Clinical Trial: Genetic Disease Gene Identification

Study Status: Recruiting
Recruit Status: Unknown status
Study Type: Observational

Official Title: Genetic Disease Gene Identification

Brief Summary:

This is a a study to identify inherited disease genes. The study will use molecular techniques to map genetic diseases using techniques such as Affymetrix SNP chips. The powerful combination of the information generated by the Human Genome Project and technical advances such as microarrays enables attempts to identify genes responsible for inherited disorders more possible than ever before. Starting with even modest pedigrees of only a few individuals, or even single individuals, it is possible to identify the gene(s) involved. It is proposed to collect up to 20 ml of peripheral blood and/or buccal cell samples from subjects and relevant family members. Currently the following disorders are approved for investigation.

The current list of disorders:

Aarskog-Scott syndrome, Café-au-Lait spots, Cerebral cavernous malformation, delXp, del2q, del10p, del11q, del12p, del13q, del14q, del16q, del17q, del18q, del Xp21, Choreoathetosis, Congenital Vertical Talus (CVT), Clubfoot, Tarsal coalition and other congenital limb deformities, Cystic Fibrosis (CF)-like disease, Desbuquois syndrome, Droopy Eyelid syndrome (Ptosis), Fanconi-Bickel syndrome (FBS), FENIB (familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusion bodies), FG syndrome, Idiopathic generalised epilepsy (IGE), Renpenning syndrome, transient neonatal diabetes with 6q UPD, translocation (13;14), translocation (3;8), translocation (2;18), Uncharacterized familial dementia and X-linked mental retardation (XLMR).


Detailed Summary:

It is proposed to identify and recruit individuals and/or families with specified the disorders listed above. 10-20 ml (2-4 teaspoons) of peripheral blood will be collect¬ed from all adult subjects. Smaller volumes of blood would be collected from children based on their age/size. In some cases, as an adequate alternative to collecting peripheral blood, buccal cells will be collected using cheek swabs (Epicentre Biotechnologies). All relevant living members of each pedigree will be asked to partici¬pate, free of charge, on a research basis only. Genomic DNA will be extracted by standard methods and used as template for Polymerase Chain Reac¬tion (PCR) amplification reactions. Individuals will be genotyped at markers and candidate gene sequenced.

Essentially two approaches will be used:

  1. Circumstances that may provide knowledge of candidate genes include reviews of the literature, biology of the disease, understanding of biological pathways, chromosomal rearrangements, mutants in model organisms etc. When candidate genes exist, it is proposed to use linked microsatellite and/or single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) PCR primer pairs on the DNA from families to determine if there is co-segregation of the disease and markers and thus linkage between the disease gene and previously mapped markers.

    If the disease appears to be linked to the candidate gene, PCR primers flanking all coding exons will be used to amplify the exons and intron/exon boundaries followed by sequencing to detect disease-causing mutations. A web site that enables the design of primers to amplify candidate gene exons is available (http://genome.ucsc.edu/cgi-bin/hgGateway ). If a very strong candidate gene exists, cand
    Sponsor: State University of New York - Upstate Medical University

    Current Primary Outcome: Identification of gene/mutation responsible for disorder.

    Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

    Current Secondary Outcome:

    Original Secondary Outcome:

    Information By: State University of New York - Upstate Medical University

    Dates:
    Date Received: June 8, 2009
    Date Started: October 2005
    Date Completion: October 2010
    Last Updated: June 9, 2009
    Last Verified: June 2009