Morphea
Conditions
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to investigate the genetic architecture of Linear Localized Scleroderma (LLS) (linear morphea) by whole exome sequencing.
Detailed description
At present the etiology of LLS is unknown, but a genetic background is suspected. Although LLS clearly classifies as a mosaic disorder, its genetics and protein machinery remain to be understood. We are going to use a tailored approach to identify the genetic factors of LLS. In the first phase of the study we will investigate the genetic architecture in LLS. WES will analyze whole protein coding DNA in skin samples of 50 consenting LLS patient. The aim is to identify the key genes associated with LLS. In the second phase of the study subsequent functional experiments will be performed. Based on the identified candidate genes, knockdown and overexpression models will be created with relevant cell lines (fibroblasts) to identify the biological consequences and confirm the functional relevance of the identified genetic mutations in LLS. Further the protein network active in LLS will be investigated (proteomic analysis). The described basic genetic studies combined with functional experiments will lay the groundwork for treatment trials to provide possibly novel treatment options.
Interventions
OTHERskin biopsy
Sponsors
University Children's Hospital, Zurich
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
5 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Male or female subjects ≥ 5 years of age with well phenotyped LLS * Affecting their head and / or face termed en coup de sabre type LLS or Hemiatrophia faciei or Parry-Romberg syndrome, with or without therapy * Affecting any site of the body except the head or face, with or without therapy
Exclusion criteria
* Patients with signs of systemic scleroderma * Patients with localized scleroderma (morphea) other than the linear type (plaque-type, morphea profunda, generalized morphea) Patients with diagnosed gadolinium induced scleroderma Patients with post-irradiation scleroderma Patients with missing consent
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| number of key genes /number of mutations in LLS (localized linear scleroderma) | 24-30 months |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| the investigation of the protein network of the identified key genes in order to assess their biological function and their relevance in the pathogenesis of LLS. | 24-30 months |
Countries
Switzerland
Outcome results
None listed