Paper

The Genome Austria Tissue Bank (GATiB)
M. Asslaber^a, P.M. Abuja^a, K. Stark^{a, f}, J. Eder^f, H. Gottweis^g, M. Trauner^b, H. Samonigg^c, H.J. Mischinger^d, W. Schippinger^c, A. Berghold^e, H. Denk^a, K. Zatloukal<sup>a

a</sup>Institute of Pathology,
^bDepartment of Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental and Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology,
^cDivision of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine,
^dDivision of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, and
^eInstitute of Medical Informatics, Statistics and Documentation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, and
^fFaculty of Computer Sciences, and
^gDepartment of Political Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

Address of Corresponding Author

Pathobiology 2007;74:251-258 (DOI: 10.1159/000104453)

  Key Words

• Biobank
• Biobanks, ethical, legal and social issues (ELSI)
• Personalized medicine
• Biomarkers
• Drug development
• Standardization
• ELSI

  Abstract

In the context of the Austrian Genome Program, a tissue bank is being established (Genome Austria Tissue Bank, GATiB) which is based on a collection of diseased and corresponding normal tissues representing a great variety of diseases at their natural frequency of occurrence from a non-selected Central European population of more than 700,000 patients. Major emphasis is put on annotation of archival tissue with comprehensive clinical data, including follow-up data. A specific IT infrastructure supports sample annotation, tracking of sample usage as well as sample and data storage. Innovative data protection tools were developed which prevent sample donor re-identification, particularly if detailed medical and genetic data are combined. For quality control of old archival tissues, new techniques were established to check RNA quality and antigen stability. Since 2003, GATiB has changed from a population-based tissue bank to a disease-focused biobank comprising major cancers such as colon, breast, liver, as well as metabolic liver diseases and organs affected by the metabolic syndrome. Prospectively collected tissues are associated with blood samples and detailed data on the sample donor's disease, lifestyle and environmental exposure, following standard operating procedures. Major emphasis is also placed on ethical, legal and social issues (ELSI) related to biobanks. A specific research project and an international advisory board ensure the proper embedding of GATiB in society and facilitate international networking.

Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Kurt Zatloukal, MD
Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz
Auenbruggerplatz 25
AT-8036 Graz (Austria)
Tel. +43 316 380 4404, Fax +43 316 384 329, E-Mail kurt.zatloukal@meduni-graz.at

  Article Information

Number of Print Pages : 8
Number of Figures : 4, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 37