Pediatric Rheumatology Tissue Repository
The Pediatric Rheumatology Tissue Repository (PRTR) is a national resource, available not only to investigators of the research base specifically, but also for multi-center studies in pediatric rheumatology. This core provides uniform acquisition and storage of patient and control samples for research purposes and training to outside centers to ensure smooth and consistent functioning in collection. The core can also provide procurement and processing of samples as required by investigator-driven protocols.
The principal functions of this Core are:
- To collect, process and maintain biological specimens from patients with pediatric rheumatological and related musculoskeletal conditions as well as from relevant control populations for research purposes. The types of specimens stored include:
- DNA for genetic studies
- RNA derived from whole blood, PBMC, SFMC or tissue for expression studies.
- Synovial fluid samples stored as synovial fluid supernatants and synovial fluid lymphocytes.
- Peripheral blood lymphocytes, sera and plasma for biological and immunological studies.
- EBV Immortalized cells, for replenishing DNA stores.
- Tissues, including synovial tissue and muscle tissue for histological analysis.
To support multi-center collection of patient and control samples nationally. The scope of specimens needed for translational research projects is extensive and can rarely be accomplished without collaborative efforts between multiple clinical investigative sites. The PRTR will assist in establishing sample collection, processing and shipping protocols and coordinate training of clinical site personnel to provide uniform sample collection. The function has been extended beyond the local research base to pediatric rheumatologists at other institutions. To allow systematic access to biological samples for investigators conducting IRB approved basic and translational studies in pediatric rheumatological disease and provide specimens to investigators in appropriate format. This will be done by tracking specimens, study information, consent information and necessary clinical classification within the Biomedical Informatics managed, web-based Biorepository (BR) and integrated Protocol Manager (PM) Software modules.
