The Mito-EpiGen Program has an active recruitment effort for its on-going MELAS study that is NINDS-funded. The goal of this study is to use fibroblasts derived from skin biopsy performed on patients with MELAS in order to understand the molecular pathogenesis of the MELAS disease and to design a novel therapeutic approach to mitigate the energy deficit in MELAS patients.
Who We Are
This is an on-going NIH-funded collaborative study on MELAS between the George Washington School of Medicine and the affiliated Children's National Health System in Washington, D.C. A team of scientists dedicated to translational research on mitochondrial diseases works with pediatricians at the Children's Hospital, a member of the North American Mitochondrial Disease Consortium (NAMDC).
What The Study Is
We are currently conducting a pre-clinical study using skin biopsies from MELAS patients to test a novel pharmacological therapeutic strategy. We are looking for additional patients with MELAS to increase our panel of current MELAS patients. This study will set the stage to advance MELAS research for future clinical studies.
What The Study Involves
Skin biopsies (small punches of skin) will be performed on the inner arm near the elbow by Dr. Andrea Gropman, pediatric neurologist specialized in mitochondrial diseases at Children's National Health System. The biopsies will be performed at either the D.C. campus or Annapolis location.
Where The Study Is Located
The team of research scientists and clinicians is located in Washington, D.C.
Have Questions On The Study?
Contact Dr. Chiaramello (achiaram@gwu.edu)
Interested In Enrolling?
Contact Dr. Chiaramello
Email: (achiaram@gwu.edu)