Sequencing to improve the understanding of the genetics of cerebral palsy

People living with cerebral palsy and their whānau are invited to take part in a study that looks at DNA sequencing to improve our understanding of the genetics of cerebral palsy in Aotearoa | New Zealand. There is an emerging understanding that genetic factors contribute to some cases of cerebral palsy.

Genes are pieces of DNA that contain the instructions for how your body works. Every cell in your body contains thousands of these genes. “Whole genome sequencing” lets us look at all your genes at the same time. This means it is a fast way to search for potential genetic changes that can cause health problems.

Lead: Professor Justin O’Sullivan, Director, Liggins Institute

Study site: Liggins Institute, University of Auckland (in collaboration with Te Toka Tumai | Starship Children’s and Auckland City Hospital and the NZ Cerebral Palsy Register)

Remote recruitment may be available for those outside of the Auckland region – please express your interest.

• Children or adults living with cerebral palsy
• Genetic testing has not yet identified a cause for your cerebral palsy

• Meet with a genetic counsellor who will explain the study to you, ask you some simple questions, and obtain your consent to be part of the study. Your information will be reviewed by the project team to confirm the study is right for you

• If you are eligible, you will be asked to:
  • consent to be registered on the New Zealand Cerebral Palsy Register and provide access to your/your child’s past medical history
  • have blood/saliva samples collected for whole genome sequencing
  • attend a follow up visit to discuss the results of your test

Contact the research team for more information: cpgenes@auckland.ac.nz or 027 280 7318. 

Ethics committee reference: 2025 FULL 24103