Clinical Trial: Investigation of the Genetic Causes of Kallmann Syndrome and Reproductive Disorders

Study Status: Recruiting
Recruit Status: Recruiting
Study Type: Observational

Official Title: Molecular Basis of Inherited Reproductive Disorders

Brief Summary: The aims of this study are: 1) to identify genes that play a role in human pubertal development and reproduction, 2) to characterize the phenotypic spectrum of patients with these gene defects, and 3) to discern the mode of inheritance for disorders caused by these gene defects. We are specifically interested in genes that cause Kallmann syndrome, idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH), precocious (early) puberty, and delayed puberty. Individuals do not have to travel to Boston to participate in this study.

Detailed Summary:

Overview:

Our work is divided into two main areas of investigation:

  1. the discovery of new, yet-undiscovered genes for conditions of early (i.e. precocious) puberty, delayed puberty, absence of pubertal development (i.e. Kallmann syndrome) as well as normal puberty that is accompanied by an altered reproductive system later in life (i.e. hypothalamic amenorrhea in women or very low testosterone levels in men). Identification of new genes requires either a single large family or a collection of smaller families.
  2. a detailed examination of the genes already implicated in causing these conditions.

There are several other important aspects about our program:

  • This analysis will detect DNA abnormalities only in those DNA segments being screened. The turnaround time to process a sample is approximately 6-9 months. We must receive a signed consent form in order to begin analysis on a blood sample.
  • Our laboratory is located in Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA and is largely funded by the National Institutes of Health. We are a research laboratory and not a CLIA certified clinical laboratory.
  • Even if a patient is the only member of his/her family affected by one of the conditions mentioned above, obtaining blood samples on other family members, including parents and siblings is often important to our work.
  • It is every individual's responsibility to notify the research team he/she would like to obtain research results. The patient must sign a second consent form before receiving such information.