Clubfoot DNA Repository

Clubfoot is a birth defect that can occur alone (in isolation) or as a part of a disease like cerebral palsy (CP). Genetic linkage is a research tool in which DNA samples are tested for genetic landmarks (markers) whose location on chromosomes is known. Genes and markers that are physically close to one another on the chromosome are said to be tightly linked than genes and markers that are located far apart. This gives clues of where to search for genes causing isolated clubfoot. If there appears to be a high correlation between family members' inheritance of a particular marker, and their inheritance of the trait being studied (in this case clubfoot), the area of the chromosome near that marker can then be searched for a likely gene which causes the trait. It is hoped that genetic linkage research might eventually result in new or improved ways to determine individuals and families at higher risk for clubfoot and development of new or improved ways to treat clubfoot. Our research staff will obtain information about each subject and their family called a pedigree. We will then administer a one page questionnaire to the mother(s) of the affected individual(s). This questionnaire will ask about the mother's experiences during pregnancy (e.g. Did she take multivitamins? Did she smoke or drink? etc.) Each of the study participants (affected and non-affected individuals) will be asked to provide DNA from a blood sample. If collecting a blood sample is not possible we can also obtain DNA by collecting a saliva sample. Samples for DNA processing will be stored according to the following repository guidelines. Patient/donor-subject information, questionnaires, and consents will be maintained by the orthopaedic research coordinator. Samples will be made to investigators not affiliated with UT Southwestern who wish to study genetic factors that cause clubfoot; for example, we have recently been approached by Jacqueline Hecht (UT Health Science Center, Houston) and Matthew Dobbs (Washington University, St. Louis) regarding participation in their multicenter trials. Samples will be de-identified and will include no personal information which would link the sample to the donor subject. Primary investigator and sub-investigators will determine how samples will be used and by whom. Additional research utilizing subjects' samples will be approved by the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children Research Advisory Panel and the Institutional Review Board at UT Southwestern.