3311 results for "*geneti*"

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• Genome-Wide Association Study of HIV-1 Host Genetics Among Injection Drug Users

  The overarching goal of this project is to identify and characterize genetic determinants of HIV 1 susceptibility and resistance in samples of African American (AA) and European American (EA) injection drug users (IDUs) by conducting (1) a case/control genome-wide association (GWA) study of HIV 1 infection (positive/negative); (2) a case-only GWA study of viral load among HIV+ IDUs. The study uses existing samples and data from Urban Health Study (UHS) (PI: Alex Kral), which was the longest-running study of street-recruited IDUs in North America, from 1986-2005. UHS was a serial, cross-sectional sero-epidemiological study. Data were collected every 6 months in communities with a high prevalence of injection drug use in the San Francisco Bay Area. It used targeted sampling in neighborhoods at easily accessible community field sites, such as churches, single room occupancy hotels, and community centers. Eligibility criteria for initial entry to the study were (1) injection drug use in past 30 days; (2) ability to provide informed consent; and (3) age 18 or older. The UHS cohort includes over 9,000 African American and European American IDUs whose serum samples have been stored and data are available on HIV antibody status, HIV risk behaviors, drug abuse and demographics. The current study includes 985 HIV+ cases and 5,222 HIV- controls. Approximately six HIV- controls per case were frequency matched on: (1) self-reported ancestry; (2) sex; (3) age; (4) year of ascertainment; and (5) HIV risk class. This GWAS (DA026141) was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA; PI: Eric O. Johnson). Funding support for genotyping, which was performed at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Inherited Disease Research (CIDR), was provided by NIDA and the NIH contract "High throughput genotyping for studying the genetic contributions to human disease"(HHSN268200782096C).

