Human Disease With Mutation of Nonmuscle Myosin Heavy Chain Genes

Pentalogy of Cantrell is a very rare disorder in which patients have a combination of severe defects of the middle of the chest including the sternum (breastbone), diaphragm (muscle which separates the chest from the abdomen), heart, and abdominal wall. The defects can affect both males and females and is apparent at birth or shortly after.

This study will collect blood, urine, and other tissue samples from 50 patients study-wide with Pentalogy of Cantrell and other inherited diseases that involve mutations in non-muscle genes. Mutations in non-muscle genes have been shown to result in human defects involving blood platelets, kidney, hearing and sight. The major objective of this protocol is to study a variety of blood, tissue and urine samples by looking at protein, DNA, and RNA in those collected samples.

Enrollment in this study is entirely voluntary and the subject can elect to withdraw from the study at any time. Each subject will receive an oral and written explanation of this study and the purpose, procedures, and risks of this study in language that is comprehensible. The Investigator will be available to answer any questions the subject may have regarding the study. If the subject is a minor, the parent who signs the consent for the minor must be the legally recognized parent or guardian. Where deemed appropriate, the child will also be included in all discussions about the trial and a minor's assent will be obtained. The parent or guardian will sign on the designated line on the informed consent attesting to the fact that the child had given assent. If the minor child refuses to provide assent, then participation in the study will not occur. Informed consent will be obtained by the Investigator or designee, and a copy of the signed consent document will be given to the subject and placed in the subject's medical record. Subjects may withdraw permission of use of blood/tissue/urine specimens at any time.

Tissue and/or blood and/or urine samples from participating institutions that have identified cases of Pentalogy of Cantrell and/or related syndromes will be collected. These samples will be sent to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) for analysis and kept for a period of 5 years, unless the subject withdraws permission during that period. Standard methods will be used to collect the blood, tissue, and/or urine samples. For example, blood samples will be obtained from routine blood drawing and tissue may be obtained from previously obtained tissue secondary to surgery.

Samples that are sent to the NHLBI for analysis will have identifiers on them, so if new information is discovered, the research subject may be contacted. All samples will be stored in a locked storage facility to maximize patient confidentiality.