The collaboration between the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the OPEN Biobank in Poznań has already brought its first results. During Saturday’s ‘Picnic at the General’s’ in Turwia, 77 blood samples were collected from donors in the Kościan and Poznań districts. This marks a key milestone in the implementation of the strategic G4PL project – Genomics for Poland.
On 23 May, in collaboration with the OPEN Biobank, the process of collecting biological material for the G4PL project began; 12 leading scientific and research institutions in the country are involved in the project. The Saturday event, organised by the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IBCH PAS) – the project leader – in the picturesque setting of Turwia Palace, attracted considerable interest. As a result, the first 77 blood samples were collected, from which DNA will be isolated.
From a blood sample to genome analysis
Collecting the samples is just the start of a complex process, the ultimate aim of which is to expand the genomic database of Poland’s population. The collected blood samples will now be sent to a laboratory, where the genetic material (DNA) will be isolated. The next step will be to prepare so-called DNA libraries and subject them to high-throughput whole-genome sequencing.
The data obtained from sequencing will undergo advanced bioinformatic analysis. The aim of this work is to create a genomic map – a database that reflects as fully as possible the genetic diversity of the population living in Poland.
Why is it so important?
As the researchers emphasise, the creation of a central repository for genomic data in Poland and the gradual addition of new data to it form the foundation of modern biology and medicine. The knowledge gained will contribute to the development of scientific research, genetic diagnostics and personalised treatment methods, enabling a more effective, ‘tailor-made’ adaptation of existing and emerging therapies to the specific needs and genetic profiles of Polish patients. Furthermore, a portion of the sequenced genomes will form our contribution to the European genetic variation database being established as part of the Genome of Europe (GoE).
Another chance to provide a sample this Saturday
The project is not slowing down. The next opportunity to take part in the research and provide a sample will be on 30 May (Saturday) in Poznań. The Biobank OPEN team and researchers from the IBCH PAS will be waiting for donors at the Institute’s headquarters at 17/19 H. Wieniawskiego Street, between 10.00 and 14.00, during workshops organised by the Centre for Innovation and Social Education (CIES) at the IBCH PAS.
Participation in the project is free of charge.
Further information about the project and the qualifying criteria can be found at: https://genomikadlapolski.pl.
If you have any questions, the organisers encourage you to contact them by email: g4pl@ibch.poznan.pl.This event is made possible thanks to support from the European Funds. The G4PL – Genomics for Poland project has received funding from the European Union under the ‘European Funds for a Modern Economy’ programme.
