FOXG1 Stem Cell Biobank

FOXG1 Families Fostering Research with the FOXG1 Syndrome Biobank.

Logo of the Coriell Institute for Medical Research, featuring a stylized DNA double helix and a globe.

The FOXG1 Research Foundation has partnered with the Coriell Institute of Medical Research to establish a comprehensive Biobank containing patient-derived iPSCs and blood samples from individuals with FOXG1 syndrome and their family members.

These invaluable resources will be accessible to scientists worldwide, facilitating expanded research and supporting current and future therapeutic endeavors.

All samples available to the research community are completely anonymized.

Currently, we are collecting blood samples from FOXG1 patients, parents, and siblings.

Requesting a collection kit is simple:

  1. Fill out the form below.

  2. Schedule a blood collection with your doctor, which can be done during your child’s regular check-up appointments. Please inform your doctor in advance that you will need a blood collection.

  3. Once your appointment is scheduled, we will send you a collection kit, along with easy-to-follow instructions, to bring to your doctor's appointment.

For any questions, email biobank@foxg1research.org

To receive a sample collection kit, please select 'yes' below.

 FAQs

  • Our Coriell-based FOXG1 Biobank, previously established as a joint effort with the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), has experienced remarkable success. Over time, we have accumulated blood and skin samples, as well as fibroblast cell lines, to their maximum capacity within the allocated space for our collaborative endeavor.

    Recognizing the critical importance of ongoing sample collection from patients and their families, the FOXG1 Research Foundation remains committed to facilitating access to these invaluable resources for the broader research community. Our vision is to advance translational and basic research that propels current and future therapeutic efforts aimed at treating FOXG1 syndrome.

    To ensure the continuity and expansion of this vital initiative, the FRF has made the decision to transition the existing Biobank to an independent contract with Coriell. This strategic move will enable us to further enhance our efforts in supporting groundbreaking research and ultimately improving the lives of those affected by FOXG1 syndrome.

  • Yes, all samples submitted through the years to the FOXG1 biobank are anonymized and available to researchers interested in studying FOXG1 syndrome. Researchers can find available lines as well as all the assets the FRF has made available here: https://foxg1research.org/research-grants

  • As technology has advanced for the generation of patient-derived iPSC, we can now use blood cells more easily and there is no longer a need to go through a skin biopsy and fibroblast lines, which is great news.

  • The FRF will:

    • Collect and store blood samples.

      • We encourage and will be grateful for any new FOXG1 family to donate blood samples from the patient and the parents, regardless of the type of mutation the patient carries. These blood samples will be stored and used for translational research purposes.

    • Isolate PBMCs from blood for new mutations that are not currently in our catalog.

      • If the patient carries a mutation of which we don't yet have existing fibroblast or iPSC line in our catalog, we will use some of the collected blood to process toward the generation of an iPSC line (we will not process blood toward iPSC generation for mutations we already have as this will be redundant, however the blood samples will be invaluable for other research purposes such as biomarker discovery).

    ● Create new iPSC lines from PBMCs of new mutations as needed for specific research projects.