22 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
The goal of this study is to identify and characterize the genetic loci causing idiopathic talipes equinovarus (clubfoot). The hypothesis is that a few genes account for a substantial fraction of ITEV and that these genes can be identified in defined populations. Towards this goal, in preliminary studies, Dr. Hecht's group has identified two genes, NAT2 and CASP10, which demonstrate evidence for linkage and association to ITEV.
The purpose of this study is to establish linkage in families with hereditary pancreatitis (HP) to the cationic trypsinogen gene or other, as yet unknown, HP gene(s).
Stuttering is an abnormality in speech that affects the rhythm of speech. People who stutter know what they wish to say, but at the time are unable to say it because of involuntary repetition, unnecessary lengthening (prolongation), or early stopping (cessation). Stuttering is characterized by repetitions or prolongation of the first syllable, or silent prolongations, sometimes known as blocks. Researcher intend on studying the genetic basis for stuttering. The goal of the study is to find the genes that help cause stuttering and determine regions of the human genetic make-up (genome) that are linked to stuttering.. To do this researchers will study the patterns of inheritance in families who have had members who stutter. The study has two objectives. The first objective is to develop a large collection of DNA samples from individuals in stuttering families, that will include both members that stutter and who do not stutter. The second objective of the study will be to find out the basic combination of genes (genotype) making up all of the participants DNA. Once this is completed researchers hope to map out and find areas or regions of DNA that are linked to stuttering. Genetic linkage is the initial step in positional cloning, and the cloning of genes which predispose individuals to stuttering is a long term goal of this research study.\<TAB\>
This study will identify and characterize the gene or genes responsible for Gray Platelet syndrome (GPS). Platelets are small blood cells that stick on injured blood vessels to form a plug and stop bleeding. When a blood vessel is injured (like a cut on a finger), platelets release the proteins stored in their sacs to help form a blood clot. Patients with GPS bleed longer than other people because their platelets lack some of these protein-carrying sacs. Platelets without sacs look pale gray under the microscope rather than pink, giving the syndrome its name. Except for rare patients with severe hemorrhage, the bleeding tendency in GPS is usually mild to moderate, with patients experiencing easy bruising, nosebleeds, and, in women, excessive menstrual bleeding. Patients with GPS and members of their family with GPS may be eligible for this study. Participants will provide a personal and family medical history and will have blood drawn. About 1 to 2 tablespoons of blood will be drawn in adults, and about 1 teaspoon in children. The blood will be analyzed for genes that cause GPS
Background: - Congenital malformations, sometimes called birth defects, occur because of a difference in early human development. There are many different types of congenital malformations, and some of these can be caused by changes in genetic material. Researchers are interested in studying individuals with these congenital malformations to better understand the causes and the effects of certain congenital malformations. Objectives: * To understand more about what causes congenital malformations that arise in early human development. * To learn if genetic causes can be found to explain why a person has a congenital malformation. Eligibility: - Individuals who have been diagnosed with a congenital malformation. Design: * Participants will be seen at the National Institutes of Health for a series of visits over 3 to 4 days. Participants will be asked to provide copies of past medical records and test results for review, and will be asked questions about pregnancy/prenatal history, birth, newborn, medical, developmental, and family history. * Parents or siblings of participants may also be asked to provide information for research purposes. * Participants may have additional medical evaluations as part of this study, including any of the following tests: * Physical examinations * Other consultations as clinically indicated * Blood samples for genetic testing * Tissue biopsy for genetic testing * Photographs of affected areas, such as front and side views of the face and other body parts that may be involved in a congenital malformation, like the hands and feet. * Other tests as indicated by a specific malformation, such as organ ultrasounds. * No additional invasive testing, testing requiring sedation, or testing involving radiation is planned for this protocol. These tests, if performed, would involve a separate consent....
The purpose of our study is to identify gene(s) involved in the cause of childhood absence epilepsy (CAE).
