Targeted Biospecimen Collection to Meet High Priority Pediatric Health Needs: The Developmental Genotype-Tissue...

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Genomics
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• Gene expression patterns during human development are not fully understood.
• A significant public health need exists for pediatric clinicians, scientists, parents, and children regarding developmental gene expression.

Purpose of the Study:

• The National Institute of Health established the Developmental Genotype-Tissue Expression (dGTEx) project.
• To study tissue-specific gene expression during normal pediatric development of human organs, tissues, and cells.

Main Methods:

• Collecting suitable, well-annotated pediatric biospecimens.
• Employing innovative molecular methodologies and rigorous data analysis.
• Addressing the high priority and unmet health need for pediatric research.

Main Results:

• Reporting advancements and challenges in the dGTEx project.
• Detailing pediatric-specific tissue collection methodologies.
• Highlighting progress in metadata collection and tissue verification processes.

Conclusions:

• The dGTEx project provides an unparalleled resource of procedures, data, and biospecimens for pediatric clinicians and scientists.
• This resource aims to enhance understanding of pediatric gene expression and regulation across all body systems and developmental stages.
• Potential for deeper insights into childhood diseases and developmental-linked adult diseases, leading to new treatment options.