Biospecimens Accessioning and Processing (BAP) Shared Resource

W. E. Highsmith, Ph.D.
Director

The purposes of the Biospecimens Accessioning and Processing (BAP) Shared Resource at Mayo Clinic Cancer Center are to:

• Provide a central facility to electronically accession biospecimens intended for cancer research
• Process the specimens appropriately according to their projected end use
• Provide nucleic acid extraction services
• Provide cryo-preservation of mononuclear cells and EBV immortalization of B lymphocytes

The services provided by this core include:

Wilma Lingle, Ph.D.
Co-Director

• DNA extraction from whole blood
• DNA extraction from paraffin-embedded tissue
• DNA extraction from frozen tissue
• DNA extraction from buccal cells (mouthwash samples)
• Plasma/serum separation
• Isolation and cryo-preservation of white blood cells
• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) services
  • Lymphoblast transformation
  • Mycoplasma testing

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One of the most valuable contributions of the BAP resource is the specimen annotation that is entered into the Research Biospecimen Database at the time of specimen accessioning. Together, the electronic biospecimen accessioning combined with basic specimen processing, EBV immortalization, and nucleic acid extraction services have created a very powerful, synergistic Shared Resource invaluable for supporting the translational, epidemiologic, and basic research programs for Mayo investigators.

Recently this core was incorporated as part of the Advanced Genomics Technology Center (AGTC). The AGTC brings together seven different genomics-oriented shared resources to facilitate interactions with the Mayo research staff and to increase the coordination and efficiency of our activities. With the support and cooperation of the Genomics Research Center, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, and the Center for Translational Science Activities, the facilities of the AGTC are working to provide professional, efficient, and low-cost access to the latest genomics technologies to all Mayo investigators.

The AGTC is supporting development of the Research Laboratory Information Management System (RLIMS). The RLIMS program is a proposed four-phase program for developing an information management infrastructure for Mayo Clinic's research laboratory environment. The vision of the RLIMS program is to develop standardized tools for research laboratory operations involving the use of human and animal biospecimens and information management at all three Mayo sites. In doing so, Mayo's competitiveness is enhanced in the extramural funding arena, enabling Mayo investigators to leverage the extraordinarily rich dataset associated with specimens processed and analyzed in the research laboratories, ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines, encourage collaboration between Mayo investigators, and improve the productivity of Mayo's research laboratories. The first part of Phase 1 of the RLIMS project, sample accessioning and tracking, was implemented in the BAP Shared Resource in December, 2007. The remainder of Phase 1 will be implemented in 2008.