Using transcriptomic analysis to diagnose mitochondrial diseases

Combating the Diagnostic Impasse in Mitochondrial Diseases: a Transcriptomic Approach in Fibroblasts and Blood Cells

Not applicable Interventional Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice · NCT06621732

This study is testing a new way to diagnose mitochondrial diseases by looking at gene activity in patients' cells to help those who haven't been diagnosed yet.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Nice, Alpes-maritimes and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06621732 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to improve the genetic diagnosis of mitochondrial diseases by utilizing transcriptomic analysis through RNA sequencing of fibroblasts and blood cells. It targets patients who have suspected mitochondrial diseases but remain undiagnosed due to variants of uncertain significance. By analyzing gene expression and RNA splicing, the study seeks to identify pathogenic variants that may not be detectable through traditional genetic testing methods. The approach is designed to enhance diagnostic yields and provide clearer insights into the genetic underpinnings of these conditions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients of all ages with suspected mitochondrial diseases who have identified variants of uncertain significance.

Not a fit: Patients whose variants are already included in the study or those unable to provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate diagnoses for patients with mitochondrial diseases, potentially guiding better treatment options.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using transcriptomic approaches have shown diagnostic yields of 10% to 35%, indicating potential success for this methodology.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

General criteria: major or minor patients, sporadic or isolated cases

* Pathology-related criteria :

  * Patients with suspected mitochondrial disease according to Morava criteria
  * Identification of a predicted VSI, "possibly pathogenic" by SPICE and/or SpliceAI biοstatistical and biοinfοrmatic prediction tools, in a gene :
* Compatible with the patient's phenotype
* With sufficient expression in blood (TPM\>1, GTEX) predicted as "possibly pathogenic" by SPICE and/or SpliceAI biοstatistical and biοinfοrmatic prediction tools.
* Signature of informed consent, for minor patients signature of at least one of the 2 parents or the representative of parental authority

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient whose identified VSI is in the same gene as a patient already included in the study;
* Persons deprived of liberty by judicial or administrative decision;
* Persons hospitalized without consent;
* Persons of full age or minors under legal protection or unable to express their consent;
* Inability of the subject to cooperate.

Where this trial is running

Nice, Alpes-maritimes 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 Mitochondrial Diseases
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.