Improving detection of urea cycle disorders in newborns using genome sequencing

Development and application of variant interpretation platforms to advance detection of urea cycle disorders by newborn genome sequencing

NIH-funded research Pacific Northwest Research Institute · NIH-11078212

This study is working on improving how we find certain genetic disorders in newborns that can affect their health, using new technology to better understand their genes, so that babies can get the right care as soon as possible.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPacific Northwest Research Institute NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-11078212 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the detection of urea cycle disorders (UCDs) in newborns through advanced genome sequencing techniques. It aims to address the challenges of interpreting genetic variants that may indicate these disorders, which can lead to severe health issues if not diagnosed early. By developing better variant interpretation platforms, the project seeks to improve the accuracy and reliability of newborn screening for UCDs, ultimately leading to timely diagnosis and treatment. The research will specifically target five types of UCDs, utilizing innovative methodologies to analyze genetic data.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are newborns, particularly those who may be at risk for urea cycle disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who are older than four weeks or those without a family history of urea cycle disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of urea cycle disorders in newborns, significantly improving health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using genome sequencing for newborn screening, indicating that this approach could be effective for detecting urea cycle disorders.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.