O & O Alpan LLC

Although lysosomal storage disorders, such as Fabry disease, Gaucher disease, and Pompe disease, represent serious challenges in the healthcare system, no study has yet investigated the prevalence of these diseases in the US. Frequently, patients show progressive worsening of symptoms for several years before they get diagnosed. Since many of these diseases can be managed therapeutically, it is important to identify and treat patients in order to avoid organ damage. The investigators aim to undertake a screening study that identifies undiagnosed patients with lysosomal storage disorders and determine the prevalence of these diseases with special focus on underrepresented minority groups.

The lysosome is a specialized part of the cell that functions to degrade metabolic wastes in the cell. Defects in the functioning of the lysosome result in accumulation and subsequent storage of such metabolic wastes. These defects lead to conditions known as lysosomal storage diseases (LSD). LSDs are caused by inherited genetic mutations and there are over 40 genetically distinct lysosomal storage diseases. Within each specific lysosomal storage disease there are variances in severity of disease, age of onset, and clinical presentation. Though the genetic mutations contributing to the disease have been largely clarified, the molecular and cellular mechanisms that contribute to variations in each distinct LSD remain unclear. With this study we intend to better understand at the cellular and molecular level how the accumulation and storage of metabolic wastes in the lysosome affect the clinical manifestation of LSDs, to detect changes in these mechanisms upon treatment administration, and to correlate these results to genetic information. The knowledge obtained from this research study could lead to better ways to diagnose and treat lysosomal storage diseases.

The immune system is an intricate system comprised of specialized cells, proteins, tissues and organs. Proper functioning is critical to the body's ability to defend itself against harmful pathogens. Immunological disorders and deficiencies are defects in the immune system that lead to abnormal immune responses. Abnormal immune responses could be derived from immune deficiencies, dysregulations or hypersensitivities.
The overall goal of this research study is to identify the mechanisms of primary immune deficiencies and immune disorders at the genetic, cellular and molecular level, using novel analytic techniques to be performed on immune cells derived from blood samples. The knowledge gained from the aims of this study could lead to better diagnostics and identify novel targets for therapeutic interventions.