Clinical and Genetic Studies of Families With Congenital or Hereditary Cataracts
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Ocular |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Ophthalmology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 4 - Any |
| Updated: | 4/17/2018 |
| Start Date: | March 18, 2003 |
| End Date: | May 25, 2016 |
Clinical and Molecular Studies in Families With Congenital or Hereditary Cataracts
This study will explore the clinical and hereditary (genetic) features of inherited
cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the eye lens, which focuses light on the back of the
eye. When the lens becomes cloudy and does not let light through, vision is impaired.
Cataracts may be associated with vision problems alone, or with other problems, such as
changes in facial appearance or skin problems. A better understanding of these genetic
conditions may help in the development of better diagnostic tests.
Patients with inherited cataracts and their family members may be eligible for this study.
Participants will be drawn from patients enrolled in other studies of inherited cataracts at
the NEI and collaborating clinics.
Participants will undergo the following tests and procedures:
- Medical and surgical history;
- Verification of diagnosis;
- Construction of a family tree regarding familial vision problems;
- Complete eye examination, including dilation of the pupils and photography of the lens,
tests of color vision and field of vision, and of the ability to see in the dark;
- Blood sample collection (20 ml, or 4 teaspoons) for genetic studies of hereditary
cataracts.
cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the eye lens, which focuses light on the back of the
eye. When the lens becomes cloudy and does not let light through, vision is impaired.
Cataracts may be associated with vision problems alone, or with other problems, such as
changes in facial appearance or skin problems. A better understanding of these genetic
conditions may help in the development of better diagnostic tests.
Patients with inherited cataracts and their family members may be eligible for this study.
Participants will be drawn from patients enrolled in other studies of inherited cataracts at
the NEI and collaborating clinics.
Participants will undergo the following tests and procedures:
- Medical and surgical history;
- Verification of diagnosis;
- Construction of a family tree regarding familial vision problems;
- Complete eye examination, including dilation of the pupils and photography of the lens,
tests of color vision and field of vision, and of the ability to see in the dark;
- Blood sample collection (20 ml, or 4 teaspoons) for genetic studies of hereditary
cataracts.
Objective: This project, Clinical and Molecular Studies in Families with Congenital or
Hereditary Cataracts will study the inheritance of genetic cataracts, both Mendelian and
complex age related cataracts, in families of many nationalities and ethnic backgrounds in
order to identify the genes that, when mutated, cause cataracts and the pathophysiology
through which they act.
Study Population: Families of many nationalities and ethnic backgrounds. We will study a
maximum or 5,000 patients and family members.
Design: The study consists of ascertaining individuals, and especially families with multiple
individuals, affected by both congenital and age related cataracts. These patients and their
families will undergo detailed ophthalmological examinations to characterize their cataracts
and determine their affectation status. A blood sample will be collected from each individual
for isolation of DNA and in some individuals for lymphoblastoid transformation to establish a
renewable source of DNA. Linkage analysis, physical mapping, and mutational screening will be
carried out to identify the specific the gene and the mutations in it that are associated
with cataracts in this family. If necessary, the gene product will be characterized
biochemically. The study will enroll subjects at NEI and collaborating institutions, the
Centre for Excellence in Molecular Biology, Lahore, Pakistan, the Zhongshan Ophthalmic
Center, Guangzhou, China, the Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, India, and the University of
Parma, Italy and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
Outcome Measures: Linkage will be determined using the lod score method and mutations in
specific genes will be assessed using a combination of residue conservation, blosum score,
and molecular modeling. Biochemical, metabolic, and physiological effects will be
individualized to the specific assay.
Hereditary Cataracts will study the inheritance of genetic cataracts, both Mendelian and
complex age related cataracts, in families of many nationalities and ethnic backgrounds in
order to identify the genes that, when mutated, cause cataracts and the pathophysiology
through which they act.
Study Population: Families of many nationalities and ethnic backgrounds. We will study a
maximum or 5,000 patients and family members.
Design: The study consists of ascertaining individuals, and especially families with multiple
individuals, affected by both congenital and age related cataracts. These patients and their
families will undergo detailed ophthalmological examinations to characterize their cataracts
and determine their affectation status. A blood sample will be collected from each individual
for isolation of DNA and in some individuals for lymphoblastoid transformation to establish a
renewable source of DNA. Linkage analysis, physical mapping, and mutational screening will be
carried out to identify the specific the gene and the mutations in it that are associated
with cataracts in this family. If necessary, the gene product will be characterized
biochemically. The study will enroll subjects at NEI and collaborating institutions, the
Centre for Excellence in Molecular Biology, Lahore, Pakistan, the Zhongshan Ophthalmic
Center, Guangzhou, China, the Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, India, and the University of
Parma, Italy and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
Outcome Measures: Linkage will be determined using the lod score method and mutations in
specific genes will be assessed using a combination of residue conservation, blosum score,
and molecular modeling. Biochemical, metabolic, and physiological effects will be
individualized to the specific assay.
- INCLUSION CRITERIA:
Subjects with the following will be recruited:
1. Individuals or family members of individuals with inherited cataracts, either
congenital, childhood, or age related.
2. Adults must be capable of providing their own consent.
3. All subjects must be able to cooperate with study examination and phlebotomy.
4. Older than 4 years of age.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
1. Diseases, infections, or trauma that mimic inherited cataracts.
2. Children requiring sedation for study procedures.
We found this trial at
2
sites
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
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