  Study phs000454

• Molecular Genetic Studies of Developmental Brain Disorders

  Study 1 2R01-NS050375 (PI: DOBYNS, William B.) The genetic basis of mid-hindbrain malformations Our general goal for this project is to advance our understanding of human developmental disorders that involve the brainstem and cerebellum - brain structures derived from the embryonic midbrain and hindbrain - that affect a minimum of 2.4 per 1000 resident births based on data from the CDC. Importantly, this large class of disorders co-occurs with more common developmental disorders such as autism, mental retardation and some forms of infantile epilepsy, and shares some of the same causes. With this renewal, we propose to expand the scope of our work beyond single phenotypes and genes to focus on delineating the critical phenotype spectra to which the most common MHM belong, and defining the underlying biological networks that are disrupted. To pursue these goals, we will use our large and growing cohort of human subjects to map additional MHM loci using SNP microarrays that provide both high-resolution autozygosity and linkage data in informative families as well as detect critical copy number variants in sporadic subjects. The causative genes will be identified using traditional Sanger or new high-throughput sequencing methods as appropriate abased on size of the critical region. We will use these and other known MHM causative genes to construct and revise model biological networks of genes and proteins, and test these genes and networks in additional patients as a candidate gene or more accurately a candidate network approach. These approaches need to be supported by ongoing active subject recruitment, as studies of comparable disorders such as mental retardation and autism have benefited from even larger numbers of subjects that we have so far collected. We need to use new high-throughput sequencing methods to more efficiently test larger critical regions, and to test entire gene networks rather than individual genes in matched cohorts of subjects. At every step; phenotype analysis, CNV analysis, model network construction and high-throughput sequencing, we will need expanded bioinformatics capabilities. Finally, we need to test the biological function of new genes and networks to support our gene identification studies. We expect that these studies will contribute immediately to more accurate diagnosis and counseling, and over time will lead to development of specific treatments for a subset of these disorders. We further expect that studies of mid-hindbrain development will have broad significance for human developmental disorders generally, providing compelling evidence for a connection between cerebellar development and other classes of developmental disorders such as autism, mental retardation and epilepsy. Study 2 R01-NS058721 (PI: DOBYNS, William B.) De novo copy number variation and gene discovery in human brain malformations Project Summary/Abstract The number of recognized brain malformations and syndromes has grown rapidly during the past several decades, yet relatively few causative genes have been identified, especially for three common malformations that have been associated with numerous cytogenetically visible chromosome deletions and duplications, and that often occur together: agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC), cerebellar vermis hypoplasia (CVH) including Dandy-Walker malformation (DWM), and polymicrogyria (PMG). We propose to perform high-resolution array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH), emerging technology able to detect small copy number variants (CNV), in 700 probands with one or more of these three malformations. Our central hypothesis states that more than 10% of patients with ACC, CVH or PMG will have de novo CNV below the resolution of routine cytogenetic analysis, but detectable by current array platforms. We therefore expect to identify 70-100 patients with small CNV. We will distinguish CNV found in normal individuals from potentially disease-associated changes, and will confirm CNV using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and microsatellite (STRP) analysis. We will give highest priority to CNV that are de novo and involve 2 or more BACs, and secondary priority to familial and smaller CNV excluding known polymorphisms. After that, we will evaluate and rank candidate genes in the critical regions using information from public databases and our own expression studies, and perform mutation analysis of the best candidate genes from well-defined critical regions by sequencing in a large panel of subjects with phenotypes that match the phenotypes of the patients whose CNV define the critical regions. Here, we will use more refined criteria to supplement our clinical classification, such as the developmental level and presence of epilepsy or other birth defects. Any abnormalities found will be analyzed using existing data regarding polymorphisms (i.e. dbSNP), cross-species comparisons, and functional assays appropriate for the specific sequence change. Study 2A In 1995, we described a novel multiple congenital anomaly syndrome associated with facial dysmorphism (congenital ptosis, high arched eyebrows, shallow orbits, trigonocephaly), colobomas of the eyes, neuronal migration malformation (frontal predominant lissencephaly) and variable hearing loss. We hypothesized from de novo mutations and used trio-based exome sequencing to identify de novo mutations in the ACTB and ACTG1 genes. Study 2B In 1997 and 2004, we and others defined two novel developmental syndromes associated with markedly enlarged brain size, or megalencephaly, and other highly recognizable features. The megalencephaly-capillary malformation syndrome (MCAP) consists of megalencephaly and associated growth dysregulation with variable asymmetry, developmental vascular anomalies, distal limb malformations, variable cortical malformation, and a mild connective tissue dysplasia. The megalencephaly-polymicrogyria-polydactyly-hydrocephalus syndrome (MPPH) resembles MCAP but lacks vascular malformations and syndactyly. We hypothesized that MCAP and MPPH result from mutations - including postzygotic events - in the same pathway, and studied them together. Using a combination of exome sequencing, Sanger sequencing, restriction-enzyme assays, and targeted ultra-deep sequencing in 50 families with MCAP or MPPH, we identified de novo germline or postzygotic mutations in three core components of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/AKT pathway. These include two mutations in AKT3, a recurrent mutation in PIK3R2, and multiple mostly postzygotic mutations in PIK3CA (Rivière JB, Mirzaa GM, O'Roak BJ, Beddaoui M, Alcantara D, Conway RL, St-Onge J, Schwartzentruber JA, Gripp KW, Nikkel SM, Worthylake T, Sullivan CT, Ward TR, Butler HE, Kramer NA, Albrecht B, Armour CM, Armstrong L, Caluseriu O, Cytrynbaum C, Drolet BA, Innes AM, Lauzon JL, Lin AE, Mancini GMS, Meschino WS, Reggin JD, Saggar AK, Lerman-Sagie T, Uyanik G, Weksberg R, Zirn B, Beaulieu CL, FORGE Canada Consortium, Majewski J, Bulman DE, O'Driscoll M, Shendure J, Graham Jr. JM, Boycott KM, Dobyns WB. De novo germline and postzygotic mutations in AKT3, PIK3R2 and PIK3CA cause a spectrum of related megalencephaly syndromes. Nat. Genet. In press). Study 3 2R01-NS046616 (PI: GOLDEN, Jeffrey A) The role of ARX in normal and abnormal brain development This subcontract from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to the University of Chicago (UC) is intended to support research studies of the ARX and functionally related genes in human subjects with any one of several specific developmental disorders. The Co-investigator at UC (W.B. Dobyns) will identify a series of patients with mental retardation and severe infantile epilepsy, some of whom will have specific brain malformations and others who will have normal brain structure by brain imaging studies, and collect research samples from these subjects with informed consent. The studies to be performed will include mutation analysis of ARX, mutation analysis of specific downstream target genes, X inactivation studies in humans and X inactivation studies in mutant mice. The results will be analyzed to determine the significance of any changes found in the gene.

