Simons Searchlight: December 2021 data release

Phenotypic data from more than 1,700 participants enrolled in Simons Searchlight are now available for use by researchers. More information about how to request access to this data is available here.

Copy number variants (CNVs):

  • 301 carriers of the 16p11.2 deletion (145 of these individuals were enrolled in phase 1)
  • 39 carriers of the 16p11.2 distal deletion
  • 204 carriers of the 16p11.2 duplication (130 of these individuals were enrolled in phase 1)
  • 11 carriers of the 16p11.2 distal duplication
  • 74 carriers of the 1q21.1 deletion (23 of these individuals were enrolled in phase 1)
  • 87 carriers of the 1q21.1 duplication (27 of these individuals were enrolled in phase 1)
  • 12 carriers of the 7q11.23 duplication (none of these individuals were enrolled in phase 1)

Single genes (all individuals enrolled in phase 2)*:

  • 24 individuals with ADNP mutations
  • 14 individuals with ANKRD11 mutations
  • 14 individuals with ARID1B mutations
  • 57 individuals with ASXL3 mutations
  • 31 individuals with CHAMP1 mutations
  • 11 individuals with CHD2 mutations
  • 11 individuals with CHD8 mutations
  • 30 individuals with CSNK2A1 mutations
  • 51 individuals with CTNNB1 mutations
  • 34 individuals with DYRK1A mutations
  • 11 individuals with FOXP1 mutations
  • 7 individuals with GRIN1 mutations
  • 6 individuals with GRIN2A mutations
  • 64 individuals with GRIN2B  mutations
  • 24 individuals with HIVEP2 mutations
  • 25 individuals with HNRNPH2  mutations
  • 5 individuals with MBD5 mutations
  • 43 individuals with MED13L  mutations
  • 28 individuals with PACS1  mutations
  • 7 individuals with PPP2R1A  mutations
  • 84 individuals with PPP2R5D  mutations
  • 5 individuals with PTCHD1 mutations
  • 151 individuals with SCN2A  mutations
  • 36 individuals with SETBP1 mutations
  • 6 individuals with SETD5 mutations
  • 67 individuals with SLC6A1 mutations
  • 105 individuals with STXBP1 mutations
  • 52 individuals with SYNGAP1 mutations
  • 6 individuals with TBR1 mutations
  • 9 individuals with TRIP12 mutations
  • 8 individuals with VPS13B  mutations
  • 5 individuals with WAC  mutations

* A complete list of the individual genetic variants that have been found in Simons Searchlight participants for each of these 32 single genes is now available (PDFExcel spreadsheet). Variants included are classified as pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or variants of uncertain significance (VUS). Where variants are found in more than one participant, counts are indicated in brackets.

Detailed medical history and developmental and behavioral information (collected via clinical site visits) are available for families enrolled in phase 1. Structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data and magnetoencephalography (MEG) data are available for many participants enrolled in phase 1.

Medical, developmental and behavioral information (collected through online surveys and phone interviews with families) are available for families who are participating in phase 2. Medical history interviews are updated with participants yearly.

Biospecimens, including cell lines (fibroblasts, lymphoblastoids and induced pluripotent stem cells) and DNA (derived from saliva, lymphoblastoids or whole blood), are available for many participants. A complete list of what is currently available can be found here. Enrollment in Simons Searchlight is ongoing, and additional data and biospecimens will be made available to researchers later this year.

Genetic data are available for many participants enrolled in phase 1. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray data are available for 126 phase 1 families (probands with 16p11.2 deletions/duplications, parents and siblings [if present]). Whole-exome sequencing (WES) data are available for 162 phase 1 families (probands with 16p11.2 deletions/duplications, parents and siblings [if present]). Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data are available for six carriers of the 16p11.2 deletion. Molecular inversion probe (MIP) sequencing data around the 16p11.2 rearrangement breakpoints are available for 78 carriers of the 16p11.2 deletion and 70 carriers of the 16p11.2 duplication.

Additional information

  • Publications resulting from Simons Searchlight data are available here (select the filter “Uses Resources From: Simons Searchlight”).
  • 155 single genes and 23 CNVs that are known to be associated with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions are being studied as part of Simons Searchlight. The complete gene/CNV list is available here.
  • Families interested in participating in Simons Searchlight can register online or call (855) 329-5638 for more information.
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