Study of Factors Regulating Mast Cell Proliferation

This protocol is designed to examine those growth potentiating and inhibiting factors which regulate mast cell number and survival in patients with mastocytosis, and to explore the molecular basis of the disease process in hopes of improving therapy. Patients will carry the diagnosis of mastocytosis based on abnormal bone marrow biopsy and aspirate, abnormal skin biopsy, presence of urticaria pigmentosa, and if available, elevated serum tryptase level \> 20 ng/ml and the presence of aberrant mast cell morphology and surface markers of CD2 and CD25. Mastocytosis patients will include children and adults from zero years to 80 years of age. Unaffected relatives (age 2 to 80 years) may also be enrolled. The protocol is designated for up to a 1-year enrollment period; with only a small number of enrolled patients that will stay on study for more than one visit, based on investigator assessment of contribution to study objectives. Participants will undergo standard physical exam, medical history review, and blood collection for clinical and research laboratory evaluations. We will collect clinical data and biological specimens for research evaluation from individuals undergoing clinically indicated diagnostic procedures. Some patients may participate in research evaluations including buccal swab collection, dietary intake assessment, stool collection, exercise challenge, microbiome studies, and activity tracking. These studies are optional. Patients may be asked to re-enter this protocol at a later time for further follow-up.