  Study phs000455

• Risk Assessment of Cerebrovascular Events (RACE) Study

  This study includes 1,220 cases with young onset stroke (stroke before age 60 years) who are participants of the larger RACE study. Risk Assessment of Cerebrovascular Events (RACE) is an on-going existing case-control study of stroke now involving over 5000 imaging confirmed cases of stroke and 5000 controls, recruited from seven centers in Pakistan. The study is aimed to investigate the genetic, biomarker and lifestyle determinants of stroke and its subtypes. Cases are eligible for inclusion in the study if they: (i) are aged at least 18 years; (ii) present with a sudden onset of neurological deficit respecting a vascular territory with sustained deficit at 24 hours verified by medical attention within 72 hours after onset (onset is defined by when the patient was last seen normal and not when found with deficit); and (iii) the diagnosis is supported by CT/MRI; and (iv) present with a Modified Rankin Score < 2 prior to the stroke. Findings from patient's history, 12-lead ECG and CT or MRI of the brain. The mandatory procedures for inclusion in this investigation are: (i) clinical verification of cerebrovascular event within 72 hours of onset; (ii) neuroimaging CT (non-contrast) or MRI (MRI is not a mandatory investigation but recorded whenever ordered by the attending physician); and (iii) 12-lead ECG. All other ancillary investigations ordered by the attending physician are recorded as well. The TOAST classification method is used to classify ischemic stroke based on aetiology whereas the Oxfordshire classification is used to classify stroke neuro-anatomically. Control participants for this subset of young onset stroke were individuals enrolled in the Pakistan Risk of Myocardial Infarction Study (PROMIS), a case-control study of acute MI based in Pakistan. RACE capitalizes on the genetic data (including information on GWAS) that has already been collected from the healthy participants enrolled in PROMIS. RACE and PROMIS share similar methodology of recruitment. Participants from both these investigations are derived from similar catchment areas, hence providing an attractive opportunity for RACE to utilize PROMIS controls as common controls for genetic investigations. Controls in PROMIS were recruited following procedures and inclusion criteria as adopted for RACE cases. In order to minimize any potential selection biases, PROMIS controls selected for this stroke substudy were frequency matched to RACE cases based on age and gender and were recruited in the following order of priority: (1) non-blood related or blood related visitors of patients of the out-patient department; (2) non-blood related visitors of stroke patients; (3) patients of the out-patient department presenting with minor complaints (e.g. back pain, minor gastric complaints). Control subjects from the PROMIS study were genotyped at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute on the Illumina 660W Quad array. The Center for Non-Communicable Diseases, Pakistan, serves as the coordinating center for both RACE and PROMIS. More information on these research investigations can be found at www.cncdpk.com. This young onset stroke component to the RACE study was funded through the Gene Environment Association Studies initiative (GENEVA, www.genevastudy.org as one of three studies designed to assess the genetics of young onset stroke and modification of genetic effects by smoking. GENEVA is part of the trans-NIH Genes, Environment, and Health Initiative (GEI). Genotyping of 1,220 young onset stroke cases was performed at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Inherited Disease Research (CIDR). Data cleaning and harmonization were done at the GEI-funded GENEVA Coordinating Center at the University of Washington. This study is part of the Gene Environment Association Studies initiative (GENEVA, http://www.genevastudy.org) funded by the trans-NIH Genes, Environment, and Health Initiative (GEI). The overarching goal is to identify novel genetic factors that contribute to stroke through large-scale genome-wide association studies of cases and controls recruited within Pakistan. Genotyping was performed at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Inherited Disease Research (CIDR). Data cleaning and harmonization were done at the GEI-funded GENEVA Coordinating Center at the University of Washington.

  Study phs000456

• Estrogen Receptor Positive Breast Cancer: Aromatase Inhibitor Response Study

  Highly variable outcomes are observed in patients with estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer who undergo preoperative estrogen deprivation therapy with aromatase inhibitors (AI). In this study, 46 baseline tumor and normal genomes and 31 baseline tumor/normal exomes of participants selected from two clinical trials of neoadjuvant AI therapy on ER+ breast cancer were sequenced to identify somatic alterations that correlate with response to AI, to screen for therapeutic targets and to elucidate the genetic landscape of ER+ breast cancer. From the same set of patients we later performed deep genomic characterization of a subset of matched primary tumors after four months of AI therapy, generating comprehensive information about the range of changes that occur when ER+ breast cancers are subjected to estrogen deprivation. This data includes whole genome sequence and transcriptome data. To better understand tumor heterogeneity and the evolution of resistance to estrogen-deprivation therapy, a subset of these tumours, along with 38 additional cases were sequenced to greater depth using targeted capture with a gene panel.

  Study phs000472

• NEI CIDR Methylation Profiling of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma in NEIGHBOR Samples

  This is a case-control study of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG). POAG is a progressive optic neuropathy that eventually leads to blindness. More than 30 million people worldwide have Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG), of which greater than 3 million are blind. Gene expression changes in the retina have been observed for POAG. Several recent studies, including the NEIGHBOR consortium (NEI Glaucoma Human genetic collaboration) have used GWAS to identify correlative regions of the genome. Despite this, the genetic basis of Glaucoma is not well understood. Epigenetic variation may account for low heritability and environmental effects on human disease. Despite the significant advances being made in understanding the role of epigenetics in gene regulation in other fields, little is known about the relationship between DNA methylation patterns, retinal gene expression, and retinal disease. The goal of this study is to identify differentially methylated regions in the peripheral blood of patients with POAG. The case identification is as per the NEIGHBOR description: Cases and controls were recruited from ophthalmology clinics and were examined by ophthalmologists. For cases the clinical exam included intraocular pressure measurements, optic nerve assessment and visual field evaluation. Controls had no family history of glaucoma, normal intraocular pressure and normal optic nerves. POAG and control samples come from two sources: Duke University and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (MEEI). These samples were collected and genotyped as part of the NEIGHBOR study. From the 219 POAG cases contributed to NEIGHBOR by Duke, 75 samples were selected for exome sequencing by Dr. Terry Gaasterland (UCSD) as part of an ARRA grant. These samples were selected to mirror the distribution of the entire set of Duke patients for variables such as age, cup-to-disc ratio, CCT, and IOP. From these 75 patients, 43 were selected for our study and an additional seven patients chosen at random, for a total 50 patients from Duke. From the 219 Duke controls, 50 were selected to match the age (at the time of blood draw) and sex of the 50 Duke POAG patients. From the NEIGHBOR control samples from MEEI, 27 were selected who best matched the age (at blood draw), time since sample collection and sex of the POAG probands from GLAUGEN. Additional individual-level phenotype and genotype data may be obtained through the authorized access portal of phs000238 (Neighbor - Glaucoma GWAS Study).

