may lead to the future possibility of preventing IBD. If strategies for prevention, early detection, early intervention, or even avoidance are to be developed, the obvious genetic underpinnings of IBD cannot be ignored.