Clinical Research Directory

Helix Research Network

The Helix Research Network ("HRN") is a network of academic, public, and/or private healthcare organizations that are committed to advancing medical research and improving human health through large-scale genomics research and acceleration of the integration of genomic and other omics data into clinical care.

Microbiome and Association With Implant Infections

The most common tissue expander-related infections are from Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas species. In addition, from breast tissue microbiome studies, Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas show variable abundance across samples. The investigator hypothesizes that participants undergoing mastectomy with high initial abundance of Staphylococcus and/or Pseudomonas are more likely to develop subsequent tissue expander-related infections from these respective organisms.

The China Neonatal Genomes Project

The project will carry out the genetic testing of 100000 neonates in the next 5 years. The aim of the project is to construct the Chinese neonatal genome database, establish the genetic testing standard of neonatal genetic diseases, and promote the industrialization of neonatal genetic disease gene testing, improve the training system for genetic counseling.

This Study Consists of Two Study Parts Conducted Under a Single IRB. Part I: Short Term ApoE-dependent Cerebral Blood Flow Response to Sirolimus in Cognitively Normal Adults Part II: Short Term ApoE-dependent Cerebral Blood Flow and Lung Perfusion Response to Sirolimus in Cognitively Normal Adults

This study consists of two study parts (Part I and Part II) conducted under a single IRB approval. Individuals that participated in Part I of the study were invited to participate in Part II of the study. Alzheimer's disease is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by accumulation of clumps (also called plaques) and bundles of fibers (also called tangles) in the brain, for which there is currently no cure. Sirolimus is an FDA-approved medication which may improve the blood flow to the brain. Part I: This study is designed to see if sirolimus treatment improves MRI blood flow to the brain in individuals with and without a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease. Part I of this study is complete and no longer enrolling participants. Part II: Ongoing research will expand the genetic predisposition cohort and further explore the drug's impact on the lung perfusion via hyperpolarized xenon-129 gas MRI and the brain-vascular connection. Only subjects who are APOE4 carriers will be enrolled in Part II. Hyperpolarized xenon-129 gas MRI is a non-invasive technique in which a subject inhales a bolus of hyperpolarized xenon-129 gas which can be directly imaged by the MRI as it physiologically distributes itself throughout the lung interior and within tissue and red blood cells. It thus allows for direct imaging and quantification of regional lung function: ventilation, gas-exchange, and perfusion. The relationship between pulmonary vascular function and brain perfusion is largely unstudied. We hope to investigate the relationship between pulmonary vascular function and cerebral blood flow by quantifying both lung and brain perfusion before and after the administration of Sirolimus.

Assesment of Multiomics Profiles in Health and Disease.

This study will determine reference genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic profiles in Czech population and will evaluate its correlation with the disease phenotype.

Healthy Volunteers Study

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of the bacterial environments and metabolites in the early detection and prediction of ovarian cancer development. Vaginal swabs and stool samples will be collected from healthy volunteers, or those without a known ovarian cancer diagnosis or genetic ovarian cancer risk. These samples will be compared to samples from participants with increased cancer risk and ovarian cancer diagnoses.

VIGOR: Virtual Genome Center for Infant Health

This study will provide rigorous evaluation of implementing a virtual genome center into community clinical settings without highly specialized resources, thereby offering generalizable insights as to how best to implement genomic medicine at scale and for other age groups. This intervention has great potential to address disparities in genomic medicine among low-income and underrepresented minority (URM) populations and will enhance capacity for providers and health systems to utilize highly specialized genomic techniques in their communities. The goal of this study is to achieve equitable access to state-of-the-art genomic medical care to sick newborns in community centers that predominately care for low-income and racial/ethnic minority populations through the creation of a virtual genome center (VIGOR). VIGOR will provide a venue for physician and family education, genomic expert consultation, reanalysis of unsolved sequencing data, and access to cutting edge therapeutic innovation, thereby facilitating institutionalization of genomic best practices in community settings, and not just highly specialized referral centers.