  Study phs000458

• Genetics of 24 hour urine composition

  Genetic and environmental factors play an important role in the etiology of nephrolithiasis. This project will build on and extend our previous efforts (examining environmental risk factors for stone formation) by allowing us to study the risk of stone formation associated with specific genes and gene-environment interactions. We will take advantage of previously collected data in three large cohort studies: Nurses' Health Study I (n=121,000 women), Nurses' Health Study II (n=116,000 women), and Health Professionals Follow-up Study (n=51,000 men). Over a period of 17 to 26 years, information has been collected prospectively on important exposures including diet, family history, body size measures, past medical history, and medications. We have confirmed over 2000 incident cases of kidney stones in each cohort (DK59583, PI Curhan). Further, we have collected 24-hour urine samples from over 4100 stone formers and non-stone formers; the majority of participants have performed two collections. The primary objective of this project is to examine the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms and the 24-hour urinary excretion of stone promoters (calcium and oxalate) and a stone inhibitor (citrate). The secondary objective is to explore the impact of interactions between the genetic factors and dietary factors on 24-hour urinary excretion of relevant lithogenic factors. These findings should provide new insight into regulation of these important factors and also into novel approaches for prevention of stone formation.

  Study phs000460

• Identification of Cancer Predisposition Genes in Breast Cancer Families

  Breast cancer has a significant genetic component. The strongest epidemiologic risk factor is family history of the disease. Familial studies have identified a number of genes contributing to increased risk. Of these, the highly penetrant BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes account for the majority of families in whom disease-causal mutations have been identified. However, mutations in other genes have been associated with predisposition to breast or breast and ovarian cancer including (CHEK2, ATM, PALB2, RAD51C, RAD51D). Together these genes account for less than 20% of excess familial breast cancer risk and do not explain ~50% of high-risk families referred for genetic testing. This significant gap in our understanding of the genetic basis of breast cancer poses a significant barrier to our ability to identify women at increased risk, who would benefit greatly from appropriate clinical management. To identify additional breast cancer predisposition genes whole exome sequencing of familial high-risk breast cancer patients was undertaken. DNA samples from 50 pairs of breast cancer patients from high-risk breast cancer families with no pathogenic mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 breast cancer predisposition genes were subjected to whole exome sequencing. The goal was to select candidate predisposition genes for further validation studies based on sharing of putative protein inactivating mutations among both members of each family and/or the frequency of inactivating mutations among the 50 families.

  Study phs000480

• NEI CIDR Methylation Profiling of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma in GLAUGEN Samples

  This is a case-control study of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG). POAG is a progressive optic neuropathy that eventually leads to blindness. More than 30 million people worldwide have Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG), of which greater than 3 million are blind. Gene expression changes in the retina have been observed for POAG. Several recent studies, including the GLAUGEN (Glaucoma Gene Environment) initiative have used GWAS to identify correlative regions of the genome. Despite this, the genetic basis of Glaucoma is not well understood. Epigenetic variation may account for low heritability and environmental effects on human disease. Despite the significant advances being made in understanding the role of epigenetics in gene regulation in other fields, little is known about the relationship between DNA methylation patterns, retinal gene expression, and retinal disease. The goal of this study is to identify differentially methylated regions in the peripheral blood of patients with POAG. The case identification is as per the GLAUGEN description: Cases and controls were recruited from ophthalmology clinics and were examined by ophthalmologists. For cases the clinical exam included intraocular pressure measurements, optic nerve assessment and visual field evaluation. Controls had no family history of glaucoma, normal intraocular pressure and normal optic nerves. POAG and control samples come from Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (MEEI). These samples were collected and genotyped as part of the GLAUGEN study. From the MEEI, 50 patients were selected from POAG pedigrees, to include all the probands genotyped by CIDR and are currently undergoing exome sequencing, and to include additional genotyped probands who belong to pedigrees of sufficient size and structure that parent of origin effects could be evaluated. Additional individual-level phenotype and genotype data may be obtained through the authorized access portal of phs000308 (Geneva - Glaugen GWAS Study).

