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Decoding the Genetic Landscape of Skeletal Diseases

Recruiting
Conditions
Genetic Skeletal Diseases
Skeletal Dysplasia
Molecular Causes
Skeletal Disorder
Registration Number
NCT05876416
Lead Sponsor
Karolinska Institutet
Brief Summary

This 5-year project aims to (1) search for genetic causes for yet unsolved congenital skeletal disorders (GSDs); (2) study consequences of the newly identified pathogenic variants in cells and in transgenic mice, (3) summarize data on natural course and complications for different GSD groups. For patients with unsolved GSD, the investigators search for molecular causes of GSDs using whole genome sequencing (WGS) and total ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing. Candidate gene variants are selected using genome or transcriptome sequencing data, clinical findings and screening of omics databases. Causality of the new variants is studied in cells and in transgenic mice models. Molecular and clinical findings are summarized for different GSD groups.

Detailed Description

Genetic skeletal disorders (GSDs) are a large group of rare diseases caused by abnormalities in genes regulating skeletal development. This 5-year project aims to (1) search for genetic causes for yet unsolved congenital skeletal disorders; (2) study consequences of the newly identified pathogenic variants in cells and in transgenic mice, (3) summarize data on natural course and complications for different GSD groups. The project is a collaboration between the Dept of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Lab of Clinical Genetics and Lab of Bone and Cartilage Physiology, Karolinska Institutet and Sahlgrenska Academy. In a well-characterized group of 300 GSD participants whose DNA samples were analyzed using whole genome sequencing (WGS), there are 120 study participants with unsolved diagnoses. For those participants, we search for molecular causes of GSDs using WGS and total RNA sequencing. Candidate gene variants are selected using genome or transcriptome sequencing data, clinical findings and screening of omics databases. Causality of the new variants is studied in cells and in transgenic mice models. Molecular and clinical findings are summarized for different GSD groups. Our results improve diagnostics for GSDs, advance knowledge on pathogenesis and help establishing new individual follow-up and treatment strategies for patients with GSDs. This project increases understanding of skeletal pathophysiology and will contribute to the development of novel treatment methods for skeletal diseases.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
450
Inclusion Criteria

Clinically suspected skeletal dysplasia based on previous investigations

Abnormal height

Radiographic abnormalities of the skeleton in addition to other syndromic features

Healthy relatives of the affected study participants

Exclusion Criteria

No radiographic data available from clinical investigations

Suspected environmental or multifactorial causes

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
New gene discoveries for genetic skeletal disorders (GSDs)2023-2028

2-3 new disease causes and disease entities identified and reported per year for GSDs.

Improved knowledge regarding natural cause of rare GSDs2023-2028

1-2 GSDs reported as small patient groups with the same condition and clinical characteristics/course.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Information on disease causing variants in GSD2023-2028

During the study we identify several novel disease causing variants in known GSD genes and report them to databases.

Disease (GSD) associated traits and complications2023-2028

The observations include internal malformations, metabolic, biochemical and growth parameters, and secondary complications.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Karolinska University Hospital

πŸ‡ΈπŸ‡ͺ

Stockholm, Sweden

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