High-Throughput Processing to Preserve Viable Cells: A Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program Workshop

Area of Science:

• Biorepository Science
• Precision Medicine
• Cellular Biology

Background:

• Traditional biobanks preserve various biological samples like serum, plasma, and tissues.
• Emerging single-cell analysis technologies drive interest in preserving viable blood cells.
• The All of Us Research Program aims to collect samples from over a million individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the necessity of preserving viable mononuclear blood cells.
• To assess the feasibility of incorporating viable cell preservation into the biobank's collection plan.
• To support future functional studies and advance precision medicine goals.

Main Methods:

• A workshop was convened in the summer of 2016.
• Discussions focused on the case for preserving viable mononuclear blood cells.
• Feasibility was assessed within the context of the All of Us Research Program's biobank plan.

Main Results:

• Growing interest exists in preserving viable blood cells for advanced analyses.
• Storage of viable cells promises new biological insights and biomarker discovery.
• The workshop aimed to determine the viability of this preservation strategy.

Conclusions:

• Preserving viable mononuclear blood cells is crucial for future single-cell studies.
• This approach holds significant potential for advancing precision medicine.
• Feasibility assessment is key for successful implementation in large-scale biobanks.