  Study phs000461

• T2D-GENES Project 2: San Antonio Mexican American Family Studies

  The Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) Genetic Exploration by Next-generation sequencing in Ethnic Samples (T2D-GENES) Consortium is a collaborative international effort to identify genes influencing susceptibility to T2D in multiple ethnic groups using next generation sequencing. T2D-GENES Project 2 is a complex pedigree-based study designed to identify low frequency or rare variants influencing susceptibility to T2D, using whole genome sequence (WGS) information from 1,043 individuals in 20 Mexican American T2D-enriched pedigrees from San Antonio, Texas. The major objectives of this study are to identify low frequency or rare variants in and around known common variant signals for T2D, as well as to find novel low frequency or rare variants influencing susceptibility to T2D. The sampled individuals are obtained from two studies: the San Antonio Family Heart Study (SAFHS) and the San Antonio Family Diabetes/Gallbladder Study (SAFDGS), collectively referred to as the San Antonio Mexican American Family Studies (SAMAFS). The strategy is to sequence approximately 600 individuals at an average of 50x coverage across the entire genome, then impute genome wide genotypes for about 440 additional family members. The 600 sequenced individuals are specifically chosen for their value in imputing sequence information into other family members. By studying large pedigrees, we expect to find multiple individuals carrying each genetic variant, even if this variant is very rare in the population at large. Thus, a pedigree-based approach provides an excellent opportunity for identifying rare novel variants influencing risk of T2D and quantitative variation in T2D-related phenotypes. The whole genome sequencing has been done commercially by Complete Genomics, Inc. (CGI). The final data set includes whole genome sequence data for 607 individuals. After quality control, 585 sequenced individuals provide data for family based imputation, using Merlin linkage analysis software, into approximately 440 additional family members for whom chip based genotypes are available to indicate which parental haplotype is transmitted. Extensive phenotype data is provided for 1048 individuals. These include 5 sequenced individuals who do not belong to any of the 20 large pedigrees. Phenotype information was collected between 1991 and 2011 in the two contributing longitudinal studies. SAFHS participants may have information from up to 5 visits, and SAFDGS participants may have up to 4 visits. The clinical variables reported are coordinated with T2D-GENES Project 1 (multi-ethnic exome sequencing) and include T2D status and age at diagnosis, glycemic traits (fasting and 2 hour glucose and insulin), blood pressure, blood lipids (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, calculated LDL cholesterol and triglycerides), clinical chemistry (cystatin c, glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody titer (GadAb), creatinine, adiponectin and leptin). Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was not measured for these individuals and insulin C-peptide is not included in this data set. Additional phenotype data include the medication status at each visit, classified in four categories as any current use of diabetes, hypertension or lipid-lowering medications, and, for females, current use of female hormones. Anthropometric measurements include age, sex, height, weight, hip circumference, waist circumference and derived ratios. Each phenotype variable has an initial summary column containing the most recent non-missing measurement for each individual, followed by the five potential time points for each individual, the number of non-missing measurements, and the age and year for the most recent non-missing measurement. For historical reasons, the order in which variables are presented on the dbGaP web site differs from their order in the data download file. When reading the comment fields for each variable, please note that commas are omitted to support data exchange in .csv format.

  Study phs000462

• Sweden-Schizophrenia Population-Based Case-Control Exome Sequencing

  Current findings of the genetic risk of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder emerging from genome wide association studies (GWAS) support a highly polygenic model displaying the full spectrum of causal alleles that includes the extremes of rare, penetrant alleles as well as common alleles of small effect. Lower frequency polymorphism, rare variants and private mutations have eluded measurement by GWAS studies and thus association with disease. In order to create a comprehensive catalogue of low frequency or rare coding variation in individuals with psychiatric disease and to build a foundation for future genetic studies of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, we have obtained whole exome DNA sequence from a population-based schizophrenia and bipolar disorder Swedish case-control cohort.

  Study phs000473

• Biology and Molecular Analysis of Human Hematopoiesis Genetics

  In this study we have performed exome sequencing using the hybrid capture method that has previously been described (Gnirke et al., Nature Biotechnology, 2009) on genomic DNA samples from patients with the congenital bone marrow failure syndrome that affects the erythroid lineage, specifically, Diamond-Blackfan anemia. This disease is characterized by a hypoplastic anemia and approximately 50% of cases are attributable to mutations in ribosomal protein gene subunits. The other 50% of cases do not have a known genetic etiology and the purpose of this study is to attempt to delineate such causes.

  Study phs000474

• The molecular basis of inherited reproductive disorders

  The purpose of this study is to discover genetic mutations in patients who have GnRH deficient states. This includes individuals with variant forms of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, including individuals who have somatic anomalies involving mid-line facial defects, renal agenesis, synkinesia, and ataxia, amongst others.

