The Swansea Neurology Biobank (Resubmission 2022)

• Research type

  Research Tissue Bank

• IRAS ID

  323223

• Research summary

  The Swansea Neurology Biobank

• REC name

  Wales REC 3

• REC reference

  23/WA/0002

• Date of REC Opinion

  17 Jan 2023

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion

• Data collection arrangements

  The primary aim of this biobank is to act as a repository for DNA, tissue and blood products from those with epilepsy and with comorbid and/or related disorders and their unaffected relatives, with sample collection being part of a programme of scheduled research within the biobank. This biobank will also collect samples from those affected by episodes of a transient loss of consciousness, incorporating those with diagnoses of cardiac disorders.
  For the large part we will be collecting blood samples from participants from which we will obtain DNA, RNA, plasma, serum and peripheral blood lymphocytes, but we will also collect saliva, hair and tissue samples. All sample collections will be consent driven, with written consent being obtained by trained healthcare professionals prior to sample ascertainment. Collections will occur either in NHS clinics attended by the participant or at appointments specifically scheduled for the purpose. Samples will stored within the biobanking facility at Swansea University and at the Health Protection Agency in Salisbury, Wiltshire.
  Further, we will collect detailed clinical information in participants to assist with phenotyping and data analysis as well as providing the basis for additional cohort focused healthcare research.

• Research programme

  Our main principle, and the overarching theme of the biobank, is to provide a DNA and cell repository for research into epilepsy and associated disorders, ranging from basic science to drug development. The samples obtained will have several scheduled purposes; 1) Gene discovery experiments: using gene association studies, linkage analysis, exome and whole genome sequencng and candidate gene screening 2) Pharmacogenomics: the association of genetic constitution with response to drugs or susceptibility to side effects. 3) Submission of specific cohorts to academic research facilities as part of formal collaborations (including material transfer agreements). 4) Submission of specific cohorts to pharmaceutical companies who require biological material to develop and test new antiseizure/antiarrhythmia drugs. All scheduled purposes are aimed towards better understanding of epilepsy, associated disorders and how to treat them, thus benefiting epilepsy patients and society in general.

• Storage license

  12651

• RTBTitle

  The Swansea Neurology Biobank

• Establishment organisation

  Swansea University

• Establishment organisation address

  Institute of Life Sciences 1, School of Medicine

  Singleton Park

  Swansea

  SA2 8PP