Blood Markers of Early Pancreas Cancer

Identifying biomarkers of early pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) could facilitate screening for individuals at higher than average risk and expedite the diagnosis in individuals with symptoms and substantially improve an individual's chance of surviving the disease. The investigators propose a longitudinal study of subjects at higher than average risk of PDAC in order to generate clinical data and bank serial blood specimens.

Genetic Predisposition to High Blood Pressure

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a known but underdiagnosed cause of high blood pressure. It is estimated that more than 10% of all people with high blood pressure (HT) suffer from PA, which is often caused by aldosterone-producing adrenal cortical tumors (APAs). In a pilot study with 35 patients with APAs leading to hypertension, the investigators have identified a genetic variant in a presumed Calcium-channel gene. The variant was significantly overrepresented in patients with APAs compared to the normal population (12% compared to approximately 4%). Interestingly, all patients having APAs and the variant were men. The SCAPIS study is a world-unique Swedish research study in the field of heart/lungs, in which 30,000 randomly selected people between the ages of 50-64 participated. The study is a collaboration between the universities of Gothenburg, Lund, Linköping, Uppsala and Umeå, as well as the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. In Linköping, about 5,000 persons participated. The investigators have now screened 4762 persons from the SCAPIS study for this variant and found it in little less than 6%. Overall, patients with the variant had more often been diagnosed with HT and were mote often treated for HT as well. Interestingly, this difference was only found in men. The investigators now want to investigate the following: 1. identify those persons with the genetic variant and HT that have PA, 2. identify those persons with PA that have APAs/unilateral disease, 3. identify how many patients with APAs/unilateral disease can be cured by surgery.

Expression of Genes Relating Hypertension and Efficacy of 4-7-8 Breathing Control on Reducing Blood Pressure

This study consists of two sub-studies. Study 1 investigates gene expression related to the development of hypertension in Thailand, and Study 2 examines the effectiveness of the 4-7-8 breathing technique in reducing blood pressure in individuals with hypertension.

Enhancing Information Management for Young Adults After Genetic Cancer Risk Testing

This research is being done to develop the electronic platform Nest for young adults (ages 18-39) who have had prior cancer genetic testing. The platform will give patients and their clinicians access to continuously updated information about both pathogenic variants and variants of uncertain significance (VUS). The name of the intervention used in this research study is: Nest portal (electronic platform for patients and clinicians)

The IMPACT Study - Identification of Men With a Genetic Predisposition to ProstAte Cancer

The IMPACT study is an international targeted prostate screening study of men at increased prostate cancer risk due to the presence of known pathogenic mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and Mis-Match Repair genes (MLH1, MSH6, MSH2). There are only approximately 150 men with a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation in the UK. Research has shown that these men are at an increased risk of developing prostate cancer but more information is needed about the pathogenesis of prostate cancer in this defined group and the role of screening in these men. The study will offer annual PSA screening to these men to determine the incidence of prostate cancer in this group. The study will also look at new markers of early prostate cancer in this cohort. The power calculations for this study are 850 carriers and 850 controls (age-matched men without BRCA1/2. Mis match repair mutations). It is therefore essential to gain international collaboration to meet the target of recruiting 850 men with these known mutations and a control group of 850 men who have tested negative for a known familial mutation.

Genetic Determinants of Kidney Disease in People of African Ancestry With HIV

Black ethnicity is a major risk factor for chronic kidney disease \[CKD\] in people with HIV infection, suggesting that genetic factors are an important determinant of kidney disease progression in this population. The Gen-Africa study was established in 2018 to allow the study of genetic and clinical risk factors for CKD in people with HIV in the UK. Just over 3000 people across 15 sites were enrolled between May 2018 and January 2020. Demographic and clinical information was collected, and biological samples (buffy coats, plasma and urine) obtained. Cross-sectional analyses have revealed that participants of West-African ancestry are at higher risk of CKD and end-stage kidney disease \[ESKD\], and that genetic variants in the apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) gene and sickle cell trait (SCT) are predictors of CKD and ESKD. The pathogenesis of APOL1- and SCT-associated CKD is incompletely understood, and additional, longitudinal data will be collected to improve understanding of the contribution of demographic, traditional CKD (diabetes, hypertension, obesity/metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease) and HIV (immuno-virological and hepatitis B/C co-infection status, antiretroviral medications) risk factors as well as additional genetic and epigenetic markers.

