Investigation Into the Natural History and Metabolic and Molecular Basis of RASopathies.
Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati
Summary
The RASopathies are a group of developmental disorders caused by genetic changes in the genes that compose the Ras/mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. New RASopathies are being diagnosed frequently. This pathway is essential in the regulation of the cell cycle and the determination of cell function. Thus, appropriate function of this pathway is critical to normal development. Each syndrome in this group of disorders has unique phenotypic features, but there are many overlapping features including facial features, heart defects, cutaneous abnormalities, cognitive delays, and a predisposition to malignancies. This research study proposes to collect and store human bio-specimens from patients with suspected or diagnosed RASopathies. Once obtained, blood and/or tissue samples will be processed for: metabolic function studies, biomarkers, genetic studies, and/or the establishment of immortalized cell lines. In addition, data from the medical record (including neuropsychological evaluations) and surveys will be stored to create a longitudinal database for research conducted at CCHMC or at other research institutions.
Description
Patients who are being evaluated for a RASopathy may have overlapping features, but the disorders individually can be exceedingly rare and many are not yet well characterized. Additionally, available clinical testing is not always diagnostic in this group of patients. The investigators propose to study disorders across the RAS/MAPK pathway, identifying both commonalities and differences, under one unified ongoing research protocol. The investigators propose: 1. To investigate the metabolic and molecular basis of established and suspected RASopathies. 2. Collect specimens derived from blood, b…
Eligibility
- Age range
- Not specified
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with a suspected or known diagnosis of any of the group of disorders known as RASopathies (e.g., Neurofibromatosis, Costello Syndrome, Noonan Syndrome). Diagnosis may be made clinically and/or confirmed through genetic testing. * Unaffected relatives of patients with a suspected or known diagnosis of any of the group of disorders known as RASopathies. Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals who do not have a suspected or definite diagnosis of a RASopathy. * Individuals who do not have a relative with a suspected or definite diagnosis of a RASopathy. * Patients who d…
Location
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnati, Ohio