The Genomic Medicine Biorepository (GMB), established in 2005, is a full-service processing and banking laboratory, which operates under the direction of Dr. Charis Eng, MD, PhD, Chair of the Genomic Medicine Institute (GMI). The GMB serves as the foundation for evidence-based research for the GMI, the Cleveland Clinic, and our collaborators. Our biorepository has received, catalogued, processed, and banked in excess of 90,000 specimens from more than 10,000 patients. These samples are of numerous tissue types from patients and their family members located all over the world. The GMB has managed specimens that have resulted in more than 300 original peer-reviewed articles and greater than $25 million total direct costs in extramural funding over the last 7 years.
Samples received by the GMB are processed into a wide range of biomaterials using standardized laboratory techniques and quality control practices. Our services include the isolation of DNA and RNA for genetic studies, isolation of plasma or extraction of protein for proteomic studies, creation of immortalized cell lines from blood lymphocytes for biochemical research, and more. All sample information is entered into a laboratory information management system database (Labmatrix) for cataloguing, coding, and storage as well as integration of additional research data. The GMB works closely with investigators and is committed to meet their comprehensive study goals.