Medical School Unveils New Biorepository for UMHS Research Community
The Medical School is pleased to announce a new biorepository for U-M researchers in need of a controlled storage environment for biological samples. Under the leadership of Dean Woolliscroft, the biorepository will be hosted and operated by the Michigan Institute for Clinical & Health Research (MICHR).
"A significant hurdle to truly translational research studies is the ready availability of reliable, standardized resources to obtain, process, securely store, and disburse high-quality samples, and associated clinical information to various members of the study teams," said Ken Pienta, MD and Director, MICHR. "Even for smaller studies, the availability of appropriate storage facilities can be a significant issue. MICHR is thrilled to be able to provide a biorepository, in addition to our many other programs and services, to help accommodate the needs of scientists and their teams."
Many scientists at the University of Michigan have their own laboratories, where they may store biological samples for their research, but that space is often very limited, and common standard protocols and tracking systems are most often not used. Other research investigators don't have access to wet labs, and need a facility that can prepare high-quality samples for them. MICHR is pleased to be able to add to its many services for the research community a centralized biological repository for controlled storage of biological samples, and related services (including DNA, RNA and other downstream preparation) within the U-M campus.
The biorepository, located in the CAP/CLIA-certified Michigan Center for Translational Pathology (MCTP) laboratory at the U-M Traverwood facility on Huron Parkway, will store biologic material including blood and urine. Sample accessioning and tracking will be accomplished using the caTISSUE suite of programs, and samples will be processed and stored in compliance with CAP/CLIA guidelines. Initially, all samples will be used only with the authorization of the individual investigator who directed the project under which the samples were obtained. Samples will be used in accordance with the relevant informed consent. Long-term plans include federating the database in order to facilitate sharing of data and samples between research teams.
"The vast amounts of genomic information generated by the human genome project, as well as the advanced technologies that made the project possible, are now very accessible to researchers," said Ram Iyer, PhD and Laboratory Director. "These resources make it possible to conceive, develop, and execute projects that were impossible just a few years ago, and have fueled a spectacular boost in the number, variety, and pace of investigations on the consequences of genetic and epigenetic variation in normal and disease states."
Also leading the biorepository with Dr. Iyer is Javed Siddiqui, Technical Director. Sample collection services will be provided by MICHR's Michigan Clinical Research Unit (MCRU), which can also coordinate MICHR Biorepository specimen pick-up and delivery for investigators' convenience.
Contact:
Ram Iyer, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Division of Genetics,
Pediatrics & Communicable Diseases, and Pathology,
Director, MICHR Biorepository Laboratory
Director, MMGL Molecular Genetics Laboratory
Phone: (734) 615-2028
Fax: (734) 763-7610
E-mail: rkiyer@med.umich.edu
Javed Siddiqui, MS, MT(ASCP), CLsp (MB)
Technical Director
Michigan Center For Translational Pathology
2900 Huron Parkway
Ann-Arbor, Mi 48105
Or
5431 CCGC
1400 East Medical Center Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Phone: (734) 232-0829, (734) 936-6266 Pager #7554
Fax: (734) 232-0805
E-mail: siddiqui@med.umich.edu
