Celiac Disease
By: Vibha Rao, Emerald High School
Summary
This project explores the autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion in genetically predisposed individuals. Celiac disease (CD) causes an inappropriate immune response to gluten, leading to inflammation and damage to the small intestine, which hinders nutrient absorption. The disorder is primarily associated with the HLA DQ2 and HLA DQ8 genes. Symptoms vary widely, from gastrointestinal issues to silent CD, where patients experience no symptoms but suffer from intestinal damage. The only effective treatment is a strict gluten-free diet. Ongoing research aims to develop new therapies, including drugs that target immune responses and enzyme therapies to break down gluten.
Video Presentation
Impact Statement
I am Vibha Rao, a sophomore from Emerald High School. My project highlights the contributing factors for celiac disease, heavily focussing on the HLA DQ isoforms and how their role can lead to inflammation and damage in the small intestine as a result of gluten ingestion. Through this program, I was able to learn so much about protein structure, different therapy options, and develop a deeper understanding of microbiology. I really enjoyed being able to interact with the different databases as it provided me with an insight to what researchers and scientists do on a daily basis. I feel like I have acquired so much from this program, not just in the aspect of knowledge, but in preparedness for achieving my career goals and developing real life skills such as writing reports, keeping an organized research document, and using accurate databases based on the desired information.
Report White Paper
(Click to view the full report)
_By: Vibha Rao_
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