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Fistulating Crohn's Disease Research Services

Perianal fistula is an abnormal connection between the anorectum and perianal epithelium. Fistulae formation is a recognized complication and cause of morbidity in Crohn's disease (CD). Chronic, transmural inflammation of the bowel wall in CD, can result in the development of sinus tracts that, once penetrating the serosa, can result in a fistula. Fistulating Crohn's disease is a complex clinical entity. Its pathogenesis appears multifactorial, including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, upregulated matrix metalloproteinases, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, genetic and microbial contributions. Development of animal models are required to verify and broaden current understanding.

Fig. 1. Schematic of the pathogenesis of CD-associated fistula formation. (McGregor, et al., 2023)

Customized Studies for Fistulating Crohn's Disease

As a research service provider in the field of Crohn's disease, Ace Therapeutics provides comprehensive preclinical fistulating Crohn's disease research services to expand our clients' understanding of the pathophysiological pathways determining fistulating CD. In addition, we can help clients develop novel therapies for this disease.

We are very experienced in the study of several types of fistulas in CD:

• Anal fistula
• Bowel-to-bladder fistula
• Bowel-to-vagina fistula
• Bowel-to-skin fistula
• Bowel-to-bowel fistula

Experimental Models of Fistulating Crohn's Disease

Ace Therapeutics provides robust in vivo and in vitro model systems of fistulating CD to verify and broaden your understanding while exploring novel causal pathways to provide further information on the pathogenesis of fistulating CD.

In Vitro Models of Fistulating Crohn's Disease

• Intestinal epithelial cell lines: Histopathological and immunohistochemical study
• 3D matrix model: Study the behavior of CD-colonic lamina propria fibroblasts (CLPFs) isolated from CD-associated fistulae and strictures.
• Intestinal epithelial organoids: Propose a novel model for studying epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in intestinal fibrosis.
• Intestinal fistula-derived organoid model: Study the possible contribution of EMT in CD-associated fistulae formation and explore whether said process may be stopped or indeed reversed.

Animal Models of Fistulating Crohn's Disease

We provide a simple, reliable, and reproducible SAMP1/Yit mouse model of fistulating Crohn's disease to help clients evaluate new therapeutic strategies.

• Disease Activity Index (DAI) score
• Visualizing a transsphincteric anal fistula via endoscopic ultrasonography
• Examining the histologic features of anal fistula
• Immunohistochemical analysis of anal fistula
• Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of anal fistulae

Drug Development for Fistulating Crohn's Disease

• Targeting immune cells and genetics. We help clients unravelle and understand the predisposing genes and the presence of immune cells and their function in CD fistulas are needed to elucidate the next steps in improving outcome of fistulising CD.
• Targeting myofibroblasts. We help clients develop drugs targeting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) to promote anal fistula healing.
• Targeting epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). We help clients explore the role of EMT in the pathogenesis of CD fistula development and develop therapies that target EMT.

At Ace Therapeutics, collaboration is critical to advancing preclinical studies in fistulating Crohn's disease. By building strong partnerships, we strive to enhance your understanding of this disease and develop effective strategies to support your research. Contact us to accelerate your next breakthrough.