Purpose, Partnership, and Possibilities: The Implementation of the Dog Aging Project Biobank

Background: Biobanks have been supporting longitudinal prospective and retrospective studies by providing standardized services for the acquisition, transport, processing, storage, and distribution of high-quality biological material and associated data. Here, we describe how the Dog Aging Project (DAP), a large-scale longitudinal study of the domestic dog ( Canis familiaris ) with translational applications for humans, developed a biobank of canine biospecimens and associated data. Design and methods: This was accomplished by working with the Cornell Veterinary Biobank, the first biobank in the world to receive accreditation to ISO 20387:2018—General Requirements for Biobanking. The biobank research team was involved in the early collection stages of the DAP, contributing to the development of appropriate workflows and processing fit-for-purpose biospecimens. In support of a dynamic strategy for real-time adjustment of processes, a pilot phase was implemented to develop, test, and optimize the biospecimen workflows, followed by an early phase of collection, processing, and banking of specimens from DAP participants. Results: During the pilot and early phases of collection, the DAP Biobank stored 164 aliquots of whole blood, 273 aliquots of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, 130 aliquots of plasma, and 70 aliquots of serum, and extracted high molecular weight genomic DNA suitable for whole-genome sequencing from 109 whole blood specimens. These specimens, along with their associated preanalytical data, have been made available for distribution to researchers. Conclusion: We discuss the challenges and opportunities encountered during the implementation of the DAP Biobank, along with novel strategies for promoting biobanking sustainability such as partnering with a DAP quality assurance manager and a DAP marketing and communication specialist and developing a pilot grant structure to fund small innovative research projects

sj-docx-1-bmi-10.1177_11772719221137217 – Supplemental material for Purpose, Partnership, and Possibilities: The Implementation of the Dog Aging Project Biobank

Supplemental material, sj-docx-1-bmi-10.1177_11772719221137217 for Purpose, Partnership, and Possibilities: The Implementation of the Dog Aging Project Biobank by Lara Mouttham and Marta G Castelhano in Biomarker Insights</p

sj-docx-2-bmi-10.1177_11772719221137217 – Supplemental material for Purpose, Partnership, and Possibilities: The Implementation of the Dog Aging Project Biobank

Supplemental material, sj-docx-2-bmi-10.1177_11772719221137217 for Purpose, Partnership, and Possibilities: The Implementation of the Dog Aging Project Biobank by Lara Mouttham and Marta G Castelhano in Biomarker Insights</p

sj-jpg-3-bmi-10.1177_11772719221137217 – Supplemental material for Purpose, Partnership, and Possibilities: The Implementation of the Dog Aging Project Biobank

Supplemental material, sj-jpg-3-bmi-10.1177_11772719221137217 for Purpose, Partnership, and Possibilities: The Implementation of the Dog Aging Project Biobank by Lara Mouttham and Marta G Castelhano in Biomarker Insights</p

The TNNT2:c.95‐108G>A variant is common in Maine Coons and shows no association with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common and potentially fatal heart disease in many cat breeds. An intronic variant in TNNT2, c.95-108G>A, was recently reported as the cause of HCM in the Maine Coon. The aim of this study was to determine this variant's allele frequency in different populations and its possible association with HCM. Based on 160 Maine Coon samples collected in Belgium, Italy, Sweden and the USA, the variant's allele frequency was estimated to be 0.32. Analysis of the 99 Lives feline whole genome sequencing database showed that the TNNT2 variant also occurs in other breeds, as well as mixed-breed cats. Comparison of 31 affected and 58 healthy cats did not reveal significantly increased odds for HCM in homozygotes. Based on the combined evidence and in agreement with the standards and guidelines for the interpretation of sequence variants, this variant is currently classified as a variant of unknown significance and should not be used for breeding decisions regarding HCM