The Cystic Fibrosis Twin and Sibling Study
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Hopkins researchers are coordinating a nationwide collection of twins and siblings with cystic fibrosis (CF), sponsored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. They are obtaining clinical information and a blood sample from each of the twins and each of the siblings and blood from the parents of the siblings. All information collected will be kept confidential and will be used solely for CF research.
The scientists intend to analyze this information to determine which patient symptoms may be attributed to the CF (CFTR) gene and which to other possible genes. Twins with CF provide an ideal group to look at these differences since they have similar pre- and post-birth environment and genetic backgrounds. Siblings with CF furnish more specific information regarding genetics and growing up in a similar environment. The researchers hope to determine the extent to which symptom and disease differences can be attributed to other genes and to identify the specific genes involved.
