Understanding the Genetic Causes of Cerebral Palsy
Official title: Characterizing the spectrum of genomic and phenotypic variation in cerebral palsy
Funded at Geisinger Clinic · NIH-11139414 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to discover the genetic reasons why some people develop cerebral palsy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Geisinger Clinic NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Danville, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $672,976 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD104938-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11139414 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research uses existing genetic and health data from individuals with cerebral palsy, including both children and adults.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not diagnosed with cerebral palsy would not directly benefit from the findings of this specific genetic research.
What this research studies
We want to understand all the genetic factors that contribute to cerebral palsy, including both rare and common genetic changes. To do this, we are looking at genetic information from two groups: children with cerebral palsy who had genetic testing, and adults with cerebral palsy from a large health study. By comparing their genetic information with their health records and brain imaging, we hope to find specific genetic causes for their condition. This will help us better understand why cerebral palsy happens and how it affects individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of cerebral palsy's causes, potentially improving diagnosis and guiding future treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have successfully identified rare genomic variants as causes for similar developmental brain disorders, suggesting a promising approach for cerebral palsy.
Where this research is happening
-
Geisinger Clinic
Danville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Myers, Scott — Geisinger Clinic
- Study coordinator: Myers, Scott
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Measuring how kids with cerebral palsy adapt their walking
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-
Precise measure of how CP affects movement to guide treatment
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This study tests a non-invasive spinal stimulation plus treadmill training to reduce spasticity and improve walking in children with cerebral palsy.
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Physiologic marker to predict cerebral palsy early in high-risk babies
Aims to create an early, easy screen using NICU vital signs to flag infants at higher risk for cerebral palsy so families can get timely follow-up.
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Post-surgical foot deformities in adults with cerebral palsy: understanding long-term function
This research looks at how hindfoot problems in adults with cerebral palsy behave over time after childhood surgeries and what factors influence their lasting function.
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Dynamic Brain Imaging of Cerebral Palsy Gait
This project uses advanced brain and spinal imaging to understand how cerebral palsy affects the way young people plan and control their leg movements during walking.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.