Fig. 4

A proposed model for addressing the knowledge gap in IBD. A systems biology approach is one way to understand the complex IBD pathogenesis. Sample collection at various stages of the disease, a detailed disease index calculation, sample frequency and collection methods have to be optimized. High throughput technologies allowed processing of the samples using various omics approaches including (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, microbiomics, metabolomics, lipidomics and others). On the other hand, non-omics data like environmental factors, dietary information or others can also be generated. Integration of all types of omics and non-omics data will allow us to understand the phenotype-genotype interactions and help generate signatures associated with the disease. These signatures will pave the ways towards personalized treatment