  Study phs000475

• Molecular defects in pseudohypoparathyroidism or related disorders

  Maintaining calcium levels within a narrow normal range is of critical importance for numerous different cellular functions. One of the most important regulators of blood calcium levels is parathyroid hormone (PTH), which mediates its actions through the PTH/PTHrP receptor, a Gαs-coupled receptor. Few inherited disorders are characterized by diminished blood calcium levels and elevated blood phosphate levels; some of these disorders are caused by too little PTH synthesis and/or secretion (hypoparathyroidism, HP), while others are caused by resistance towards PTH (pseudohypoparathyroidism, PHP). Only few of the inherited forms of HP (<10%) have been defined at the molecular level. In contrast, genetic mutations have been identified for several inherited forms of PHP. For example, PHP type Ia (PHP-Ia) is caused by maternally inherited mutations in those GNAS exons that encode Gαs, while autosomal dominant PHP type Ib (AD-PHP-Ib) is caused by maternal inherited deletions within or up-stream of GNAS, which are associated with abnormal GNAS methylation. However, a large number of patients with PTH-resistance and thus hypocalcemia show GNAS methylation changes, but their underlying genetic defects have not yet been defined at the DNA level. These "sporadic" patients may be affected by an autosomal recessive form of PHP-Ib (AR-PHP-Ib), which is most likely not linked to the GNAS locus. In our studies, we propose to search through exome sequence analyses for novel genetic mutations responsible for novel autosomal dominant forms of HP that are not caused by mutations in the known disease-causing genes; some of these families are large enough to perform genetic linkage studies. We furthermore propose to search for the genetic mutation(s) responsible for the autosomal recessive variant of PHP-Ib through the analysis of whole exome sequences; for these studies we focus particularly on patients, whose parents are likely to be consanguineous. The proposed efforts are expected to lead to the identification of novel genes that are involved in parathyroid development and function (HP) and genes that are involved in the establishment or maintenance of GNAS methylation (AR-PHP-Ib).

  Study phs000476

• Sporadic autism exomes reveal a highly interconnected protein network of de novo mutations

  It is well established that autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have a strong genetic component; however, for at least 70% of cases, the underlying genetic cause is unknown. Under the hypothesis that de novo mutations underlie a substantial fraction of the risk for developing ASD in families with no previous history of ASD or related phenotypes-so-called sporadic or simplex families-we sequenced all coding regions of the genome (the exome) for parent-child trios exhibiting sporadic ASD, including 189 new trios and 20 that were previously reported. Additionally, we also sequenced the exomes of 50 unaffected siblings corresponding to these new (n = 31) and previously reported trios (n = 19), for a total of 617 individual exomes from 209 families deposited in dbGaP. Here we show that de novo point mutations are overwhelmingly paternal in origin (4:1 bias) and positively correlated with paternal age, consistent with the modest increased risk for children of older fathers to develop ASD. Moreover, 39% (49 of 126) of the most severe or disruptive de novo mutations map to a highly interconnected beta-catenin/chromatin remodelling protein network ranked significantly for autism candidate genes. In proband exomes, recurrent protein-altering mutations were observed in two genes: CHD8 and NTNG1. Mutation screening of six candidate genes in 1,703 ASD probands identified additional de novo, protein-altering mutations in GRIN2B, LAMC3 and SCN1A. Combined with copy number variant (CNV) data, these results indicate extreme locus heterogeneity but also provide a target for future discovery, diagnostics and therapeutics.

  Study phs000482

• Genetic defects in familial renal disorders

  Several different genes cause, when mutated, increased urinary phosphate excretion and hypophosphatemia leading to rickets/osteomalacia; however, the majority of phosphate-wasting disorders has not yet been defined at the molecular level. Identification of phosphate-regulating genes has provided important novel insights into the mechanism contributing to phosphate homeostasis, which remains incompletely understood. We therefore pursue exome-wide nucleotide sequence analysis to define the underlying mutations, which is expected to provide novel insights into the regulation of this important mineral. Virtually nothing is known about the genetic mutations that cause non-syndromic structural abnormalities involving the urinary tract, which represent about 50% of the causes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The completion of the human genome project and the technological advances that allow low cost whole exome sequencing have now made it feasible to readily search for the cause of different inherited disorders in humans, particularly if clinical information and genomic DNA is available from larger kindreds with multiple affected members that can be used for mapping the disease-causing genetic locus. Furthermore, catalogs were generated that document the expression profiles of numerous genes during embryonic, fetal, and postnatal development, thereby supporting the exploration of kidney involvement in animal models of different diseases and in human genetic syndromes. We therefore plan to define the mechanisms leading to inherited disorders of the urogenital tract and the kidneys by establishing the causative genetic defects through a combination of genetic mapping and whole exome sequencing. Hajdu-Cheney Syndrome (HCS) is a rare autosomal-dominant skeletal disorder characterized by severe osteoporosis, acroosteolysis of the distal phalanges, renal cysts and other abnormalities. Our goal is to identify the genetic cause of HCS using exome sequencing. Opsismodysplasia is a very rare recessive spondylometaphyseal dysplasia characterized by delayed epiphyseal ossification, shortness of bones and sometimes low serum phosphate levels. Discovery of the causing mutation will give us insights into the pathogenesis of this often lethal disease.

