Phenotype-Driven Plasma Biobanking Strategies and Methods

Area of Science:

• Genomics and Personalized Medicine
• Biorepository Science
• Proteomics and Metabolomics

Background:

• Electronic medical record (EMR) databases and biorepositories like BioVU have advanced genomic research and personalized medicine.
• BioVU, a DNA biorepository linked to de-identified clinical EMR data, supports genotype-phenotype interaction discovery.
• Previous experience with BioVU informed the development of a new plasma biobanking initiative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation of a plasma biobank program.
• To expand the utility of the existing BioVU biorepository.
• To integrate proteomic and metabolomic data with genomic and clinical data for broader research applications.

Main Methods:

• Feasibility assessment for plasma biobanking.
• Development of protocols for collecting plasma from residual blood specimens.
• Pilot sample collection to establish the program.

Main Results:

• The study outlines the necessary considerations and components for establishing a plasma biobank.
• The initiative successfully moved from feasibility assessment to pilot sample collection.
• The integrated biobank allows for combined proteomic, metabolomic, genomic, and clinical outcome analyses.

Conclusions:

• Plasma biobanking enhances biorepository utility by enabling multi-omics research.
• This integrated approach has the potential to significantly impact clinical care and research.
• The described process provides a framework for developing similar plasma biobanking programs.