The impact of translational research on gastroenterology

Abstract

In recent years, vast progress in basic science and technology has ramatically changed scientific perspectives by opening the new orizon of translational medicine. The term “translational” refers to he bench-to-bedside paradigm and addresses the process of applyng ideas, insights and discoveries generated through basic science chemistry, biology, genetics) to improve diagnosis, prevention and reatment of human diseases [1]. The bench-to-bedside process can be divided into several steps, rom basic inquiry into pathophysiology to the identification of otentially targetable pathways, up to the development of new rugs. The final track resides in clinical testing of therapeutic agents nd evaluation of their efficacy. Traditionally, these steps are perormed by independent experts, starting from the basic scientist, hrough the chemistry expert/drug developer, ending with the clincal scientist. These professionals most of the time are physically eparated, and very often use a different terminology with diffiulties in cooperation and communication. The identification of translational approach recognizes the strong need for a close nteraction between individuals in science. Furthermore, sharing nformation among players also favours feedback from the cliniian to the basic scientist, thus making research at least a two-way rocess, from bench-to-bedside and from bedside-to-bench [2]. In the last two decades, gastroenterology has become an area f dynamic translational research, with some targets already sucessfully translated into practice and policy, and some others still rogressing into clinically effective drugs in a number of different onditions (Supplementary Figure S1). Epitome of how bidirecional translation has been fruitful in this field is the discovery of he central role of the potent pro-inflammatory cytokine tumour