Rare Research Report

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Rare Research Report features summaries of recent scientific publications from the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network, which is funded by the National Institutes of Health. The network includes 20 active consortia—teams of researchers, patients, and clinicians—each focused on a group of rare disorders. Join us for new episodes each month. Learn more about the RDCRN: https://www.rarediseasesnetwork.org

  1. May 14

    GLIA-CTN: Developing a New Patient-Centered Approach to Clinical Trial Readiness in Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome

    New research from the Global Leukodystrophy Initiative Clinical Trials Network (GLIA-CTN). This summary is based on a paper published in the journal Molecular Genetics and Metabolism in March 2026 titled "A novel patient-Centered approach to clinical trial readiness in rare diseases: Application in Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome (AGS)." Read the paper here.  Learn more about GLIA-CTN.  Transcript:  New research from the Global Leukodystrophy Initiative Clinical Trials Network (GLIA-CTN), a research group of the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network. Developing a New Patient-Centered Approach to Clinical Trial Readiness in Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome. This summary is based on a paper published in the journal Molecular Genetics and Metabolism in March 2026. Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS) is a type 1 interferonopathy primarily associated with multisystemic involvement, including severe neurologic impairment. With advancements in therapeutics for disorders such as AGS, there is an urgent need to ensure that patient voices are included early in the design of clinical trials. In this study, researchers developed a new patient-centered approach to clinical trial readiness and piloted the approach in AGS. First, the team worked with patients and caregivers to identify their health priorities for improvement. Following this, the team engaged a panel of disease experts to identify the priorities applicable in the context of AGS clinical trials (Concepts of Interest). Next, through consensus building among a panel of outcome experts, the team selected Clinical Outcome Assessments able to measure the identified Concepts of Interest. Finally, the team presented the Concepts of Interest and the aligned Clinical Outcome Assessments to patients and caregivers to establish the feasibility of completion of these assessments in clinical trials. This process led to the identification of a panel of fit-for-purpose Concepts of Interest and Clinical Outcome Assessments pairs that can be used to identify endpoints for future AGS clinical trials and natural history studies. Authors note that this approach can be applied to other leukodystrophies and rare diseases.

    2 min

  2. May 14

    SP-CERN: Characterizing Movement Disorders and Treatment Responses in Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome

    New research from the Spastic Paraplegia Centers of Excellence Research Network (SP-CERN). This summary is based on a paper published in the journal Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology on April 25, 2026, titled "Movement Disorders in Aicardi–Goutières Syndrome and Response to Immunomodulation."  Read the paper here.  Learn more about SP-CERN.  Transcript:  New research from the Spastic Paraplegia Centers of Excellence Research Network (SP-CERN), a research group of the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network. Characterizing Movement Disorders and Treatment Responses in Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome. This summary is based on a paper published in the journal Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology on April 25, 2026. Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS) is a genetic autoinflammatory disorder primarily affecting the brain, skin, and immune system. Individuals with AGS can experience a wide range of neurological symptoms, even when they have the same gene mutation, causing many to be misdiagnosed as having cerebral palsy. In this study, researchers characterized movement disorders and treatment responses in AGS. The team evaluated motor symptoms, neuroimaging, and interferon signatures in seven children with AGS treated with immunomodulatory therapies. Results show that these therapies were associated with reduced systemic inflammation and stabilized disease. However, only some participants experienced improved motor function, suggesting that established central nervous system injury may limit recovery. Authors note that these findings highlight the need for early recognition and treatment before further injury may occur.

    2 min

  3. May 14

    UCDC: Investigating Self-Reported Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults with Urea Cycle Disorders

    New research from the Urea Cycle Disorders Consortium (UCDC). This summary is based on a paper published in the Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease on April 9, 2026, titled "Self-Reported Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in Adults With Urea Cycle Disorders."  Read the paper here.  Learn more about UCDC.  Transcript:  New research from the Urea Cycle Disorders Consortium (UCDC), a research group of the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network. Investigating Self-Reported Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults with Urea Cycle Disorders.  This summary is based on a paper published in the Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease on April 9, 2026. Urea cycle disorders (UCDs) are a group of inherited, metabolic disorders characterized by hyperammonemia (high blood ammonia levels). People diagnosed with a UCD often require ongoing health surveillance, long-term treatments, and emergency management for hyperammonemic episodes. Although many studies have focused on health-related quality of life in children with UCDs, fewer have focused on adults. In this study, researchers investigated self-reported health-related quality of life in adults with UCDs. The team assessed patient-reported outcome measures in 144 adults with UCD. Results reveal that adults with UCDs report similar health-related quality of life as adults in the general population. Despite significant differences in measured cognitive ability, symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals reported similar behavioral health and daily functioning scores. Authors note that more studies are needed to better understand and measure health-related quality of life in people with UCDs.

