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Genetic Studies of Lysosomal Storage Disorders

Conditions
Gaucher Disease
Parkinson Disease
Lysosomal Storage Disorders
Registration Number
NCT00001215
Lead Sponsor
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to identify genetic, biochemical, and clinical factors that are associated with disease severity in people with Gaucher disease and other lysosomal storage disorders.

There is a vast spectrum of clinical manifestations in people with Gaucher disease as well as other lysosomal storage disorders. This study will evaluate patients with lysosomal disorders on an outpatient or inpatient basis in order to better characterize the clinical, genetic, and pathophysiological features of these disorders. Participants will be re-evaluated on an annual basis....

Detailed Description

There is a vast spectrum of clinical manifestations encountered in individuals with lysosomal storage diseases. Lysosomal storage disorders occur when an enzyme necessary for breaking down intracellular fats, proteins, recycled products and organelles in the cell is deficient. As a result, substrate accumulates within the lysosomes affecting different organ systems. The most common lysosomal storage disease, Gaucher disease (GD), results from the inherited deficiency of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase, which breaks down the lipid glucocerebroside. The disease is characterized by extremely variable manifestations, with some patients presenting in childhood with hepatosplenomegaly, anemia, thrombocytopenia and bony problems, some in infancy with a lethal neurodegenerative course, while others remain asymptomatic into their eighth decade. GD has traditionally been divided into three clinical subtypes, type 1 (non-neuronopathic), type 2 (acute neuronopathic), and type 3 (chronic neuronopathic) delineated by the absence or presence of neurologic involvement and its rate of progression. Some patients, however, defy classification into these three categories, and it may be more accurate to regard GD as a continuum of phenotypes. In addition, patients and carriers of mutations in GBA1, the gene for GD, are at increased risk for developing Parkinson disease (PD) and related neurodegenerative disorders.

This is a longitudinal natural history study of patients with lysosomal storage disorders with emphasis on phenotypic heterogeneity of GD and those at risk for the development of parkinsonism. Our goal is to identify genetic, biochemical, and clinical parameters that are associated with disease severity in individuals with lysosomal storage disorders to identify individuals with milder or early phenotypic manifestations, and to explore the natural history and extent of associated clinical manifestations. We also study subjects with GBA1 mutations who are at higher risk for developing parkinsonism to identify early disease manifestations and potential biomarkers. Participants are evaluated at the NIH to better characterize the clinical, genetic and pathophysiological features of these disorders. In order to better understand the entire effect of the enzyme deficiencies and the function of the specific proteins involved, emphasis is placed on individuals with atypical presentations. In particular, we will focus on subjects with GD and PD, to better understand the association between the two disorders. Following an initial comprehensive workup, participants will be studied either in the inpatient wards or the outpatient clinic and will be re-evaluated at periodic intervals longitudinally.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
1050
Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Clinical Phenotypesongoing

The purpose of this study is to clearly describe the clinical phenotypes of individuals with lysosomal storage diseases in order to better understand the pathophysiology of these disorders and to develop new therapies.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
development of Parkinsonismongoing

We aim to identify factors that may be predictive of the development of Parkinsonism in an at-risk population

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

🇺🇸

Bethesda, Maryland, United States

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