Establishing a reproductive biorepository for basic and translational research: experience developing the reproductive subjects registry and sample repository

J Assist Reprod Genet. 2021 Aug;38(8):2097-2105. doi: 10.1007/s10815-021-02165-6. Epub 2021 Mar 30.

Abstract

Purpose: To report experience designing and establishing a reproductive registry and sample biorepository and to describe initial subject characteristics and biospecimens.

Methods: Beginning in December 2017, patients presenting for reproductive care at the University of Michigan were approached for study enrollment. Following consent, subjects completed detailed reproductive and health questionnaires. A variety of reproductive specimens and tissues were collected and processed for multiple downstream applications.

Results: Subject enrollment began in December of 2017. There are currently 1798 subjects enrolled. Female participants report a variety of reproductive disorders. Available samples include semen, sperm, follicular fluid, granulosa cells, immature oocytes, ovarian and uterine tissue, and blood samples.

Conclusion: We report the successful establishment of a reproductive registry and sample biorepository. Furthermore, we describe methods for collection and storage of a variety of reproductive tissue processed for multiple downstream translational applications.

Keywords: Biorepository; IVF; Precision medicine; Reproductive research; Translational research.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Registries / statistics & numerical data*
  • Reproduction*
  • Specimen Handling / methods*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Tissue Banks / organization & administration*
  • Tissue Banks / statistics & numerical data*
  • Translational Research, Biomedical / standards*
  • Young Adult