    2 min

  4. Apr 28

    IMPACT: Advancing Treatment in Congenital Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

    New research from The IMPACT Study. This summary is based on a paper published in the journal Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis on January 20, 2026, titled "Optimizing the management of congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura." Read the paper here.  Learn more about IMPACT.  Transcript:  New research from The IMPACT Study, a research group of the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network. Advancing Treatment in Congenital Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura. This summary is based on a paper published in the journal Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis on January 20, 2026.  Congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (cTTP) is a disorder in which blood clots form in the small blood vessels throughout the body. cTTP is caused by mutations in the ADAMTS-13 gene, leading to microvascular thrombosis (abnormal clotting), hemolytic anemia (destruction of red blood cells), and organ damage.  In this review, researchers summarize the clinical course, complications, and advances in treatment of cTTP. The team reviewed registry data, clinical studies, expert guidelines, and real-world patient experiences, including pregnancy management. Results suggest that recombinant ADAMTS-13, a therapy that helps restore the ADAMTS13 enzyme, is more effective, safe, and convenient than the standard plasma therapy. Authors note that although recombinant ADAMTS-13 represents a major advance in cTTP management, more studies are needed to evaluate its long-term safety, particularly during pregnancy, and to optimize treatment strategies.

    2 min

  5. Apr 28

    MGNet: Investigating the Impact of Demographic Trends on Disease Prognosis in Myasthenia Gravis

    New research from the Myasthenia Gravis Rare Disease Network (MGNet). This summary is based on a paper published in the Journal of Neurology on March 23, 2026, titled "Half a century of change: demographic trends and their clinical impact in acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive myasthenia gravis."  Read the paper here.  Learn more about MGNet.  Transcript:  New research from the Myasthenia Gravis Rare Disease Network (MGNet), a research group of the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network. Investigating the Impact of Demographic Trends on Disease Prognosis in Myasthenia Gravis. This summary is based on a paper published in the Journal of Neurology on March 23, 2026.  Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disorder caused by an autoimmune response which compromises nerve muscle communication, causing disabling weakness. In the past 50 years, the epidemiology of MG—how often it occurs in different groups of people and why—has changed over time. However, not much is known about how these changes have impacted management of MG. In this study, researchers investigated how demographic trends have affected disease prognosis in MG. The team assessed demographics, MG subtypes, and antibody status over 50 years in 1,023 patients with AChR-MG. In 517 patients, the team also evaluated treatment response and adverse events over 20 years. Results show an increased rate of patients diagnosed with very late-onset MG. Authors note that patients with very late-onset MG may face an increased risk of long-term treatment exposure and adverse events, especially in elderly patients.

    2 min

  6. Apr 28

    NASCARR: Creating a Patient Registry to Improve Health Outcomes for Individuals with Sex Chromosome Aneuploidies