Germline Testing for Predisposition to Myeloid Malignancies

The goal of this research study is to evaluate the feasibility of germline genetic testing using the investigational MyeloGen Gene Panel in adult participants diagnosed with myeloid malignancies.

Genetic Causes of Discrepant Clinic in Monogenic Twins

In the DISCO-TWIN study (prospective, open-label molecular-genetic study), twin pairs with one healthy and one affected twin with molecularly undiagnosed diseases will be analysed by means of omics technologies and/ or re-analysed using existing datasets. Phenotype and omics data will be shared within the University Hospital Tübingen and with external collaborators to improve the diagnostic rate of the subjects included in the study.

Prophylactic Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer (PPPC)

Prostate cancer affects 1-in-8 people assigned male at birth in the UK and kills almost 12,000 annually. Half the cases occur due to genetic factors. These include rare highly-penetrant mutations such as BRCA2 as well as a combination of common genetic variants. A 'polygenic risk score' can be used to identify people who may develop more aggressive forms of the disease. Prophylactic, or 'risk-reducing' mastectomy and oophorectomy has been shown to prevent mortality and be acceptable for healthy women with known genetic risks. There is no such evidence as yet of the benefits of similar surgery for people at a higher genetic risk of developing prostate cancer. However, this question is often posed in clinic by people who carry pathogenic variants in BRCA2. In the future we propose to develop a feasibility study offering prophylactic prostatectomy to people based on their high genetic risk. Prior to this, we wish to undertake this pilot qualitative study to better understand patients' perspectives on the acceptability of the procedure. Prostatectomy carries risks, with potential impact on erectile function and urinary continence. In this year-long project we will conduct up to 20 semi-structured interviews with patients and public to explore acceptability and to identify informational and support needs envisaged by men contemplating prophylactic prostatectomy. We will invite people aged over 18 to take part. We will include a wide range of perspectives including those at higher genetic risk or a strong family history of prostate cancer, as well as those with unknown or normal genetic risk factors. We will include people from different socio-economic backgrounds and those of black ethnicity who carry a higher risk. They will be recruited from existing prostate cancer screening studies and from community organisations with expertise in working with under-served communities.

Full-scale Intervention Study: Genetic Risk Communication and Wearables

Background: Communication of information about risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) alone has not been associated with changes in habitual behaviors among individuals of European ancestry. In contrast, the use of wearable devices that monitor physical activity (PA) has been associated with changes in behavior in some studies. It is uncertain whether risk communication might enhance the effects of wearable devices. We aim to assess the effects on wearable-device-measured PA of communicating genetic risk for T2D alone or in combination with goal setting and activity prompts from a wearable device among overweight or obese East Asians. Methods: In a parallel group, randomized controlled trial, a total of 355 overweight or obese East Asian individuals aged 40-60 years will be allocated into one of three groups: 1 control and 2 intervention groups. Blood samples will be used for estimation of T2D genetic risk and analysis of metabolic risk markers. Genetic risk of T2D will be estimated based on 113 SNPs associated with T2D among East Asians using an established method. All three groups will receive a Fitbit device. Both intervention groups will be given T2D genetic risk estimates along with lifestyle advice, but one of the intervention groups will additionally use Fitbit's step-goal setting and prompt functions. Questionnaires and physical measurements will be administered at baseline, immediately after intervention delivery, and 6 and 12-month post-intervention following standard operating procedures. The primary outcome is time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA measured through the Fitbit. Secondary outcomes include other parameters of wearable-device-measured PA, sedentary time, and sleep, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, five intermediate metabolic risk markers, hand grip strength, self-reported PA, self-reported fruit and vegetable consumption and smoking status, and a list of psychological variables. Discussion: This study will be the first randomized controlled trial using the combination of communication of T2D genetic risk with standard functions of wearable devices in any population. Findings will inform strategies to prevent T2D through lifestyle modification.