  Study phs000477

• Strabismus, CCDD and other anomalies

  Strabismus is one of the most common ophthalmological diseases affecting our population. It has many detrimental effects for affected individuals, including functional visual loss from amblyopia, secondary psychosocial difficulties, and limited employment opportunities. Strabismus also imposes a significant economical burden on society from the cost of screening programs, surgical correction, and lost productivity. Congenital incomitant strabismus is a broad term that encompasses congenital ocular motility disorders with restricted movement in one or more directions of gaze, and includes various forms of Duane's retraction syndrome, horizontal gaze palsy, congenital fibrosis of extraocular muscles, and Moebius syndrome. Incomitant strabismus together with a group of related disorders such as congenital ptosis and congenital facial palsy have been collectively redefined as congenital cranial dysinnervation disorders (CCDDs). This redefinition stemmed from previous studies in the Engle lab showing that these disorders can be caused by mutations in genes encoding transcription factors critical to ocular cranial motor neuron development and by genes that encode proteins essential to the proper growth and guidance of developing axons. Thus, while these disorders account for only a small percent of strabismus, understanding their genetic etiology has led to our ability to provide genetic testing and counseling, and has provided the first insights into the molecular etiologies of strabismus. While the Engle lab has identified all seven CCDD genes published to date, our cohort still includes >100 familial CCDD pedigrees that are mutation-negative. We continue to utilize co-segregation analysis and whole exome or whole genome sequencing technologies to identify new disease genes in this mutation-negative cohort.

  Study phs000478

• Genome-Wide Analysis of Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma

  Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma (SMZL) is a B-cell malignancy of unknown pathogenesis and thus orphan of targeted therapies. By integrating whole-exome sequencing and copy-number analysis of 8 paired tumor-normal DNAs from patients with SMZL, we show that the typical SMZL exome carries ~30 genetic alterations. Targeted resequencing of selected candidates in an extended panel of 40-117 samples revealed activating mutations of NOTCH2, a gene required for marginal-zone (MZ) development, as the most frequent and SMZL-specific lesion, accounting for approximately 20% of cases. Additional altered genes suggest that deregulation of signaling pathways normally involved in MZ development (NOTCH, NF-kappa B, and B-cell receptor) represents a critical event in SMZL pathogenesis. These findings have direct implications for the treatment of SMZL patients since drugs are available which can target NOTCH as well as other pathways deregulated in this disease.

  Study phs000502

• Cholesterol and Pharmacogenetics (CAP) Study

  The Cholesterol and Pharmacogenetics Study was a 6-week open label, non-randomized study of 40mg/day simvastatin treatment in 335 black and 609 white (944 total) men and women. Plasma lipids and lipoproteins were measured on two occasions prior to treatment and at 4 and 6 weeks of treatment. The study was designed to test for genetic associations with baseline measurements and changes in response to simvastatin treatment. Whole genome genotyping was performed on 592 white CAP study participants in two stages. In Stage 1, 304 were genotyped for 314,621 SNPs to tag for common genomic variation. In Stage 2, 290 participants were genotyped, including 280 who were genotyped for 620,901 SNPs. Two samples were excluded due to gender discrepancies. More recently, CAP self-reported black participants were genotyped on Illumina Omni2.5Exome chips. PolyA-selected strand-specific RNA-seq libraries were generated in several batches from lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) derived from 268 white and 165 black CAP participants. The LCLs were exposed to sham buffer (control) or 2 uM activated simvastatin for 24 hours, producing a total of 866 100/101 bp paired end RNA-seq libraries sequenced on Illumina HiSeq 2000 machines.

  Study phs000481

• Massachusetts General Hospital/Eisai National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Genetics Initiative Alzheimer's Disease GWAS - Affymetrix GeneChip Human Mapping 500K Array Set

  This study cohort was collected as part of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Alzheimer's disease Genetics Initiative Study. Recruitment of families, predominantly sibling, for the cohort was focused on local memory disorder clinics, nursing homes, and the surrounding community. Clinical evaluation was performed at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Johns Hopkins University, and Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School. Informed consent was obtained from all study participants, for participants with extensive cognitive impairment, a legal guardian or caregiver with power of attorney provided consent. To determine age of onset, a creditable informer was interviewed and medical records were evaluated.

  Study phs000483

• Molecular genetic analysis of inherited kidney dysfunction

  Samples were chosen for sequencing from a set of probands from pedigrees with apparently inherited forms of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Several genes have been identified which when mutated cause FSGS under both recessive and dominant inheritance patterns. These known genes are estimated to explain less than 50% of inherited FSGS. We chose samples from individuals in which previous analyses of known disease genes failed to identify likely disease-causing mutations.