    New research from the Network for Advancing Sex Chromosome Aneuploidy Research Readiness (NASCARR). This summary is based on a paper published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics in January 2026 titled "Generating Advancements in Longitudinal Analysis in X and Y Variations: Rationale, Methods, and Diagnostic Characteristics for the GALAXY Registry."  Read the paper here.  Learn more about NASCARR.  Transcript:  New research from the Network for Advancing Sex Chromosome Aneuploidy Research Readiness (NASCARR), a research group of the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network. Creating a Patient Registry to Improve Health Outcomes for Individuals with Sex Chromosome Aneuploidies. This summary is based on a paper published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics in January 2026. Sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs) are a group of conditions in which an individual has either extra or missing X and/or Y chromosomes present in the cells of their body. Although SCAs are the most common chromosomal abnormality, they are often underdiagnosed. Research in SCAs has been limited by over-representation of more severely impacted individuals in clinical studies, as well as low geographic and demographic diversity. In this study, researchers partnered with the SCA community to create a patient registry to improve health outcomes for individuals with SCAs. The Generating Advancements with Longitudinal Analysis in X and Y variations (GALAXY) Registry helps advance SCA research by collecting, storing, and analyzing clinical data from SCA patients. To date, GALAXY includes hundreds of participants with a verified diagnosis of SCA. Next, researchers plan to recruit more individuals from underrepresented groups, extract medical record data into the registry, expand internationally, and continue to engage with the SCA community. Authors note that the GALAXY Registry is a powerful resource for future patient-centered clinical research.

    2 min

  7. Apr 28

    SP-CERN: Characterizing the Spectrum of ATP1A3-Related Disorders

    New research from the Spastic Paraplegia Centers of Excellence Research Network (SP-CERN). This summary is based on a paper published in the journal Movement Disorders on March 18, 2026, titled "The Movement Disorder Spectrum of ATP1A3-Related Disorders: Cross-Sectional Analysis and Video Archive of 88 Patients."  Read the paper here.  Learn more about SP-CERN.  Transcript:  New research from the Spastic Paraplegia Centers of Excellence Research Network (SP-CERN), a research group of the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network. Characterizing the Spectrum of ATP1A3-Related Disorders.  This summary is based on a paper published in the journal Movement Disorders on March 18, 2026. ATP1A3-related disorders are a group of neurological conditions caused by mutations in the ATP1A3 gene. Due to the broad spectrum of clinical features and disease-causing variants, it can be challenging to classify these disorders.  In this study, researchers characterized the spectrum of ATP1A3-related disorders. The team evaluated 88 individuals with pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in ATP1A3. Researchers used these observations to explore symptoms and genotype–phenotype relationships, as well as build a video archive.  Results reveal that most individuals with ATP1A3-related disorders show overlapping or atypical features, including presentations with progressive spastic paraparesis, which is typical of hereditary spastic paraplegia. Authors note that these findings support a shift toward flexible clinical approaches based on symptoms rather than relying on rigid classifications.

    2 min

  8. Apr 28

    UCDC: Exploring the Impact of Ornithine Transcarbamylase Gene Variants in Asymptomatic Individuals

    New research from the Urea Cycle Disorders Consortium (UCDC). This summary is based on a paper published in the journal HGG Advances on January 15, 2026, titled "Two commonly reported incidental variants in OTC are associated with late-onset disease."  Read the paper here.  Learn more about UCDC.  Transcript:  New research from the Urea Cycle Disorders Consortium (UCDC), a research group of the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network. Exploring the Impact of Ornithine Transcarbamylase Gene Variants in Asymptomatic Individuals. This summary is based on a paper published in the journal HGG Advances on January 15, 2026. Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) is a type of urea cycle disorder characterized by hyperammonemia (high blood ammonia levels) due to deficiency or absence of an enzyme needed to convert nitrogen from protein into urea (a waste product). As genetic testing becomes more widely utilized in a variety of clinical contexts, an increasing number of asymptomatic individuals with variants in the OTC gene are being identified incidentally. However, there is a lack of guidance for counseling and management of these individuals.  In this study, researchers explored the impact of OTC variants in asymptomatic individuals. The team reviewed medical records, the Urea Cycle Disorders Consortium database, and published reports to characterize two common OTC gene variants. Researchers also tested the variants in a lab yeast model to measure enzyme activity.  Results revealed a risk of late-onset hyperammonemia for males with the two common OTC gene variants. Common triggers included fasting, illness, and high-protein diets. Authors note that these findings can help guide counseling of individuals with these variants, including the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of hyperammonemia as well as potential triggering factors.

    2 min
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About

Rare Research Report features summaries of recent scientific publications from the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network, which is funded by the National Institutes of Health. The network includes 20 active consortia—teams of researchers, patients, and clinicians—each focused on a group of rare disorders. Join us for new episodes each month. Learn more about the RDCRN: https://www.rarediseasesnetwork.org

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    RDCRN
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    207
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