For the past 11 years, NJCTS families have been donating DNA samples in hopes of advancing the cause for treatments and a cure for Tourette Syndrome. Because of them, and families across the world, two major breakthroughs have come about in the last two years.  Rutgers scientists, working with colleagues from across the world, have  identified genes whose mutation is a probable risk for Tourette Syndrome. 

This research team was also the first to use a Nobel Prize winning genetic engineering technique to create brain cells from the blood cells of individuals to further study TS .

This progress would not be possible if families were not willing to participate in the NJCTS Cell and DNA sharing repository at Rutgers University. The use of this sharing repository in research can lead to everything from new treatments to improve the lives of those with TS to a cure. 

You have an opportunity to join NJCTS in this very important work. 
Research partner Dr. Robert King, a professor of child psychiatry at the Yale University Medical School and medical director of the TS/OCD Clinic at the Yale University Child Study Center, will be at the NJCTS Cell and DNA Sharing Repository at Rutgers University all day on Wednesday and  Thursday, April 17 and 18,  to speak with individuals and families interested in participating in the National Institute of Mental Health NJCTS Genetics Sharing Program. 
 
To schedule an appointment with Dr. King, please email Dr. Gary Heiman, team leader at the repository, at [email protected].

Click to hear more about this research from Dr. Gary Heiman and Dr. Jay Tischfield of the NJCTS Sharing Repository.