BASIS Human Genomics

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    British Autism Study of Infant Siblings: Human Genomics

  • IRAS ID

    157280

  • Contact name

    Mark Henry Johnson

  • Contact email

    mark.johnson@bbk.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Birkbeck, University of London

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    5 years, 4 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    This project involves the assessment of children that have previously participated in the British Autism Study of Infant Siblings (BASIS) and Studying Autism and ADHD Risk in Siblings (STAARS). The BASIS/STAARS projects focus on identifying the early causal paths of neurodevelopmental disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) by studying infants with and without a first-degree relative with ASD and/or ADHD.

    Our new study (BASIS Human Genomics) will complete the genomic profiling (blood / saliva samples) of participants enrolled in BASIS/STAARS projects to allow stratification of individuals by their genetic or molecular profile. Specifically, we will collect blood and/or saliva samples from participating family members. DNA will be extracted at Kings College London, and will be analysed by our expert collaborators at the Centre Nationale de Genotypage (CNG, Paris), Institute of Psychiatry and Birkbeck College London. The data (in anonymised form) will be combined with genetic data from other studies (e.g. 13/LO/1156) in order to help us to understand the way in which genetic risk is related to behavioural symptoms of neurodevelopmental disorders like ASD and ADHD. Please read the study protocol for more detail (Appendix A7).

    BASIS Human Genomics uses the same approach as our ongoing studies of infants (e.g. 06/MRE02/73) and will utilise the resources of the established BASIS network (e.g. 08/H0718/76). We will share the data from our genomic characterisation with other BASIS partners, including the EU AIMS LEAP (Longitudinal European Autism Project) study (13/LO/1156). Joining together helps us to learn more about the early development of children at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders like ASD and ADHD.

  • REC name

    London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    15/LO/0468

  • Date of REC Opinion

    22 Dec 2015

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion