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NCT Number: NCT04395495

RASopathy Biorepository

The RASopathies are a group of developmental disorders caused by genetic changes in the genes that compose the Ras/mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. New RASopathies are being diagnosed frequently. This pathway is essential in the regulation of the cell cycle and the determination of cell function. Thus, appropriate function of this pathway is critical to normal development. Each syndrome in this group of disorders has unique phenotypic features, but there are many overlapping features including facial features, heart defects, cutaneous abnormalities, cognitive delays, and a predisposition to malignancies. This research study proposes to collect and store human bio-specimens from patients with suspected or diagnosed RASopathies. Once obtained, blood and/or tissue samples will be processed for: metabolic function studies, biomarkers, genetic studies, and/or the establishment of immortalized cell lines. In addition, data from the medical record (including neuropsychological evaluations) and surveys will be stored to create a longitudinal database for research conducted at CCHMC or at other research institutions.

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Key information

Conditions

RAS Mutation Abnormalities, Multiple Cardiofaciocutaneous Syndrome Cardiovascular Abnormalities Cardiovascular Diseases Congenital Abnormalities Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities Connective Tissue Diseases Costello Syndrome Craniofacial Abnormalities DLG4 GATOR-1 Gene Mutation Genetic Diseases, Inborn Heart Defects, Congenital Heart Diseases Heart Valve Diseases Heredodegenerative Disorders, Nervous System Hyperpigmentation LEOPARD Syndrome Legius Syndrome Lentigo MAPK1 Gene Mutation MTOR Gene Mutation Melanosis Musculoskeletal Abnormalities Musculoskeletal Diseases Neoplasms Neoplasms by Histologic Type Neoplasms, Nerve Tissue Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary Nerve Sheath Neoplasms Nervous System Diseases Neurocutaneous Syndromes Neurodegenerative Diseases Neurofibroma Neurofibromatoses Neurofibromatosis 1 Neurofibromatosis-Noonan syndrome Neuromuscular Diseases Noonan Neurofibromatosis Syndrome Noonan Syndrome Noonan Syndrome With Multiple Lentigines Peripheral Nervous System Diseases Pigmentation Disorders Pulmonary Valve Stenosis SYNGAP1-Related Intellectual Disability Skin Diseases Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases Smith-Kingsmore Syndrome

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

About this study

Patients who are being evaluated for a RASopathy may have overlapping features, but the disorders individually can be exceedingly rare and many are not yet well characterized. Additionally, available clinical testing is not always diagnostic in this group of patients. The investigators propose to study disorders across the RAS/MAPK pathway, identifying both commonalities and differences, under one unified ongoing research protocol. The investigators propose:

  • To investigate the metabolic and molecular basis of established and suspected RASopathies.
  • Collect specimens derived from blood, buccal cells, sputum, urine, bone marrow, tumor tissue and residual specimens, including but not limited to pleural fluid, ascetic fluid, chyle, skin, lung, lymphatic or renal tissue and/or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, tissue specimens, and/or cells that are left over from clinical procedures from enrolled patients for research purposes only.
  • Non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures to collect tissues for research purposes only, such as saliva, skin, or blood samples are also allowed. The collection of all samples from minor subjects will be done only if it is safe for the participant. Clinical studies will take precedence over research procedures.
  • Collect demographic information, medical history, and clinical test results to create a longitudinal research database of participants with suspected or diagnosed RASopathies. Participants will also complete surveys to be included in the research database (see "Research Database" section for details).
  • Provide a facility for long-term storage of bio-specimens and clinical data from participants with suspected or diagnosed RASopathies and their unaffected relatives.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Patients with a suspected or known diagnosis of any of the group of disorders known as RASopathies (e.g., Neurofibromatosis, Costello Syndrome, Noonan Syndrome). Diagnosis may be made clinically and/or confirmed through genetic testing.
  • Unaffected relatives of patients with a suspected or known diagnosis of any of the group of disorders known as RASopathies.

Exclusion criteria

  • Individuals who do not have a suspected or definite diagnosis of a RASopathy.
  • Individuals who do not have a relative with a suspected or definite diagnosis of a RASopathy.
  • Patients who do not have the ability/capacity to undergo the informed consent process OR whose parent/legal guardian is unable to undergo the informed consent process.

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

  1. Collection of biospecimen

    Time frame: 50 years

    Collect specimens derived from blood, buccal cells, sputum, urine, bone marrow, tumor tissue and residual specimens, including but not limited to pleural fluid, ascetic fluid, chyle, skin, lung, lymphatic or renal tissue and/or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, tissue specimens, and/or cells that are left over from clinical procedures from enrolled patients for research purposes only.

  2. Collection of medical history

    Time frame: 50 years

    Collect demographic information, medical history, and clinical test results to create a longitudinal research database of participants with suspected or diagnosed RASopathies. Participants will also complete surveys to be included in the research database (see "Research Database" section for details).

Secondary outcomes

  1. Release of Specimens and Clinical Data to Other Investigators for use in RASopathy Research

    Time frame: 50 years

    Release of fresh or frozen specimens and clinical data to both CCHMC and external investigators. Applications for use of bio-specimen and/or data must be approved by the Repository Use Committee through the completion of a specimen request form. Among other data, the specimen request form will require information concerning: Principal Investigator, funding sources, a research synopsis, Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval of the research project, and details about the required samples. At the time a de-identified sample is requested, the requesting investigator may also request de-identified clinical data if needed.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Laurie Bailey, MS

CONTACT

[email protected]

513-636-4507

Lindsey Aschbacher-Smith, MS

CONTACT

[email protected]

513-803-0077

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Investigation Into the Natural History and Metabolic and Molecular Basis of RASopathies.

Important dates

Study start
2017
Primary completion
2065
Study completion
2065
First posted
May 20, 2020
Registry last updated
Dec 18, 2025

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.

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