Exome Sequencing in Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Summary
Background:
- Research into the genetic causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves studies of the DNA of children with autism. New DNA sequencing technology allows researchers to study specific genes in search of genetic changes that may cause or contribute to ASD. Individuals who donated DNA to the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange may benefit from further study of their DNA samples with more advanced DNA sequencing technology.
- The role of cholesterol in individuals with ASD is currently under investigation. Research has suggested that abnormal cholesterol levels in children with autism may be related to genetic mutations or changes in how cholesterol is regulated in the body.
Objectives:
- To study existing blood samples of children with autism spectrum disorders to evaluate the relationship between genetic traits and cholesterol function.
Eligibility:
- Children with ASD who donated blood samples to the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange.
Design:
- Parents/guardians of minor children with ASD will provide consent for further research to be performed on existing DNA samples in the Autism Genetic Research Exchange databank. Information from this research may be provided to the consenting parents/guardians on a case by case basis, as directed by the researchers.
Description
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by functional deficits in three domains: social interaction, communication, and stereotypic behavior. Prevalence has been estimated to be approximately 1/166 children and the public health impact is significant. ASD clearly has a genetic component; however, identification of specific etiologies has been complicated by the heterogeneous nature of ASD. One approach to minimize this problem is to define endophenotypes that can subcategorize ASD patients. Based on our work with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, we have investigated whether alterations in cholesterol homeostasis may contribute to ASD. We found in 200 ASD subjects that 23% of subjects had serum cholesterol levels less than or equal to 2.28th centile and 9% had levels greater than or equal to 97.72nd centile. Analysis of the sterol profile suggested that the hypocholesterolemia was due to a synthetic defect rather than decreased oral intake. Thus we hypothesize that ASD patients with abnormal cholesterol levels will have polymorphisms or mutations of either genes involved in cholesterol homeostasis or genes encoding proteins whose function is altered by changes in cholesterol levels. To test this hypothesis we propose to 1) use serum cholesterol levels to define ASD endophenotypes and 2) to perform genomic resequencing of all known exons in hypo- and normocholesterolemic ASD patients.
Study Design
N/A
Conditions
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Location
Kennedy Krieger Institute
Baltimore
Maryland
United States
21205
Status
Recruiting
Source
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)
Results (where available)
Links
- Source: http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01059201
- Information obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov on January 10, 2013
Medical and Biotech [MESH] Definitions
Asperger Syndrome
A childhood disorder predominately affecting boys and similar to autism (AUTISTIC DISORDER). It is characterized by severe, sustained, clinically significant impairment of social interaction, and restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior. In contrast to autism, there are no clinically significant delays in language or cognitive development. (From DSM-IV)
Classical Lissencephalies And Subcortical Band Heterotopias
Disorders comprising a spectrum of brain malformations representing the paradigm of a diffuse neuronal migration disorder. They result in cognitive impairment; SEIZURES; and HYPOTONIA or spasticity. Mutations of two genes, LIS1, the gene for the non-catalytic subunit of PLATELET-ACTIVATING FACTOR ACETYLHYDROLASE IB; and DCX or XLIS, the gene for doublecortin, have been identified as the most common causes of disorders in this spectrum. Additional variants of classical (Type I) lissencephaly have been linked to RELN, the gene for reelin, and ARX, the gene for aristaless related homeobox protein. (From Leventer, R.J., et al, Mol Med Today. 2000 Jul;6(7):277-84 and Barkovich, A.J., et al, Neurology. 2005 Dec 27;65(12):1873-87.)
Anthramycin
A broad-spectrum spectrum antineoplastic antibiotic isolated from Streptomyces refuineus var. thermotolerans. It has low toxicity, some activity against Trichomonas and Endamoeba, and inhibits RNA and DNA synthesis. It binds irreversibly to DNA.
Conversion Disorder
A disorder whose predominant feature is a loss or alteration in physical functioning that suggests a physical disorder but that is actually a direct expression of a psychological conflict or need.
Antisocial Personality Disorder
A personality disorder whose essential feature is a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others that begins in childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood. The individual must be at least age 18 and must have a history of some symptoms of CONDUCT DISORDER before age 15. (From DSM-IV, 1994)
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