This study will try to identify and understand the genetic factors that lead to an inner ear malformation called "enlarged vestibular aqueducts", that can be associated with hearing loss. Patients with sensorineural hearing loss with or without inner ear malformations and their parents and siblings may be eligible for this study. Participants and their immediate family members, may undergo some or all of the following tests and procedures: * Medical and family history, including questions about hearing, balance and other ear-related issues, and review of medical records. * Routine physical examination. * Blood draw or buccal swab (brushing inside the cheek to collect cells) - Tissue is collected for DNA analysis to look for changes in genes that may be related to hearing loss. * Hearing tests - The subject listens for tones emitted through a small earphone. * Balance test (VEMP) to see if balance functions of the inner ear are associated with the hearing loss Electrodes will be placed behind your ear and at the base of your neck. From a reclining position, you will be asked to raise your head while clicking sounds are played into your ears. - Ultrasound tests - An inner ear malformation called EVA (enlargement of the vestibular aqueduct) indicates that a genetic disorder called Pendred syndrome may be the cause. Because thyroid abnormalities are also associated with Pendred syndrome, an ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland may be done. * Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans - These tests show the structure of the inner ear. For CT, the subject lies still for a short time while X-ray images are obtained. For MRI, the patient lies on a stretcher that is moved into a cylindrical machine with a strong magnetic field. The magnetic field and radio waves produce images of the inner ear. The radio waves cause loud thumping noises that can be muffled by the use of earplugs.
We propose to test, by DNA linkage analysis of family pedigree members, the following interrelated hypotheses: 1) that sexual orientation is genetically influenced; 2) that the development of Kaposi's sarcoma and other outcomes of HIV infection in male homosexuals is affected by host susceptibility genes, circulating sex hormone levels, or HLA haplotype; and 3) that alcoholism and other psychobehavioral conditions are associated with homosexuality on a genetic basis and/or influenced by candidate behavioral loci. The subjects for these studies will be self-identified male and female homosexual probands and their relatives from families in which there are at least two individuals with homosexual orientation. All subjects will be adults, and will be referred through NIH physicians, private practitioners, and gay and lesbian organizations. Subjects will undergo a sexual orientation and behaviors interview, a psychiatric interview, and phlebotomy for HIV testing, HLA determination, endocrine measurements, and preparation of DNA from cultured lymphocytes. The DNA samples will be analyzed for a series of genetic markers that span the human genome and for candidate loci chosen for function.
The aim of this study is to find a genetic link or family trait connecting persons with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) to each other. As a result, discover the cause and perhaps treatment for Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS).
This study will identify which regions on the genes, and genes themselves, may account for an increased risk of end stage renal disease (ESRD), that is, near-total loss of kidney function, for people of African American descent. Researchers will use a technique called admixture linkage disequilibrium (MALD) to study genomes, genetic material, in about 2,500 participants from two existing studies and participants who will serve as controls. ESRD disproportionately affects African Americans, who constitute 29% of all ESRD patients in the Medicare ESRD program. The disease can result from a variety of diseases, with diabetes as the leading underlying cause (44% of cases) and hypertension as the second leading cause (26%). The proportion of ESRD cases caused by diabetes has increased dramatically. Patients age 18 and older who are African American, who have ESRD, and who are participants of the FIND and CHOICE studies may be eligible for this study. FIND, or Family Investigation of Diabetes and Nephropathy, involves a multicenter study to identify susceptibility genes, that is, those with a risk, for diabetic and other forms of kidney disease. CHOICE, or Choices for Healthy Outcomes in Caring for ESRD patients is an ongoing study that identifies risk factors for cardiovascular outcomes in ESRD patients. The principle of mapping by MALD involves genetic variations that exist across populations. When mixing occurs between populations having different (heterogeneous) genes, the admixed offspring inherits chromosomes of distinct ancestry. However, over generations of mating, and recombination over several generations, originally large blocks of DNA from African ancestry have become part of smaller segments throughout the chromosome. The study will focus on risk alleles, that is, alternative forms of genes that carry a disease risk. Risk alleles are closely related to nearby ancestral gene markers found in a person. Patients will undergo a collection of blood and urine for genetic testing. Researchers are conducting separate analyses in this study. Case-control analysis of ESRD will consist of 1,150 participants from FIND and 250 from CHOICE. There will also be 750 control participants from FIND. For the case-control analysis of diabetic ESRD, there will be about 750 participants from FIND, 125 from CHOICE, and 750 controls from FIND. Finally, there is the quantitative trait analysis, which looks at the phenotype-meaning visible characteristics produced by the interaction of a person's genetic makeup with the environment. That analysis will involve 350 patients with diabetic nephropathy but not ESRD and 750 controls from FIND.
