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Angelman, Rett, Prader-Willi Syndromes Consortium (ARP) Angelman Syndrome Natural History Protocol

This study is a longitudinal multidisciplinary investigation on the natural history, morbidity and mortality of Angelman Syndrome (AS). We will collect detailed longitudinal data on a cohort of AS individuals to gain a better understanding of the disease progression, and to follow the natural history of the clinical features of this cohort including assessment of quality of life and longevity.

The participants to be recruited for the study will include 1) patients who have a documented molecular diagnosis of AS and 2) patients with a clear clinical diagnosis of Angelman Syndrome as determined by the Principal Investigator (PI) and the Co-investigators in this study but who do not have a known molecular defect.

One of the goals of the natural history study will be to characterize the phenotypic differences between patients with Class I deletions and those with Class II deletions, particularly with respect to the issue of autism.

A blood sample may be collected on the participants in order to create a DNA repository, and in some cases, to establish cell lines if further material is required for molecular studies. Alternatively, DNA may be obtained by buccal mucosa swabs/brushing. In those AS patients with known deletions involving the 15q11-q13 regions, a blood sample will be collected to perform comparative genome hybridization (CGH) microarray studies to characterize the extent of the deletion. No drugs or treatments will be administered through this protocol. In rare instances, a skin biopsy to establish a fibroblast cell line may be requested (using separate consent).