The Washington University Neurofibromatosis (NF) Center has established a one-of-a-kind NF1 Genome Project. The NF1 Genome Project is a DNA bank that collects blood samples from individuals affected with NF1 to learn how changes in the DNA may predispose people with NF1 to specific medical problems.
After less than one year, the NF1 Genome Project has enrolled over 150 participants. Participating individuals are asked to provide a 5 mL (about a teaspoon) blood sample and fill out a short questionnaire about their or their child’s NF1. The information gathered from the questionnaire and medical record (if available) is linked to the participant’s DNA on a secure server at The Washington University School of Medicine.
With advancing technology in the field of genome science, scientists and physicians at the Washington University NF Center are working together to determine how subtle changes in our DNA lead to the wide variety of medical problems seen in people with NF1. Knowledge gained from these studies may one day help doctors and scientists better predict who will develop these problems, and may lead to the design of more effective drug therapies.
To learn how to participate, contact Taylor Ferguson at fergusont@neuro.wustl.edu.
