RASopathy Biorepository

Overview

The RASopathies are a group of developmental disorders caused by genetic changes in the genes that compose the Ras/mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. New RASopathies are being diagnosed frequently. This pathway is essential in the regulation of the cell cycle and the determination of cell function. Thus, appropriate function of this pathway is critical to normal development. Each syndrome in this group of disorders has unique phenotypic features, but there are many overlapping features including facial features, heart defects, cutaneous abnormalities, cognitive delays, and a predisposition to malignancies. This research study proposes to collect and store human bio-specimens from patients with suspected or diagnosed RASopathies. Once obtained, blood and/or tissue samples will be processed for: metabolic function studies, biomarkers, genetic studies, and/or the establishment of immortalized cell lines. In addition, data from the medical record (including neuropsychological evaluations) and surveys will be stored to create a longitudinal database for research conducted at CCHMC or at other research institutions.

Patients who are being evaluated for a RASopathy may have overlapping features, but the disorders individually can be exceedingly rare and many are not yet well characterized. Additionally, available clinical testing is not always diagnostic in this group of patients. The investigators propose to study disorders across the RAS/MAPK pathway, identifying both commonalities and differences, under one unified ongoing research protocol. The investigators propose: 1. To investigate the metabolic and molecular basis of established and suspected RASopathies. 2. Collect specimens derived from blood, buccal cells, sputum, urine, bone marrow, tumor tissue and residual specimens, including but not limited to pleural fluid, ascetic fluid, chyle, skin, lung, lymphatic or renal tissue and/or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, tissue specimens, and/or cells that are left over from clinical procedures from enrolled patients for research purposes only. 3. Non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures to collect tissues for research purposes only, such as saliva, skin, or blood samples are also allowed. The collection of all samples from minor subjects will be done only if it is safe for the participant. Clinical studies will take precedence over research procedures. 4. Collect demographic information, medical history, and clinical test results to create a longitudinal research database of participants with suspected or diagnosed RASopathies. Participants will also complete surveys to be included in the research database (see "Research Database" section for details). 5. Provide a facility for long-term storage of bio-specimens and clinical data from participants with suspected or diagnosed RASopathies and their unaffected relatives.