The Utility of Collaborative Biobanks for Cardiovascular Research

Abstract

Differences between animal and human atherosclerosis have led to the requirement for clinical data, imaging information and biological material from large numbers of patients and healthy persons. Where such "biobanks" exist, they have been fruitful sources for genomewide association, diagnostic accuracy, ethnicity, and risk stratification cohort studies. In addition once established, they attract funding for future projects. Biobanks require a network of medical contributors, secure storage facilities, bioinformatics expertise, database managers, and ethical working practices to function optimally. There is the opportunity for collaboration between individual biobanks to further amplify the advantages afforded.

Systems Biology of Human Atherosclerosis

“…This results in the duplication of process and, often, data and publications based upon smaller numbers of samples than would be possible through collaboration. 2 Such an approach is, however, essential particularly for (but not exclusively in) the validation of findings and is often driven by a very narrow experimental hypothesis. Traditional laboratory methodologies are reductionist in philosophy, understanding the complex processes underlying atherosclerosis by deconstructing them into constituent components or pathways.…”

“…This can be achieved through the establishment of collaborative biobanks or through linking systems biology programs to the infrastructure of clinical studies or trials. 2 Such collaborations are often broad and extend across institutions, industries, and countries.…”

“…One of the numerous reasons for the increase in such publications is thought to be the use of traditional laboratory techniques by focal research groups working in isolation. This results in the duplication of process and, often, data and publications based upon smaller numbers of samples than would be possible through collaboration 2. Such an approach is, however, essential particularly for (but not exclusively in) the validation of findings and is often driven by a very narrow experimental hypothesis.…”

Lessons from Metabonomics on the Neurobiology of Stroke

“…The use of metabonomics as a research tool carries limitations common to diagnostic studies and systems biology studies, as well as those unique to metabolic profiling. Due to high throughput mechanisms, the cost per sample is low, but overhead maintenance and infrastructure demands are considerable (Shalhoub and others 2012). Variations in pre-analytic stages with regard to sample selection, collection, storage, and preparation can affect final results.…”

Specialized biobank for Diabetes Research: current prospect

“…Large supply of biospecimens will allow researchers to collaborate, and further develop partnerships for the prevention and management of chronic diseases around the globe [38]. Funding aspects changed over the time as biobanks developed gradually.…”