Understanding the genetic causes of cerebral palsy in families with multiple affected children
Official title: Genomic analysis of the Multiplex, Autozygous Populations in Cerebral Palsy (MAP CP) cohort: a focused approach to a complex disease
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11090328 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the genes of families with more than one child who has cerebral palsy to find out what specific genetic changes might cause the condition, which could help improve how we understand and treat CP in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $639,302 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS127108-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11090328 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are families with multiple children diagnosed with cerebral palsy, particularly those with a suspected genetic component.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cerebral palsy who do not have a familial history or genetic predisposition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic factors contributing to cerebral palsy (CP) by focusing on families with multiple children affected by the condition. By analyzing the genomes of these families, the study aims to identify specific genetic mutations that may lead to CP symptoms. This approach differs from traditional studies that typically examine parent-child genetic relationships, allowing for a deeper understanding of hereditary patterns in CP. The findings could significantly impact how CP is managed and treated in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and management strategies for children with cerebral palsy based on their genetic profiles.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying genetic causes of cerebral palsy, but this specific approach focusing on multiplex families is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kruer, Michael C — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Kruer, Michael C
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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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.
-
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.