ForResearchers

The Ulster Genome Project is a biobank hosted by Ulster University that holds samples with integrated clinical data and robust laboratory measures of genomic, proteomic and metabolomic determinants. This includes whole genome sequences and the results of multiplex protein assays and methylation assays. The project concentrates on diseases that have genetic, lifestyle or dietary determinants, with a particular interest in inflammatory aetiologies that are shared across diseases.

We have common genomic, proteomic and clinical data across all core disease areas, facilitating cross comparison between morbidities and the exploration of multimorbidity.

The Ulster Genome Project aims to facilitate the discovery and validation of biomarkers associated with disease predisposition and the response to therapy, ultimately to make drug treatments more effective. This includes the development of stratified/personalised/precision medicine diagnostic tools and technologies.

We hold patient samples and data across the disease areas indicated below, covering ~7000 participants.

Ethical governence of all our studies is overseen by the Office for Research Ethics Committees Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine has extensive capabilities in human tissue storage, processing and analyses, utilising a barcoded computerised system compliant with the Human Tissue Act (HTA). The Unit is managed by a Quality Assurance Officer as a core facility with a dedicated support team with access to i) Pressure fed Vapour Phase Cryo Storage System with capacity for up to 22,000 samples, ii) 1.2 million sample capacity in thirty five -80° freezer units in a dedicated temperature controlled environment utilising item tracker labelling and traceability software, iii) AAW WebReact Temperature Monitoring System.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE - We hold samples and data for ~350 CVD patients with 300+ clinical measurements per patient including follow up data. Data sets additionally include multiplex protein assay measurements, whole genome sequences, SNP genotyping, ECG data and CT angiograms.
TYPE 2 DIABETES - We hold samples and data for 500 T2D patients with ~50 clinical measurements per patient (including HbA1c, c-peptide, BMI, lipid profiles). Data sets additionally include multiplex protein assay measurements, whole genome sequences and SNP genotyping.
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS - We hold samples and data for 500 RA patients with 200+ clinical measurements per patient including follow up data. Data sets additionally include multiplex protein assay measurements, whole genome sequences and SNP genotyping.

MENTAL HEALTH - We hold samples and data for over 400 individuals with mental health disorders and over 400 matched healthy controls with 100+ clinical measurements per individual. Data sets additionally include multiplex protein assay measurements, genome-wide DNA methylation analysis, 16S microbiome, whole genome sequences and SNP genotyping.
NEUROMUSCULAR DISEASE -The centre hosts a highly innovative project investigating muscle as a secretory organ releasing exosomes and other types of vesicle, exploring the role of muscle in motor neuron disorders and focussing on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Spinal-Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (SBMA) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy types III/IV (SMA-III/IV). Muscle cells and other sample types are stored, as well as proteomic and transcriptomic data on muscle cells and their secretory products.
MULTIPLE MYELOMA - The centre hosts a longitudinal B cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorder study, recruiting patients with end stage B cell (plasma cell) dyscrasias, from premalignant (MGUS), through smouldering (SMM), to fully malignant (MM) stages, including patients with AL cardiac amyloidosis. 112 patients have been recruited, with ~300 sampling time-points for bone marrow aspirate and/or peripheral blood. 1000+ haematological and biochemical measurements are available in addition to cellular, proteomic, interphase FISH, cytokine and cellular immune status analyses. Plasma, serum, tumour cell and buffy coat samples are held for future use.

BIOINFORMATICS SERVICES - We have in-house expertise in the analysis of genomic, proteomic and molecular data, in working with electronic health care records and in the use of machine learning techniques to understand disease, facilitate therapy development and undertake biomarker discovery.