Diseases Studied
The Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network is an NIH-funded research network of 21 active consortia or research groups working to advance treatment for diseases that are rare. Use the search tools on this page to find the diseases we currently study. You can reach out to the indicated consortia or research groups for more information on those diseases and studies underway.
This network focuses on clinical research and does not generally support clinical care outside of research activities. To learn about other rare diseases, please visit the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD), which is an NIH program that helps the public find reliable information about rare and genetic diseases. Their staff are specialists. Contact them at 1-888-205-2311 or email GARDinfo@nih.gov.
All Diseases > Mucopolysaccharidoses
Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS)
Alternative Names: MPS Disorder
Disease Category: Lysosomal Diseases
A group of nine rare, inherited, lysosomal disorders caused by genetic mutations which produce 11 dysfunctional enzymes that cannot break down glycosaminoglycans (GAGs, complex sugar molecules with amino groups that are critical components of connective tissues). Common symptoms include multiple organ involvement, skeletal and heart abnormalities, joint and breathing problems, neurological dysfunction, and, in some diseases, hydrops fetalis.