This study will search for genes that greatly increase the risk of developing lung cancer in conjunction with cigarette smoking or other environmental agents, or both. Lung cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed among men and women and the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. It has been frequently given as an example of cancer determined only by the environment, certain occupations, and dietary habits. Yet researchers have long had a hypothesis that people vary in their risk of becoming affected when exposed to these factors. Also, some evidence has shown that lung cancer in families may be due to the combined effects of inheritance of a major gene and cigarette smoking. Individuals who have a confirmed diagnosis of lung cancer or a family history of lung cancer may be eligible to enroll their families in the study. Family members will be asked to do one or more of the following: * Complete a questionnaire about personal medical history, lifestyle, and diet. * Have blood drawn from a vein in the arm. * If a family member has had a biopsy or is scheduled for one, give permission to obtain medical records and a portion of the stored tissue. * If any relatives have died of cancer, sign a release form to allow researchers to get copies of medical and pathology records, and tissue samples from surgery. If the family members agree, they may be recontacted to answer questions about their health and those of their family, during an annual telephone conversation. Follow-up questionnaires may be sent to participants, to determine if any new cancers have developed in the family. In the event of a new cancer, the classification of the family may change from the low-risk to intermediate risk-level and from the intermediate-risk to high-risk level. Follow-up will continue, to get information about tumors and death. Also, a newsletter for lung cancer families will occasionally be distributed to participants. In the future, the Internet will also provide information for families.
This study will examine the existence of genetic regions that are believed to bring about a risk for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with its subtypes of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. It will identify the locations of chromosomes responsible for hereditary IBD through linkage analysis, a technique in genetic research in which the occurrence of a disorder in a family is evaluated alongside a known genetic disorder. The project will also do fine mapping of genes and examine possible genes associated with IBD. IBD is a chronic and often disabling disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, affecting about 500,000 Americans. Both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis share many characteristics, such as abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, fatigue, and malnutrition. But the main factors that distinguish these subtypes depend on the location and depth of inflammation. Tests and analyses can generally pinpoint some of the differences between the two, but sometimes there are major overlaps in characteristics, and the diagnosis is known as indeterminate IBD. The exact cause of IBD is not known, but genetic and environmental factors are known to contribute to risk for the disease. The single most important environmental risk factor has been smoking exposure at the time the diagnosis is made. Also, several genetic risk factors are ethnicity, family history, and polymorphisms-abilities to take on different forms-in the NOD2 gene. Patients who have a diagnosis of IBD and their family members 5 years of age and older who have or do not have that diagnosis may be eligible for this study. Participants will be asked to complete a questionnaire on their health, ethnic background, religion, habits, family medical history, and medications. Information will also be sought on the diagnosis, course, complications, and treatment of IBD, as well as risk factors. In addition, there will be collection of blood to be used for DNA preparation, storage of lymphocytes, and information on immunology.
In collaboration with members of The International Melanoma Consortium, we propose to study melanoma in families lacking mutations in the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2 (CDKN2 or p16) gene, or the cyclin-dependant kinase 4 (CDK4). CDKN2 and CDK4 are both genes that encode presumed tumor suppressor genes, mutant forms of which are known to cause increased susceptibility to melanoma. The purpose of the present study then is to confirm the existence of and to identify additional gene(s) involved in heritable melanoma (cutaneous and ocular) and their precursor lesions (atypical nevi) by linkage analysis and gene mapping strategies. It is clear that the risk to develop atypical nevi and/or melanoma is strongly influenced by genetic and environmental factors (e.g. sun exposure). Characterization of such genes could provide important insights into the inheritance, pathogenesis, and treatment of this increasingly important disease.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common behavioral disorder in childhood, affecting 3-5% of children between the ages of 7 and 17. Family studies suggest that there is a genetic component to ADHD. Scientists believe that it is a complex disorder in which two or more genes may be involved. Potentially eligible families will be asked to give written consent to participate and will be asked to complete questionnaires for each member in the family. In addition, an interview will be administered to the parent of minors enrolled in the study to determine their eligibility for being in the study. This screening tool is computerized and will take approximately 45 minutes to administer per child. Once screenings are completed, a blood collection kit will be sent to the family to take to their local medical care provider, have blood samples drawn and sent to NIH. There is no cost to the family to participate. We would like to enroll entire families, with both parents and all children.
