Rady Children's Institute Genomic Biorepository

RCI will collect biological samples (such as blood), derived genomic sequences (from DNA and RNA), and clinical features in a Biorepository as a standardized resource for future research studies. The purpose of the Genomics Institute Biorepository is to provide consented samples and data for basic and clinical research related to the genomic cause and treatment of childhood disease, and, in the future, as reference (Quality Control) data to improve the ability to make clinical diagnoses or clinical decision.

A diverse Biorepository of biological samples and clinical data is essential to allow these studies to undertake broad and detailed comparisons. In particular, a large Biorepository will allow Institute-affiliated researchers to identify new causes of diseases or treatment responses in many of the understudied ethnic and racial groups that Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego (RCHSD) serves.

Specifically, the Biorepository, via subsequent individual research protocols, will enable research to improve rates of clinical diagnoses for enrolled subjects and subsequently all affected patients, improve testing capabilities offered to patients, enhance understanding of the mechanisms of disease and treatment responses, and improve clinical management of these diseases. The Biorepository will enroll affected and unaffected individuals and family members, or affected and unaffected tissues, for the purposes of analysis and comparison in order to identify the underlying cause of the disease or treatment in the affected samples. Samples and data will be stored indefinitely and shared with approved researchers to further understanding of genomic components of pediatric diseases.

In addition, the Biorepository will provide a mechanism for making a diagnosis of a genetic disease. That is, once genomic sequences have been derived from biological samples, they will be immediately analyzed. If a genetic disease is identified that appears to explain an affected child's clinical features, then those results will be confirmed in a manner that is compliant with the Clinical Laboratory Improvements Act (CLIA) and College of American Pathologist (CAP) recommendations, and placed in the electronic health record (EHR). Samples confirmed by CLIA and CAP methods will be identified as such and retained for future confirmatory investigations.

Specific Aims

• To collect biological samples and associated clinical data (Phenome).
• To create, analyze and store genomic data from the biological samples. Genomic data will include genome (DNA) sequences, RNA sequences, and/or other related 'omic data (including pharmacogenomics, transcriptomics, epigenetics, and the microbiome). Some genomic data will be whole genome sequences. For other samples the genomic data will be panels of specific genes or of all exons of genes (the "Exome").
• To investigate and improve genomics technologies and software to enhance understanding and testing abilities related to childhood diseases and treatment responses.
• To make specimens and data available for qualified researchers and collaborators to further the understanding of childhood diseases and treatment responses.
• To collect and correlate genomic data from a wide variety of populations and clinical presentations.
• To provide sample and data collections with uniform consent, methods of acquisition, storage for genome-based research studies with subsequent IRB approvals.
• To analyze and report clinically-confirmed genomic diagnoses and treatment guidance through use of new research technologies.
• To identify and study novel gene and disease processes.

The investigator will plan to enroll 3000 subjects per year. Following informed consent, the study team will collect a family history and blood samples. The investigator will collect clinical information from the medical record at the time of enrollment and longitudinally to assess changes in the subject's medical condition as well as collect new symptoms. The study team will scavenge tissue and other biological materials obtained from clinical procedures as indicated by clinical presentation and for future research testing.

Inclusion criteria

• All ages, races, genders, ethnicities, and health status will be eligible for participation. Enrollment will include that following vulnerable populations: pregnant women, neonates, fetuses, those with cognitive disabilities, pediatric patients, minorities, and employees.

Exclusion criteria

• None