Internet-based biobank-registers in Hungary

Abstract

Genomic studies - such as genotype-phenotype interactions and gene expression studies - play an increasing role in biomedical research. Obviously, these studies strongly depend on specimen-collections of the affected individuals. Collected, stored and registered specimens along with available clinical data represent a biobank. - Collaboration of the owners of biobanks and sharing the specimen collections increase the efficiency of research. This paper presents Hungarian initiatives aiming at establishing biobank-registers, identification and harmonization of the work of individual biobanks. The authors present the structure and aims of Hungarian Biobank homepage, Semmelweis Biobank, rare disease-specified Orphanet and NEPSYBANK specified on neuropsychiatric research. - During these years several new biobanks are established for genomic studies. Probably this process will accelerate significantly in the nearest future, when specific statute will regulate the establishment and maintenance of biobanks. It is presumed that the presented biobank-networks would help the coordination.