Lab-grown'mini-guts' could help in the development of new and more personalized treatments for Crohn's disease

The new research suggests answers to why children with relapsing Crohn's endure repeated bouts even after appearing to recover. Doctors may be able to target this underlying cause to better treat Crohn's -- or even cure it.

Scientists have grown 'mini-guts' in the lab to help understand Crohn's disease, showing that 'switches' that modify DNA in gut cells play an important role in the disease and how it presents in patients. The researchers say these mini-guts could in future be used to identify the best treatment for an individual patient, allowing for more precise and personalized treatments.