Study Information
The POND Network is part of an Integrated Discovery System (IDS) funded by the Ontario Brain Institute (OBI) to perform biomedical research studies aimed at understanding the biology of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), ID (Intellectual Disability), and OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder). The aim is to discover shared and unique biomarkers to these disorders. The information collected will help with the development of a Clinical Trials Network that will specialize in developing new treatments for children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDs).
At McMaster, we are contributing ASD and OCD data to the following POND projects:
- Phenotyping component - behavioural and cognitive data
- Genetic component - blood and saliva samples
- Epigenetic component - blood/saliva samples compared with medical history questionnaire data
- Imaging component - MRI scans
- Electrical Response Potential (ERP) component (ASD only) - measures the electrical activity in a child's brain during specific tasks
- Clinical Drug Trial (ASD only)
- Knowledge Translation and Exchange (KTE) component - synthesis and dissemination
- Biostatistics – Data collected from genetic, epigenetic, cognitive, behavioural, imaging, electrophysiology, and autonomic nervous system measures will be integrated and analysed
McMaster University is leading the KTE component and biostatistics for POND.
Funding & Support
Team Members
Principal Investigators – Dr. Evdokia Anagnostou; Dr. Paul Arnold; Dr. Peter Szatmari; Dr. Stephen Scherer; Dr. Russell Schachar; Dr. Stelios Georgiades.
Local Co-Investigators – Dr. Terry Bennett, Dr. Geoff Hall, Dr. Noam Soreni, Dr. Jane Foster, Dr. John Connolly, Dr. Joseph Beyene, Dr. Jo-Ann Reitzel, Dr. Karun Singh, Dr. Olaf Kraus de Camargo.
Local Study Coordinators – Mike Chalupka, Christina Chrysler, Kathy Ghajar, Iulia Patriciu, Alessia Greco
Primary Contact: Mike Chalupka, POND Network Coordinator at 905-525-9140 x 21369,
News
Genetics of Autism Research Update - November 2014 newsletter.
External Links