Prostate Cancer Genetic Risk Evaluation and Screening Study

This study aims to define the natural history of men at high genetic risk for prostate cancer on the basis of specific germline genetic mutations, family history, or Black/African ancestry and evaluate the utility of prostate MRI as a screening tool. The hypothesis is that this targeted population of men are at elevated risk of developing prostate cancer compared to the general population, and enhanced screening with MRI will enable early detection and diagnosis of potentially aggressive prostate cancer, characterization of the penetrance of specific mutations, and potentially identify new genetic risk mutations.

Impact of Inflammatory Indexes and Gene Scores in Prediction of Atrial Fibrillation

Because of the high recurrence rates following electrical cardioversion and high morbidity in AF patients there is a need to explore prediction models for AF recurrence following ECV. Previous studies have primarily focused on high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP), CRP, and IL-6, while other inflammatory indexes and gene scores might hold greater value. This prospective cohort study is planning to include 182 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation, planned for electrical cardioversion, and \>18 years at two medium-sized hospitals in Sweden. Blood samples will be collected prior to electrical cardioversion and at 7-, 30-, 90-, and 180-days follow-up. Atrial fibrillation recurrence will be evaluated at follow-up or upon patient request and diagnosed with 12-lead ECG. An interim analysis will be conducted after more than 80 patients have been included. If the results from univariate and/or multivariable logistic regression on inflammatory markers and genetic expression regarding atrial fibrillation recurrence are significant, the study will be concluded.

Identification of Genomic Predictors of Adverse Events After Cardiac Surgery

This study aims to identify genetic causes of adverse events after cardiac surgery, such as atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, renal dysfunction and heart failure. Patients undergoing heart surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Texas Heart Institute are eligible to participate.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia At Initial Diagnosis and/or Relapse in Children, Teenagers and Young Adults: Molecular Profiling, Multidrug Testing and MSC Interaction Studies

Pediatric acute myeloid leukemias are disease with poor prognosis (overall survival of 60-75%) and high relapse rate of 35-45% require further understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms. The main objective of this study is to establish a biological collection to evaluate the genomic profiling of leukemic cells from primary blasts at diagnosis and/or relapse to improve identification of the main genetic hits involved in resistance and could predict a high risk of relapse. Other objectives include the study of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and ex vivo drug testing.

Application of a Systematic Developmental Assessment to a Novel Population: Infants With Rare Genetic Disorders

The main objective of this study is to apply a well-established model of developmental surveillance (which evolved to characterize the outcomes of very low birth weight infants) to infants with genetic disorders. A novel clinical model for infants with rare genetic disorders has been created as a joint initiative between the Division of Newborn Medicine's NICU Growth and Developmental Support Programs (NICU GraDS) program and the Division of Genetics at Boston Children's Hospital (BCH). This study plans to enroll patients with genetic syndromes seen in this clinic into a prospective, longitudinal study in order to characterize their developmental profiles and needs.

Impact of the Genetic Background as a Risk Factor for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in the Brazilian Population

The main objective of this project is to evaluate the genomic information previously associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and its importance as an independent risk predictor (expressed in Odds Ratio) when adjusted for traditional risk factors (smoking, diabetes, arterial hypertension, obesity , anxiety and depression, inadequate diet, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption and apolipoprotein B/A1 ratio (ApoB/ApoA1). An unpaired case-control study of individuals over 18 years of age will be carried out. Cases (N = 1867) will be enrolled right after the occurrence of the first atherosclerotic cardiovascular event (Acute Myocardial Infarction, Stroke and Peripheral Artery Thrombotic-Ischemic Events). The ratio between cases and controls will be 1:1. The controls (N = 1867) will be adult individuals over 18 years of age who sought medical care at the same locations for other clinical reasons (no CVD) or individuals without any overt disease. The genetic evaluation will be performed through the association of Low-covering Whole Genome Sequencing (coverage 0.5-5x) and Whole Exome Sequencing (average coverage 30x).

AHC Ballana Heart Study

This Study is designed to assess CVD incidence, prevalence, progression and related risk factors, including genetic background. It will provide an important base for all cardiovascular research activities in our centre and help in designing future studies and guide policy.