NCRAD: Advancing Alzheimer's research through high-quality biospecimens and data

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Biomarker Research

Background:

• The National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (NCRAD) was established to support Alzheimer's disease (AD) genetics research.
• NCRAD has evolved into a central resource, banking and distributing samples for numerous studies, and expanding collections to support functional genomics and biomarker development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide standardized, high-quality biospecimens and longitudinal sample collections for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) research.
• To enable genetic discovery and functional genomics studies through partnerships and advanced sample processing.
• To ensure biospecimen integrity and reduce preanalytical variability through rigorous quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) and automation.

Main Methods:

• Centralized biobanking of biospecimens from over 90 National Institute on Aging (NIA)-funded studies.
• Expansion of sample collections to include peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), RNA, biofluids, and post mortem brain tissue.
• Implementation of rigorous QA/QC systems and automation infrastructure, including robotic liquid handling and automated nucleic acid extraction.

Main Results:

• NCRAD currently banks samples from 91 studies representing over 135,000 participants and has distributed over 440,000 aliquots to more than 300 researchers.
• Data from NCRAD-supported studies have contributed to over 1100 publications and significant discoveries in ADRD genetics and biomarkers.
• NCRAD's sample distribution and data sharing model promote broad research access, scientific output, transparency, and reproducibility.

Conclusions:

• NCRAD plays a vital role in advancing ADRD research by providing essential, high-quality biospecimens and data.
• The repository's infrastructure and collaborative ecosystem support large-scale multi-omic and biomarker analyses for neurodegenerative diseases.
• NCRAD's commitment to rigorous standards and data sharing maximizes the scientific impact of its collections.