Genetic and Clinical Studies of Congenital Anomaly Syndromes
We aim to use the power of modern molecular genetics and clinical research to delineate the
range of severity, natural history, molecular etiology, and pathophysiology of a number of
congenital anomaly syndromes. The goal of the research is to develop a knowledge base that
allows proper clinical and molecular diagnosis of patients with rare congenital anomaly
disorders. Our paradigm is the previous work we have done with Pallister-Hall syndrome (PHS)
and Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome (GCPS), where we have successfully used a combined
clinical-molecular approach. Using this strategy, we have brought 50-100 patients or
families with these disorders to the NIH clinical center (NIH CC) for a comprehensive
clinical evaluation with follow-up at a frequency appropriate to the disorder. We have also
clinically and/or molecularly evaluated many additional patients with atypical or
non-classic presentations of PHS and GCPS and have conducted exploratory studies of other
phenotypes to determine how they might fit into the more general models generated to explain
PHS and GCPS. We are currently generalizing this approach to a number of disorders including
talipes equinovarus, atrial septal defect, Robin sequence, and persistent left superior vena
cava (TARP) syndrome. Specimens from patients participating in both the laboratory and
clinical arms of the protocol will be collected and evaluated in the laboratory by linkage
analysis, physical mapping, candidate gene characterization, mutation screening and targeted
exome sequencing, and cell biologic studies of normal and mutant proteins.
Observational
N/A
Leslie G Biesecker, M.D.
Principal Investigator
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
United States: Federal Government
940193
NCT00001404
August 1994
Name | Location |
---|---|
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, 9000 Rockville Pike | Bethesda, Maryland 20892 |
Cedars Sinai Medical Center | Los Angeles, California 90048-1804 |
Greenwood Genetics Center | Greenwood, South Carolina 29646 |