Research

We are happy to help spread the word about studies that are of interest to C22C community members. Email Stephanie if you would like to post a study on this page.

The University of British Columbia is conducting a study on reducing the risk for and the impact of mental health issues in children and youth with 22q11 deletion Syndrome. Please click this link to see poster for details.  Posted March 1, 2016

Children needed for MRI-speech study -
Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus Ohio

Who are we looking for? Children ages 4-12 years old with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (also known as velocardiofacial/DiGeorge syndrome). Children who have a pharyngeal flap or sphincter pharyngoplasty are not eligible. Children who previously had a palate repair surgery (e.g., Furlow) are also not eligible to participate. What is involved? • 15-minute speech video recording (repeating words and sentences) • Oral exam • Medical history review • 15-minute magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the head while the child is quiet and while the child is saying sounds Before the MRI scan, participants will be able to practice lying in an MRI simulator to feel, see and hear what an MRI machine is like. All MRI scans will be done while the child is awake, without any sedation or anesthesia. A parent or legal guardian may be present with the child for the MRI scan, after passing an initial MRI safety screening. All tests will be done at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. All study procedures (including paperwork and medical history review) will take up to two hours total and can be completed in one or two visits. What are the benefits of participating? • Participation is completely voluntary and will be at no cost to you. • The MRI does not use radiation and is safe for children. • Whether or not you choose to participate will not impact your care at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. • Participants will be compensated for their time and ground travel. How do I participate or find out more? Contact Adriane Baylis, PhD, by phone at (614) 722-3895 or by e-mail at Adriane.Baylis@NationwideChildrens.org.  (also see WEBSITE HERE )  

Posted September 28, 2015

Brain Structure and Function in Genetic Disorders UCLA - Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, Neurobiology, and Genetics

UCLA has research opportunities for individuals over 18 years old with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (Velocardiofacial Syndrome).

Background: Many people with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (Velocardiofacial Syndrome) have a greater chance of having attention deficits, learning disabilities, and particular psychiatric conditions such as autistic spectrum disorders. 22q11DS is caused by mutations in specific genes which affect brain development and can cause developmental delays and learning disabilities as well as certain physical problems like heart defects. One of the major obstacles in treating the disease is that scientists cannot study directly the nerve cells in the brain of individuals with 22q11DS. The purpose of the research is to create human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from a small skin sample in order to model the disease in a laboratory and better understand the structure and growth of nerve cells and their connections.

In this research, your skin will be sent to Stanford University and induced to become iPSC. The iPSC will then be induced to become nerve cells in order to model 22q11DS and possibly identify future therapies.

Study aims:

• To examine emotional adjustment, thought processes such as memory and attention, and brain structure and activity in individuals with 22qDS, as compared to those without the disorder.

• To create human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from skin samples. The iPSC will be induced to become nerve cells in the laboratory in order to model 22q11DS and possibly identify future therapies.

• To determine whether variation in the specific genes affected by 22qDS is related to differences in brain structure, function, and behavior.

Study procedures: Study procedures include an MRI brain scan, clinical interview, tests of memory and attention, blood/saliva sample, skin sample and review of medical records. Participation may take between one to two days (~6-7 hours for all study procedures) per visit and includes 3 visits in total. All procedures will be explained carefully and all participation is completely VOLUNTARY.

Compensation: Participants will be compensated up to $310 for full participation in all study visits and will receive a brief report about the test results from the clinical interviews and cognitive assessments.

For more information: Please call Leila Kushan at (310) 825-3458 or email beardenlab.ucla@gmail.com

Protocol ID:IRB#10-001071  UCLA IRB Approved  Approval date: 5/3/2016 Through: 5/2/2017  Committee: Medical IRB 3  (reposted September 4, 2016)

The University of Newcastle, Australia,  is seeking participants have a sibling with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome /VCFS who are aged 12 years or older to participate in the study. You must live in the Sydney or Hunter regions of NSW. Click for full information.

Posted July 19, 2015

Are you a father of a child with 22q11.2 Deletion syndrome? The University of Newcastle is interested in your experiences of well-being, coping styles, and access to support, as well as your level of growth since your child’s diagnosis. If you want more information, or would like to complete the questionnaire, please follow this link   http://www.findlab.net.au/are-you-a-father-of-a-child-with-a-genetic-syndrome/

Posted June 7, 2015