This study will examine blood or other tissue samples from patients with Fraser syndrome and patients with Fryns syndrome to try to identify the gene responsible for these diseases. Fraser syndrome is characterized by congenital abnormalities including cryptophthalmos (lack of eyelid formation), syndactyly (webbed fingers or toes) and abnormal genitalia. Patients may also have abnormalities of the nose, ears and larynx (voice box), cleft lip or palate, and kidney agenesis. Fryns syndrome is characterized by hernia through the diaphragm, cloudy cornea, coarse facial features, cleft lip or palate, abnormal fingers and toes, heart, kidney and brain malformations and hydrocephalus (accumulation of fluid around the brain). This protocol consists of laboratory study only; it does not involve patient care or patient counseling. Patients with Fraser syndrome or Fryns syndrome are eligible for this study. Parents and healthy siblings of patients will also be included for genetic study, and parents of children with undiagnosed multiple congenital anomalies syndromes will be included for comparison study. Participants will provide a blood sample (about 8 to 10 teaspoons from adults; 1 to 3 teaspoons from children) or sample of skin cells collected by swabbing the inner surface of the cheek. Some patients may undergo a skin biopsy, in which a small skin sample (about 1/8-inch in diameter) is surgically removed. The tissue samples will be used to obtain DNA (genetic material) for laboratory testing. A permanent cell line-a collection of cells grown in the laboratory from the original tissue specimen-will also be established to enable additional testing in the future.
Some functions are generally controlled by the right side of the brain and others by the left. One of the most easily observed examples of this "lateral specialization" of the brain is handedness-that is, a person's preference for using either the right or the left hand. This study will try to determine how the genetic component of handedness is inherited. It will test the theory that a single gene is involved in determining handedness and will try to locate the gene. Families with at least two left-handed siblings aged eight years or older and at least one right-handed parent are eligible to participate in this study. The left-handed siblings and both parents will fill out a brief questionnaire on hand usage, obtain a tissue sample taken from inside the cheek, and return the questionnaire and the sample by mail to the study researchers. The tissue sample will be used for DNA gene mapping. Participants will be given a kit and instructions for obtaining the sample, along with mailing envelopes. Cheek swab sampling basically involves using a small brush to gently brush a layer of cells off of the inner wall of the cheek and then dropping the brush tip into a preservative. The information gained from this study may provide insight into aspects of brain development that can be of medical benefit in the future.
This studied is designed to discover the genes that cause hearing impairment. More precisely, this study aims to map and clone genes that are important for the development and maintenance of the anatomy and physiology related to hearing (auditory system). The study will begin by finding large families who have members with hearing impairment. Once families are found, members with and without hearing impairment will be evaluated by an audiologist and a clinician (doctor). An audiologist, is a person trained in evaluating, habilitating, and rehabilitating people with disorders of hearing function. The clinician's responsibility is to examine the patients and check for other signs and symptoms related to hearing. Finding the gene for hearing impairment requires: 1. \<TAB\>DNA samples of hearing impaired family members, taken from standard blood samples. 2. \<TAB\>DNA samples of members of the family without hearing impairment, taken from standard blood samples. 3. \<TAB\>Results of hearing tests conducted by the audiologist for all participants. Once all members of the family are evaluated researchers can create a pedigree. A pedigree is like a family tree that charts members of a family with a genetic disorder, like hearing impairment. Pedigrees are used to determine the mode of inheritance of the gene responsible for a particular condition. Finally, researcher intend on using all the information gathered as well as methods for genetic analysis to map out the location of the gene. Patients participating in this study will not directly benefit from its research, but scientific understanding achieved may help researchers better understand the auditory system and someday prevent deafness.\<TAB\>...
