Clinical Research Directory

Development of Non-Invasive Prenatal Diagnosis for Single Gene Disorders

Cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) is present in the maternal blood from the early first trimester of gestation and makes up 5%-20% of the total circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in maternal plasma. Its presence in maternal plasma has allowed development of noninvasive prenatal diagnosis for single-gene disorders (SGD-NIPD). This can be performed from 9 weeks of amenorrhea and offers an early, safe and accurate definitive diagnosis without the miscarriage risk associated with invasive procedures. One of the major difficulties is distinguishing fetal genotype in the high background of maternal cfDNA, which leads to several technical and analytical challenges. Besides, unlike noninvasive prenatal testing for aneuploidy, NIPD for monogenic diseases represent a smaller market opportunity, and many cases must be provided on a bespoke, patient- or disease-specific basis. As a result, implementation of SGD-NIPD remained sparse, with most testing being delivered in a research setting. The present project aims to take advantage of the unique French collaborative network to make SGD-NIPD possible for theoretically any monogenic disorder and any family.

Cardiometabolic Benefit of Reducing Iatrogenic Hyperinsulinemia Using Insulin Adjunctive Therapy in Type 1 Diabetes

This study aims to understand the heart and blood sugar health benefits of using an adjunctive therapy to lower high insulin levels in people with type 1 diabetes. The investigators will also look at people with a specific type of diabetes called Glucokinase-Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (GCK-MODY) and those without diabetes to help interpret the results. The investigators will use a medication that helps the body get rid of sugar, called and SGLT2 inhibitor, with the goal to reduce the body's insulin requirements. The investigators believe this could lead to better heart and blood sugar health, including a better response to insulin and more available nitric oxide, a gas that helps blood vessels function well. The investigators will compare heart and blood sugar health risk factors in participants with type 1 diabetes, participants with Glucokinase-Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (GCK-MODY), and non-diabetic healthy volunteers under two conditions: high insulin levels typical of type 1 diabetes and normal insulin levels typical of the other two groups.