Cutting-Edge DNA sequencing could end diagnostic nightmares for brain disorders
NCT ID NCT07665554
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study will test two advanced DNA sequencing methods—long-read sequencing and optical genome mapping—to find hidden genetic causes of neurogenetic diseases. Researchers will analyze skin biopsy samples from 304 people aged 6 to 60 who have or may have these conditions. The goal is to see if these new techniques can diagnose diseases that standard tests miss, potentially ending long diagnostic journeys for families.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Skin biopsy (procedure)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to faster and more accurate genetic diagnoses for people with neurogenetic diseases, ending long diagnostic journeys.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage study that only tests the technology's accuracy; it may not find new causes or directly benefit participants. The procedure is minimally invasive but carries small risks like infection or scarring.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 304 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Sep 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Sep 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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6 to 60 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * All participants : * Participants affiliated with or beneficiaries of a social security scheme * Participants who speak French * Participants aged ≥ 6 and ≤ 60 years * For patients requiring a new sample: * Free and informed consent, signed by the parents or the holder of parental authority for patients under the age of 18 * Free and informed consent, signed by the patient's representative for adults under guardianship * Free and informed consent, signed by the adult patient * For diagnosed patients : • DeoxyriboNucleic Acid (DNA) sample from a subject carrying a nucleotide repeat expansion in one of the selected genes. * DNA available in sufficient quantity (5-10 µg) or patient agreeing to a blood draw from which DNA will be extracted. * DNA extraction methods known and validated by the steering committee (see paragraph 7). * For participants from undiagnosed families : o Index cases: • Patient affected by a neurological disease candidate for these repeats, for which genomic data did not reveal mutations or expansions in known genes. * Patient whose DNA is already available and whose extraction method is known and validated by the steering committee or patient whose DNA is not available but who agrees to a blood draw. * Patient willing to undergo a skin biopsy if not previously obtained. * Patient with no family members affected by any of the neurological diseases candidate for these repeats, i.e., genomic data do not reveal mutations or expansions in known genes. * Patient from a family in which at least one affected and one unaffected member agree to partici-pate in the study by providing a sample, or whose DNA is already available and extracted using a method known and validated by the steering committee. * For all related members of undiagnosed families who have agreed to participate: * Have at least two other family members who have agreed to participate in the study. * Agree to provide a blood sample or have DNA already available in sufficient quantity and extracted using a method known and validated by the steering committee. * Patient willing to undergo a skin biopsy if not previously obtained. * Be affected by a neurological disease candidate for these repeats, for which genomic data did not reveal mutations or expansions in known genes, or be unaffected and have had a neurological examination showing no signs related to any of the neurological diseases candidate for these repeats. * For controls : Participant for whom: * a consultation is scheduled at CHU Bordeaux for a reason other than a neurological disorder, has agreed to a neurological examination showing no signs of neurological disease, and has agreed to a blood draw and skin biopsy, or * the samples required for the study are already available in sufficient quantity in the CHU Bordeaux biobank and extracted using a method known and validated by the steering committee, or * accompanying a patient attending a consultation at CHU Bordeaux, showing no signs of neurologi-cal disease, and agreeing to a blood draw and skin biopsy, or whose samples are already available in sufficient quantity and extracted using a method known and validated by the steering committee. Exclusion Criteria: For all participants: • Refusal to participate in research: Refusal to provide informed consent or opposition to the use of these samples. * By the parents or the holder of parental authority for patients under the age of 18 * By the patient's representative for adults under guardianship * By the adult patient This opposition from the patient must be communicated to the site investigator within a maximum of one month after the information note has been sent. If the letter confirming consent is returned due to an incorrect address, the patient will not be included. * Degraded DNA or average size \< 30 kb
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
2 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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AP-HP Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière
Paris, France, 75013, France
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CHU Bordeaux - Hôpital Pellegrin
Bordeaux, France, 33076, France