Stuttering is an abnormality in speech that affects the rhythm of speech. People who stutter know what they wish to say, but at the time are unable to say it because of involuntary repetition, unnecessary lengthening (prolongation), or early stopping (cessation). This study is designed to increase understanding of the genetic factors that may relate to stuttering. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a protein found in the nucleus of all cells. It is responsible for carrying the genetic information of the organism. DNA provides the directions for making all of the substances in the human body. DNA can be linked together in small segments called genes. Genes can contain information about anything related to an organism. In order for researchers to determine what genes are directly related to stuttering they must conduct several types of studies. Linkage studies, are studies of families that have a lot of members who stutter from several generations. The linkage studies will be completed using adult individuals who are diagnosed as persons who stutter and persons who have never stuttered, from one or more families with large numbers of family members who have stuttered over several generations. Candidate gene studies, look closely at genes suspected to be related to stuttering in patients who may or may not have a significant family history of stuttering. By conducting these studies, researchers hope to learn more about genes related to stuttering and ultimately find out what causes stuttering.
Molecular approaches to the understanding of human neoplastic disease have revealed that multiple genetic alterations are an essential component of tumorigenesis. Both germline and somatic genetic alterations can be involved in the malignant transformation of normal cells. Identification of the genes involved in neoplastic transformation has been approached through the molecular analysis of sporadic cancers and the genetic study of families with an inherited predisposition for cancer. The interplay of these two approaches has led to the characterization of genes such as the retinoblastoma (Rb) gene, the p53 gene and the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene that are all involved in the development of both hereditary and non-hereditary forms of cancer. Inherited mutations in such genes predispose affected families to hereditary cancer syndromes, affording an opportunity to identify genetic lesions that also cause the more common sporadic cancers. Prostate cancer (PRCA) is the most common cancer diagnosed (1999 estimate 179,300 cases) and the second leading cause of cancer mortality (1999 estimate 37,000 deaths) in men in the United States. Family history is the single strongest risk factor currently known for prostate cancer. This raises the possibility that heritable genetic factors may be involved in the development of this disease in a subset of men. The genetic contribution to diseases of complex origin such as cancer is often most salient in families of early onset cases. Therefore, prostate cancer inheritance following a simple Mendelian pattern may be identified in the families of probands with early-onset cases. Common susceptibility alleles of small effect may be detectable in families with later-onsent and/or less strong family history of PRCA or in case-control data.
The purpose of this study is to identify the genes responsible for certain scaling disorders and other inherited skin diseases and to learn about the medical problems they cause. In some cases, these may include problems affecting organs other than the skin, such as the eyes, teeth and bones. Patients with inherited skin disorders, including Darier's disease (keratosis follicularis), lamellar ichthyosis, epidermolysis bullosa, cystic acne, and others, and their relatives may be eligible for this study. Patients will have a medical history, physical examination with particular emphasis on the skin, and routine blood tests. Additional procedures for patients and unaffected relatives may include: 1. Blood sample collection 2. Dental exam with X-ray of the jaw 3. Eye examination 4. X-rays of the skull, ribs, chest, hands, feet, spine, arms, or legs 5. Bone density scan 6. Photographs of the skin 7. Skin biopsies (removal of a small tissue sample under local anesthetic) 8. Buccal sample (gentle brushing inside the cheek to collect a cell sample) for gene studies Patients who request the results of their gene testing will be provided this information.
This nationwide study will create a DNA collection to permit qualified scientists to search for depression-related genes. More than 750 families with at least two siblings who have experienced major depression are needed for the study. Participants will be interviewed about psychiatric and family history, and will be asked to provide a small blood specimen. The identification of predisposing genes can lead to greater understanding of the brain mechanisms involved in severe depression which can in turn lead to the discovery of new treatments. A Certificate of Confidentiality from the federal government ensures that all information will be strictly confidential. Blood specimens are identified only by code number (not by name). Reimbursement is provided.
The objective of this study is to discover the genes responsible for the development of hereditary cataracts in families. A cataract is clouding of the lens of the eye that obstructs the passage of light and may impair vision. Information from this study may provide a better understanding of why hereditary cataracts form and perhaps lead to the development of a test that can predict who will likely be affected and to what degree. Patients or family members of patients with inherited cataracts who participate in this study will be asked questions about their family history, especially concerning eye disease or cataracts, and a family tree will be drawn. They will undergo a complete eye examination, including photographs to document the clarity or opacity of the lens. In addition, a small blood sample will be drawn for use in gene mapping studies of inherited cataract.