LANDMark BioBank – a 5-year longitudinal, NIDDK-affiliated bioresource
BioBanks are an essential tool to enable effective biomarker and genetics-related health research. The LANDMark study, funded by the JDRF, is a 5-year longitudinal observational trial conducted at two sites, one in Brisbane Australia and one in Manchester UK. Our current approach to biospecimen storage and distribution is sound but lacks the utility and profile of larger, accessible datasets. It is unique in that the longitudinal dataset contains blood and tissue (skin) and matching detailed phenotypic data of three microvascluar complications of type 1 diabetes - neuropathy, nephropathy and retinopathy. We propose the development of a bioresource database and portal by which to inform researchers of data and biosample availability. The database would have the facility to incorporate additional data contributed by biosample users, thus has the potential to create a distinctive databank of a variety of tissues to researchers of diabetic complications and other research communities. The goal of this project is to 1) extend the existing LANDMark study database to link records of biosamples collected longitudinally to corresponding longitudinal clinical phenotypic data of three microvascular complications of diabetes (neuropathy, nephropathy and retinopathy) from two sites and 2) develop a user-friendly data retrieval and management tool using a web-based interface. Furthermore, the project will 3) explore the feasibility of creating an NIDDK-affiliated repository. Studies which utilize these samples are expected to generate scientific discoveries on mechanisms and pathogenesis of diabetes, and biomarkers of neuropathy, nephropathy and retinopathy progression. The enhancement of the LANDMark Biobank by data linkage, creation of a web based data retrieval tool and affiliation with the NIDDK would facilitate much greater use by researchers, both in scope and volume. Once completed, the LANDMark BioBank will be a large, unique collection of phenotypic data with matching blood and tissue samples, available to scientists to move closer to understanding the mechanisms and correlates of microvascular complications, discovering better treatments and finding a cure.

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