Finding Causes and Triggers

A common question asked by patients and their caregivers is "What causes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis?" Unfortunately, the causes and triggers of these chronic diseases remain unknown.

With the support of grants from Crohn's and Colitis Canada, researchers are moving us closer to discovering the factors that lead to the onset of these diseases by researching environmental triggers, genetic markers, and more.

2026 Grant Recipient

Dr. Stephen Girardin | University of Toronto
Research: Excessive STING signaling as a novel pathophysiological process in Crohn's disease
Date: 2026-2029
Amount: $375,000

Crohn’s disease can be influenced by changes in genes that affect how the body responds to germs. This study focuses on a common change in a gene called ATG16L1, which is linked to a higher risk of Crohn’s. The research team believes this gene change may affect a pathway called STING, which helps the body respond to viruses and bacteria, and may lead to gut inflammation. By studying this process in human and mouse gut models, the team hopes to uncover new treatment options, including medicines that are already being studied for other diseases.

Past Recipients

Explore past grant recipients and the innovative research they’ve conducted.

2024 Research Projects
2023 Research Projects
2022 Research Projects
2021 Research Projects
2020 Research Projects
2019 Research Projects
2018 Research Projects
2017 Research Projects
2016 Research Projects
2015-2014 Research Projects

Quick FactFaits en bref

Canada has among the highest incidence rates of Crohn's and colitis in the world.
1 in 140 Canadians lives with Crohn’s or colitis.
Families new to Canada are developing these diseases for the first time.
Incidence of Crohn’s in Canadian kids under 10 has doubled since 1995.
People are most commonly diagnosed before age 30.

Funded Research