UK DNA Banking Network: continuity and consolidation

The information contained within the genetic code (DNA) we inherit from our parents helps determine our future health and can explain why we develop certain diseases. Because the total DNA code of humans (the human genome) has been determined, scientists can now search for the small differences in this code between people who become ill and those who stay well. To perform experiments that identify and confirm these differences requires looking at the code of many thousands of people with the disease. However, it is time consuming and expensive to collect DNA samples from and medical records of such people. The UK DNA Banking Network (UDBN) was set up to hold a large number of DNA collections for different common diseases (e.g. diabetes, cancer, heart disease). UDBN gives out samples and anonymised health data to scientists who want to perform these experiments. UDBN?s service helps save money and it accelerates the pace of research. This application outlines how UDBN intends to continue providing its service over the next three years.

Since 2003 UDBN has supported the MRC?s strategically important area of genetic epidemiology in post-genomic translational research. It now manages large DNA collections and associated data from studies funded by MRC and others. It has provided DNA for 33 studies. It is undertaking management for 14 new collections.

UDBN now seeks core support from MRC in line with advice it has received. UDBN will introduce a sustainable financial model that envisages an end to the need for MRC core support. UDBN will maintain until 2013 the ?MRC 2000? collections and review this activity to ascertain their continued scientific value. UDBN will continuously improve quality via ISO 9001-2000, ISO 9001-2008 and ISO 27001. Collections will be enriched with genotype data held at European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI). UDBN will undertake the management of ?MRC 2000? cells and EBV cell lines and will introduce capacity in high throughput DNA extraction. It will also provide resource management to new large and medium scale collections. A plan to strengthen and develop links with UK Biobank, the five Academic Health Science Centres and the three MRC / BBSRC sequencing hubs underpins UDBN?s strategic vision.