Rutgers University Cell and DNA Repository

Rutgers University Cell and DNA Repository. It is a major biorepository and biomaterial resource center operating within the broader Rutgers University system. Established with support from the National Institute of Mental Health, the facility is dedicated to the collection, storage, and distribution of high-quality biological samples for genetic and biomedical research. Its operations are integral to numerous large-scale studies funded by agencies like the National Institutes of Health and it collaborates extensively with institutions such as the Broad Institute and the Jackson Laboratory.

History and establishment

The repository was formally established in 1998 through an initiative led by the National Institute of Mental Health to create a centralized resource for psychiatric genetics. Its founding was closely tied to the needs of projects like the NIMH Genetics Initiative, which sought to aggregate samples for studies on disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Early development involved key figures from Rutgers University and collaborators at the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of California, Irvine. A significant expansion occurred in the early 2000s when it was selected to house samples for the landmark NIMH Repository and Genomics Resource, solidifying its national role. This period also saw the initiation of its work with the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative and the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange.

Collections and resources

The repository maintains an extensive collection of over 150,000 biological samples, primarily comprising DNA extracts, lymphoblastoid cell lines, and plasma specimens. These samples are sourced from participants in major cohort studies, including the Framingham Heart Study and the Women’s Health Initiative. The facility utilizes state-of-the-art laboratory automation systems for sample processing and stores materials in environments monitored by sophisticated Laboratory information management system software. Its resources are cataloged and made available to qualified investigators worldwide through agreements with entities like the National Institute on Aging and the National Human Genome Research Institute. The collection supports research on a wide array of conditions, from Type 2 diabetes to post-traumatic stress disorder.

Research and scientific contributions

The repository’s samples have been foundational for genome-wide association studies published in journals like Nature Genetics and The American Journal of Human Genetics. It has supplied critical materials for investigations into the genetic architecture of major depressive disorder led by the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium and for studies on Parkinson's disease conducted by the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Work utilizing its resources has contributed to the identification of risk loci for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and has informed research by the International League Against Epilepsy. The facility also plays a key role in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s TOPMed program, facilitating large-scale whole genome sequencing efforts.

Governance and operations

The repository operates under the administrative oversight of Rutgers University’s Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences division. Its scientific direction is guided by an external advisory board comprising experts from institutions such as Harvard University and the Mayo Clinic. Day-to-day management follows strict protocols aligned with guidelines from the College of American Pathologists and the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories. Operational funding is secured through federal contracts from the National Institutes of Health and cooperative agreements with organizations like the Department of Veterans Affairs. The facility’s Piscataway, New Jersey location includes dedicated laboratories for cell culture and polymerase chain reaction analysis.

Collaborative networks and partnerships

The repository is a core member of several national consortia, including the NIMH Repository and Genomics Resource and the National Institute on Aging’s Alzheimer’s Disease Sequencing Project. It maintains a longstanding partnership with the Broad Institute for genomic data generation and analysis. Other key collaborators include the University of Pennsylvania for neuropsychiatric studies and the Rady Children's Hospital for pediatric genomics. The facility also works with international efforts, such as the World Health Organization-affiliated studies on global mental health, and provides samples for clinical trials coordinated by the National Cancer Institute. These partnerships ensure its resources support a diverse and global research enterprise.

Category:Rutgers University Category:Biobanks Category:Medical and health organizations based in New Jersey