Using Biobank Data To Reach Your Research Goals

Often, the biological data or samples required to answer your research question already exist, and you just need to access them. However, finding exactly what you need can be confusing – should you try a biobank or a public data set?  What data is provided for each sample? How does a biobank work? In this article, we will answer these questions and also provide a brief overview of biobanks, and how they can support your research.

What Is A Biobank?

There are a few answers to that question because the term ‘biobank’ can refer to different things. Sometimes a biobank is simply a repository of biological samples, or it can refer to biological samples and the health metadata that goes along with those samples, e.g. genetic data, weight, smoker status etc. The term biobank may also refer to a data-only repository. Furthermore, some biobanks are a combination of biological samples, health metadata, and a related research registry.

What Can Biobanks Be Used For?

Biobanks are chiefly used for medical research. Biological samples such as blood and tissue can be studied and tested for research purposes. Many biobanks also have associated genetic data stored for each sample; this can be used to determine how a person’s genes may affect their risk of a particular disease, or find out if a specific region of the genome is associated with a trait of interest.

The benefit of biobanks is that they collect a huge variety of information and data types for a very large number of samples, which would otherwise be cost prohibitive to collect. In contrast, public data is often very limited in the information it collects – usually only collecting specific types of data, with often limited metadata, for a smaller number of samples. Many research questions, particularly involving complex disease, require increasingly large sample sizes to identify causal factors, and so biobanks would be ideal for use for that purpose.

Using Biobanks to Reach Your Research Goals

Now that you have a better understanding of biobanks you may consider using them to reach your research goals. When you have a research question to answer, it makes sense to check if the biological data to answer that question is available from a biobank. Biobanks are particularly useful when you need access to a large number of samples. Generally, biobanks contain samples and/or data from thousands of people. In fact some biobanks contain data from hundreds of thousands of people. For example, the UK Biobank contains biological samples and data from 500,000 participants.

How Many Biobanks Are There?

Many and they range in size and scope. Some biobanks store samples in freezers within a single laboratory while others contain vast amounts of samples and data. Indeed, some countries have set up national biobanks.  Below we have listed the national biobanks that we are aware of.

How To Access A Biobank

Access requirements vary from biobank to biobank. Generally, you will have to submit a summary of the research you wish to conduct and details of the data you require. You may also have to detail any new data that your research will generate. Furthermore, some biobanks require that you feed your research back into the biobank after a certain amount of time. There are also varying requirements around data-transfers and how many people have access to the data provided. For example, you may have to include any additional researchers or organisations you plan to work with as collaborators on your access application. Some biobanks may also require you to have approval from a research ethics committee or to provide proof of funding.

How Long Does It Take To Receive Data From A Biobank?

Again, this can vary from biobank to biobank.  Also, access timescales can be impacted by how many research applications a biobank is processing at any particular time.

How To Analyse Biobank Data

Once you have the data you need to answer your research question, you need to analyse it to discover the insights it holds. However, the type of analysis required will depend on the type of data you have. For example, with gene expression data you may need RNA sequencing analysis. If you do not have the required analysis expertise in-house then you can outsource to a bioinformatics analysis provider. In fact, you may wish to consult a bioinformatics provider before starting your biobank project as they may be able to provide assistance. At Fios Genomics, our bioinformatics team are experienced in working with biobank data and can even provide assistance in accessing some biobanks such as the UK Biobank. If you would like to discuss a biobank project then please contact us. Alternatively, you can browse our full range of bioinformatics services.

Author: Breige McBride, Content and Social Media Manager, Fios Genomics
Reviewed by Fios Genomics Bioinformatics Experts to ensure accuracy

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