Genetic Linkage Studies of Stuttering

Stuttering is an abnormality in speech that affects the rhythm of speech. People who stutter know what they wish to say, but at the time are unable to say it because of involuntary repetition, unnecessary lengthening (prolongation), or early stopping (cessation). Stuttering is characterized by repetitions or prolongation of the first syllable, or silent prolongations, sometimes known as blocks.

Researcher intend on studying the genetic basis for stuttering. The goal of the study is to find the genes that help cause stuttering and determine regions of the human genetic make-up (genome) that are linked to stuttering.. To do this researchers will study the patterns of inheritance in families who have had members who stutter.

The study has two objectives.

The first objective is to develop a large collection of DNA samples from individuals in stuttering families, that will include both members that stutter and who do not stutter.

The second objective of the study will be to find out the basic combination of genes (genotype) making up all of the participants DNA. Once this is completed researchers hope to map out and find areas or regions of DNA that are linked to stuttering.

Genetic linkage is the initial step in positional cloning, and the cloning of genes which predispose individuals to stuttering is a long term goal of this research study.<TAB>

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Key information

Conditions

Stuttering Communication Disorders Language Disorders Nervous System Diseases Neurobehavioral Manifestations Neurologic Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms Speech Disorders

Age range

6 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities Hospital, Saitama, Japan

About this study

A primary goal of this study is to ascertain regions of the human genome which show genetic linkage to stuttering. Genetic linkage will be determined by first obtaining genomic DNA from both affected and unaffected adults and children from families containing pairs of individuals who stutter as adults. Individuals who stutter from genetically isolated populations will also be sampled. Phenotype will be assigned by a speech-language pathologist, and DNA samples will be obtained from affected and unaffected family members from 2 cc. of saliva or from 20 cc. of blood. These DNA samples will then be genotyped using markers distributed across the human genome. The genotypic information analyzed to determine which markers or variants show linkage to stuttering. The initial goal of this study is to identify specific genetic variants, which predispose individuals to stuttering. No genetic information will be provided back to participants. A secondary goal of the study will be to perform broad clinical evaluations of the individuals found to have mutations that cause stuttering. These will take place at the NIH Clinical Center and will include standard procedures including history and physical, neurological exam, audiological exam, ophthalmologic exam, electromyographic (EMG) exam, electroencephalography (EEG), X-rays, speech evaluation, and brain imaging including MRI and fMRI.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

INCLUSION CRITERIA:
Individuals age 8 and older.
Individuals age 6-8 with a family history of persistent stuttering
Have stuttering that persists for a period of 6 months or more or are a family member of that person
For the Phase 2 imaging studies, we will be enrolling up to 25 healthy volunteers to be controls

Exclusion criteria

Stuttering only as a young child (before age 5) with no other family members who stutter
Inability to provide informed consent or have a parent/guardian to provide consent
Development of stuttering following trauma to the central nervous system.
Chronic medical conditions that prevent informed consent or clear evaluation of stuttering, including stroke, dementia, and degenerative neurological disease.
Inability to travel to the NIH Clinical Center for Phase 2

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

To identify genetic mutations or variants that predispose humans to stuttering.

Time frame: ongoing

Our primary outcome measures are the observation or exclusion of genetic linkage to stuttering at a discreet locus or genetic association with stuttering with a specific genetic variant.

Secondary outcomes

Perform clinical and physical evaluations on those individuals who stutter and possess these genetic variants

Time frame: ongoing

disorders in study subjects carrying genetic variants shown to be associated with stuttering in the primary outcome measures.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)

Nih

Registry information

Official study title

Genetic Studies of Stuttering

Important dates

Study start: 2003
Primary completion: 2019
Study completion: 2019
First posted: Nov 4, 1999
Registry last updated: Nov 18, 2024

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

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