Carrier Study

The Clinical Neuropsychology Laboratory at the University of Missouri would like to invite you to participate in a new study that we are conducting. In the study, we will be investigating how ingestion of phenylalanine (Phe) affects the brain and cognitive performance in phenylketonuria (PKU) carriers [individuals who carry the PKU gene but do not have PKU themselves].

People who take part in the study will be asked to attend two study visits on different days. They will provide a genetic sample at the first visit to confirm possession of heterozygous PKU gene. During each visit, you will complete some cognitive tasks and undergo MRIs after ingesting either L-phenylalanine (L-Phe) or vitamin C (a placebo). You will be asked to fast for 8 hours (e.g., overnight) and give a urine sample to assess nicotine use prior to your participation each day.

You will receive monetary compensation for participation in the study for completion of both visits. You may also be reimbursed for travel expenses such as mileage, gas, or meals during the study.

Who can take part?

Individuals aged 18-60 years old who have a child with PKU or are otherwise known to be a carrier for PKU, with no contraindications for safe MRI participation such as (a) pregnancy or plans to become pregnant during period of study enrollment; or (b) metallic objects inside the body (e.g., surgical staples left in the body following surgery, middle ear prosthesis, metal foreign objects, heart pacemakers).

Additionally, we are looking for individuals aged 18-60 years old with no history of PKU or any other major neurological/psychological conditions, and no contraindications for safe MRI participation.
If you would like to participate or if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us by contacting the lab by email: cnlab@missouri.edu .

Thank you for taking the time to consider participating in our study.