The Sri Lankan Twin Registry: 2012 update

Area of Science:

• Population Health
• Genetics
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The Sri Lankan Twin Registry (SLTR) was established in 1997 as a vital resource for twin and genetic research in a low- and middle-income country (LMIC).
• It includes a large volunteer cohort (14,120 twins, 119 triplets) and a population-based cohort (19,040 twins, 89 triplets).
• The SLTR has supported significant research, including the Colombo Twin and Singleton Study (CoTaSS 1), investigating psychiatric disorders and gene-environment interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the Sri Lankan Twin Registry (SLTR) as a unique research infrastructure in a LMIC.
• To highlight ongoing research, including the Colombo Twin and Singleton Study 2 (CoTaSS 2), focusing on cardiovascular and metabolic risk markers.
• To showcase the expansion of SLTR's research scope and its role in global collaborations.

Main Methods:

• Utilizes a comprehensive twin registry with both volunteer and population-based cohorts.
• Employs epidemiological and genetic research methodologies to study disease prevalence and heritability.
• Incorporates the establishment of a biobank and a state-of-the-art genetic laboratory for advanced research.

Main Results:

• The SLTR has facilitated studies on the prevalence and heritability of psychiatric disorders.
• Ongoing research (CoTaSS 2) is examining cardiovascular and metabolic risk markers and their interrelationships.
• The registry has successfully established a biobank and a genetic laboratory, enhancing research capabilities.

Conclusions:

• The SLTR is a successful model for building research infrastructure in LMICs through international partnerships.
• It plays a crucial role in advancing genetic and epidemiological research, particularly in mental and physical health.
• The registry's capacity building, public engagement, and focus on ethics and governance are key to its success.