The purpose of this study is to identify the gene or genes responsible for keloid formation. Keloids are raised scars on the skin that form after a minor injury. A tendency to develop keloids often runs in families, suggesting a possible genetic basis.

People who have had a classic (butterfly-shaped or wound-overflowing) keloid for at least one year may be eligible for this study. In addition to these probands (original participants), family members over 12 years of age who have either classic or non-classic keloids and those 18 years of age or older without keloids may participate.

Probands and family members with keloids will have a medical history focusing on skin problems-particularly keloids-and a skin examination. In some cases, with the subject's permission, photos of the keloids will be taken. All participants will have 35 milliliters (about 2 tablespoons) of blood drawn for DNA (genetic) testing and for measurement of blood proteins, including cytokines, which can affect other tissues and cause scarring. Part of the blood sample will be used for additional genetic studies unrelated to keloids. The samples will be coded for confidentiality.

Condition
Keloid

Keloids represent a pathologic fibrosis which occurs in the skin after trauma and which grow beyond the boundaries of injury. Keloids occur in people of all racial backgrounds; however, individuals of African descent are more susceptible to the disease. A familial disposition to keloid formation has long been recognized, but the genetic basis for this racial and familial predisposition has not been identified. We hypothesize that the increased risk is a direct result of one or more disease susceptibility genes. We will identify affected pedigrees, each containing at least 3 individuals with keloids. Blood will be obtained and Epstein Barr virus-transformed permanent B cell lines will be established. We anticipate taking two analytic strategies. First, we will use candidate gene analysis, focusing initially on the CBP and TGF1B genes and a recently-identified locus on chromosome 14. Second, we will perform a genome scan using an appropriate marker gene set.

Genders Eligible for Study:  Both

Criteria

INCLUSION CRITERIA:
Proband: must have a butterfly-shaped or wound-overflowing keloid, present for at least one year
Affected family members: all family members of the proband who have either classic keloids, as described above, or non-classic keloids, such as ball shaped-keloids on the ear.
Unaffected family members: all family members who lack keloids.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
Patients who are unwilling or unable to give informed consent or assent.
Keloid patients who have less than 3 relatives with keloids.

Maryland
      National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), 9000 Rockville Pike,  Bethesda,  Maryland,  20892,  United States; Recruiting

Study ID Numbers:  010062; 01-DK-0062
Record last reviewed:  November 26, 2003
Last Updated:  November 26, 2003
Record first received:  January 12, 2001
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:  NCT00008502
Health Authority: United States: Federal Government
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on 2004-11-08