Identifying genetic causes of rare diseases with unclear diagnoses

Identification of the Genetic Causes of Rare Diseases With Negative Exome Findings

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital Tuebingen · NCT04315727

This study is trying to find the genetic causes of rare diseases in patients who haven't been diagnosed yet, by using advanced technology and looking at their family's genetic information.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital Tuebingen Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Tübingen and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04315727 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The GENOME+ project aims to enroll approximately 100 patients with rare diseases that have not been diagnosed despite previous genetic testing, specifically Whole Exome Sequencing (WES). The study will utilize advanced omics technologies and may involve re-analysis of existing datasets to identify the molecular causes of these unclear conditions. Healthy parents of the affected patients will also participate in trio analyses to enhance diagnostic accuracy. The study seeks to improve the number of diagnoses and facilitate appropriate therapies for patients with rare diseases.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with unclear diagnoses and suspected genetic causes who have previously undergone detailed molecular analysis without results.

Not a fit: Patients who have already received a definitive diagnosis or those without a suspected genetic cause may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate diagnoses and targeted therapies for patients with rare genetic diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies utilizing whole genome sequencing for undiagnosed rare diseases have shown promise, indicating that this approach is both relevant and potentially effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Unclear diagnosis
* Suspected genetic cause of the disease
* Previous detailed molecular analysis like Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) did not lead to the identification of the disease causing mechanism
* Healthy parents of those affected for trio analysis (exception of one parent is not available for the study)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Missing informed consent of the patient and her/his parents

Where this trial is running

Tübingen and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Rare DiseasesGenetic Predisposition to DiseaseGenetic PredispositionWhole Exome SequencingWhole Genome SequencingWGS-trio analysis
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.