Project description:<p>This research study will investigate sleep behavior in the rare neurological disorders Angelman Syndrome (AS), Rett Syndrome (RTT), Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) and Early-onset Morbid Obesity (EMO). Sleep is very important to proper health and plays a critical role in learning, memory, brain development and brain function. Sleep disturbances can have negative effects on health and the quality of life of children and their families. Sleep disorders are common in individuals with AS, RTT, PWS and EMO. As a result, individuals with AS, RTT, PWS and EMO are at risk for sleep-related health problems that can worsen existing daytime behaviors and lead to additional problems with learning and memory.</p> <p>The principal objectives of the study are to: </p> <p><ol> <li>Characterize sleep behavior in individuals with Angelman Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome and Early-onset Morbid Obesity.</li> <li>Compare sleep behavior in these individuals with sleep behavior in normal controls</li> <li>Assess the natural history of sleep behavior in individuals with Angelman Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome and Early-onset Morbid Obesity</li> </ol></p> <p><b>About this Study</b></p> <p>This is a questionnaire study that will evaluate the sleep behavior of individuals with AS, RTT or PWS (participants), or unaffected siblings of individuals with AS, RTT or PWS (controls). Those participating in the study will already be registered with the Rare Disease Clinical Research Network (RDCRN) and have a confirmed diagnosis of AS, RTT or PWS or be an unaffected sibling. We will look at the medical records on file with the RDCRN to confirm diagnosis of AS, RTT or PWS. Study participants will participate in the study at their regularly scheduled RDCRN clinic visits. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires at the study visits that will document their sleep behaviors.</p> <p>The questionnaires are not difficult and participants should be able to complete them in approximately 15-30 minutes. Parents and legal guardians are allowed to assist participants or answer on their behalf. Questionnaires will be administered at the initial study visit and at a 12 month follow-up visit to document any changes in sleep behavior. We hope to enroll approximately 1400 individuals with either AS, RTT or PWS or their unaffected siblings.</p>
Project description:Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder caused by deficiency of imprinted gene expression from the paternal chromosome 15q11-15q13 and clinically characterized by neonatal hypotonia, short stature, cognitive impairment, hypogonadism, hyperphagia, morbid obesity and diabetes. Previous clinical studies suggest that a defect in energy metabolism may be involved in the pathogenesis of PWS. Assessment of enzyme activities of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes in the brain, heart, liver and muscle were assessed. We used microarrays to detail the global programme of gene expression underlyingthe PWS and identified distinct classes of disregulated genes during this process. Skeletal (quadriceps) muscle Vastus Lateralis and whole brain samples from the mutant mice and their wild-type age-matched littermates were analyzed by microarray technology using the Mouse Genome 430 2.0 arrays (Affymetrix).
Project description:Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder caused by deficiency of imprinted gene expression from the paternal chromosome 15q11-15q13 and clinically characterized by neonatal hypotonia, short stature, cognitive impairment, hypogonadism, hyperphagia, morbid obesity and diabetes. Previous clinical studies suggest that a defect in energy metabolism may be involved in the pathogenesis of PWS. Assessment of enzyme activities of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes in the brain, heart, liver and muscle were assessed. We used microarrays to detail the global programme of gene expression underlyingthe PWS and identified distinct classes of disregulated genes during this process.
Project description:Snord116 deletion mouse models recapitulate aspects of the Prader-Willi Syndrome. In this study, we examine the gene expression changes in the mediobasal hypothalamus for mice which have an adult onset deletion of Snord116 in the mediobasal hypothalamus.