  Study phs000484

• Integration of Genomics and Transcriptomics in unselected Twins and in Major Depression

  Our goals are to develop a comprehensive understanding of the genomics of transcription in a population based unselected sample and to discover DNA and RNA biomarkers for major depressive disorder (MDD). This work is essential to developing a more complete understanding of the biological basis of MDD, a common complex trait associated with considerable morbidity, mortality, and personal/societal cost. All biological samples have been collected from well-defined populations, and are now available. First, we conduct a "genetical genomics" or eQTL study of ~800 MZ and ~800DZ twin pairs. Each subject has been assayed for genome-wide SNPs and CNVs and gene expression from peripheral blood sampled under standardized conditions. We determine the genetic architecture (genetic and non-genetic proportions of variance via twin analyses) for every transcript, and the genome-wide associations (i.e., SNP-transcript eQTL pairs). These analyses will be expanded to consider transcriptional modules. The key deliverable is a detailed catalogue of the general and specific architecture of transcription plus raw intensity files. Second, we seek to discover DNA and RNA biomarkers relevant to MDD, capitalizing on the results of a large MDD study with repeated clinical and biological assessments; we have previously shown that PB is a reasonable proxy for CNS expression and employ an advanced modelling framework: (a) Using baseline data, we identify biomarkers for MDD by comparing ~1000 controls with ~1400 MDD cases via comparisons of SNP, CNV, expression transcripts, and transcriptional modules. (b) Using longitudinal data, we contrast gene expression signatures assessed at baseline and two years later in ~200 controls and ~500 MDD cases.

  Study phs000486

• A Study of the Genetic Causes of Complex Pediatric Disorders

  The Center for Applied Genomics (CAG) at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is a high-throughput, highly automated genotyping and sequencing facility equipped with state-of-the-art genotyping and sequencing platforms. Children who are treated at the Children's Hospital Healthcare Network and their parents may be eligible to take part in a major initiative to collect more than 100,000 blood samples, covering a wide range of pediatric diseases. A large majority of participants consenting to prospective genomic analyses also consent to analysis of their de-identified electronic medical records (EMRs). EMRs are longitudinal, with a mean duration of 6.5 years. CAG has committed to releasing genotype and phenotype data for 4000 individuals diagnosed with asthma, ADHD, atopic dermatitis, GERD (1000 for each), and 1000 individuals on the upper and lower ranges of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) levels to dbGaP. We will also release genotype/phenotype of 3000 controls. Relevant phenotype data includes primary diagnoses (ICD9 codes), secondary diagnoses (ICD9 codes), medical procedures/tests conducted in relation to the phenotype, and a listing of relevant medications. Further details of CAG's research programs and capacity are available at: http://www.caglab.org

  Study phs000490

• Whole-Genome and Exome Sequencing in clear-cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC)

  Study to evaluate the molecular genetics of ccRCC through integrative analyses of tumors and tumorgrafts using multiple platforms in clinically annotated samples. Genome and exome data for patients giving consent to have the information available on a public, secure, database is being submitted.

  Study phs000491

• Genetics of Human Developmental Brain Disorders

  Developmental brain malformations are at the core of significant neurological diseases affecting many families in the United States and around the world. It is known that epilepsy, specific learning deficits and intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, and abnormalities of brain volume can be attributed in many cases to pathological malformations of the cerebral cortex. Although these consequences, such as epilepsy and intellectual disability, might appear broadly in the population as due to complex traits, this study's focus on those associated with cortical malformations highlights individual developmental pathways likely represented by innumerable and rare Mendelian alleles. Research has thus far uncovered dozens of genes responsible for these conditions and dissected the mechanisms underlying early cortical development in animals. However, this progress represents only the dawn of understanding the complex genetic network and neuronal architecture of the uniquely human cerebral cortex. The overall goal of this study is to define the genetic bases of human cerebral cortical development. This is accomplished through (1) the ascertainment of families with disorders of human brain development and malformation, (2) categorizing these using medical, physical and neuroimaging data, and (3) mapping and identifying the gene causing the disorder of cortical development, which can then be investigated for its normal expression and function, and role in human disease.

  Study phs000492

• Genetic Association Studies in the Solomon Islanders

  The goal of this study was to determine the genetics underlying blond hair in the Solomon Islands, which has the highest prevalence of blondism outside of Europe. Participants in the study were of self-reported Solomon Islands ancestry and were 6-36 years of age at enrollment. Individuals with blond (N = 43) and dark hair (N = 42) were selected, approximately matched for age, sex and local geography, and spectrophometric measurements of hair pigmentation were made as a single measurement taken from hair at the crown. Individuals with gray, white, thin, bleached or artificially colored hair were excluded from analysis. All 85 participants were evaluated in a genome-wide scan to detected association to hair pigmentation in the Solomon Islands.

  Study phs000493