Project PENGUIN: Profiling phenotypic, epigenetic, and neurogenetic traits in rare neurodevelopmental disorders
Official title: Investigating Phenotypic, Epigenetic, and NeuroGenetic Traits in Rare and Ultra-rare Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Run by University of Missouri-Columbia · NCT07329257 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try to collect clinical data, genetic and epigenetic samples, imaging, and skin-derived cell models from people with rare neurogenetic disorders like SYT1/BAGOS to help track disease and support future treatments.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | Any age to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Missouri-Columbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbia, Missouri) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 4, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2028 |
| Study ends | December 2028 |
| Registry record updated | January 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07329257 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are individuals of any age with a diagnosed or suspected rare neurogenetic or neurodevelopmental disorder (for example SYT1/BAGOS), with caregiver controls enrolled as appropriate for comparison.
✕Probably not a fit
People without a neurogenetic diagnosis, those unable or unwilling to complete study visits, or individuals with medical contraindications to biopsy may not receive direct benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Project PENGUIN is an observational natural history program that gathers clinical information, genetic and epigenetic data, imaging, physiological measures, and biosamples from individuals with rare neurodevelopmental and neurogenetic disorders. The study may include skin biopsies to generate patient-derived cellular models and links these laboratory resources with detailed clinical phenotyping. Researchers will analyze integrated datasets to identify biomarkers of disease severity and progression and to improve diagnostic precision. Collected data and models are intended to create shared resources to enable and accelerate future therapeutic trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could identify biomarkers and create patient-derived models that speed diagnosis and enable more targeted clinical trials for these rare disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Natural history and biomarker studies in other rare neurogenetic conditions have produced useful diagnostic markers and trial-ready measures, but SYT1/BAGOS-specific data remain limited so parts of this work are novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
For those with a rare condition: Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed or suspected neurogenetic disorder * Individuals 0-99 Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals unwilling or unable to complete visits with the study team. For control parents/caregivers of those with a rare condition: Inclusion Criteria: * No history of a neurological disorder. * \>18 years. * Legal caregiver of the patient diagnosed with a rare neurodevelopmental disorder. Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals unwilling or unable to complete the visit with the study team. * Individuals who have a history of neurological disorders. * \< 18 years old For all individuals who participate in the skin biopsy: * Individuals with disease that is known to be associated with poor wound healing. * Individuals with a history of allergic reaction to lidocaine. * Medical History of cellulitis, diabetes mellitus, poor extremity circulation, deep vein thrombosis, or a history of non-traumatic amputation. * Currently taking anticoagulation or have taken with last 6 months
Where it's running
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University of Missouri - Columbia
Columbia, Missouri, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: W. David Arnold, MD — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Sophia R Marchetti
- Email: sophiamarchetti@health.missouri.edu
- Phone: 573-882-6720
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.