Personnel

Una Krūmiņa, una.krumina@biomed.lu.lv

Nadežda Kuļigina, nadezda.kuligina@biomed.lu.lv

Kaspars Megnis, kaspars.megnis@biomed.lu.lv

Kristīne Vīksne , kristine.viksne@biomed.lu.lv

Līga Birzniece, liga.birzniece@biomed.lu.lv

Agnese Gržeļahovska, agnese.grzelahovska@biomed.lu.lv

National Biobank of Latvia – Genome Database of Latvian Population

Genome Database of Latvian Population (LGDB) collects, stores, and processes biological samples donated by Latvian citizens for scientific purposes, together with associated medical, lifestyle, and socioeconomic data. It was founded in 2006, and at the moment LGDB stores biological samples and related phenotypic and clinical information from approximately 1.5% of the population of Latvia. By its design, LGDB is a mixed-type biobank, which includes both general population samples and collections of specific disease samples. Disease-specific specimen collections contain specimens from patients suffering from cardiovascular, endocrine, oncological, digestive tract, and various other diseases. The set of standard biological samples is covered in a biobank including DNA, plasma, serum, and leukocytes, however, in the case of individual collections, cancer biopsies, urine, and fecal samples, as well as viral swabs collected as part of COVID-19 research are available. In 2016, Latvia became a member of the European infrastructure consortium BBMRI-ERIC (Biobanks and BioMolecular Resources Infrastructure), and the BMC Genome Center became the contact point of this organization, which provides consultations and support to all Latvian biobanks.

For additional information visit: www.genomadatubaze.lv, Head of Biobank Vita Rovīte, vita.rovite@biomed.lu.lv, vigdb@biomed.lu.lv

Molecular analyses

The laboratory of the Genome Center provides a wide range of molecular analyzes for the needs of BMC research groups, local and international partners, as well as biotechnology and diagnostic companies. The laboratory provides both manual execution of specific sample processing protocols and bulk sample processing using modern, automated platforms (MGISP100, MGISP960, Tecan® Freedom EVO 100). The equipment of the laboratory premises allows for high-quality processing of low-biomass, unstable, and even potentially infectious samples (BSL-2). The molecular genetics laboratory of the Genome Center is one of the leading providers of next-generation sequencing services in Latvia, ensuring the acquisition of both full genome sequencing data and targeted gene sequences using DNBSEQ-G400, DNBSEQ-T7 and MiSeq System next-generation sequencing platforms. In collaboration with scientists, laboratory specialists improve their skills regularly and implement new next-generation sequencing applications (including single-cell RNA sequencing, metatranscriptome sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics). In addition, the laboratory provides a range of other in-demand molecular biology analyses, including Sanger sequencing, real-time PCR, and digital PCR.

Services

Biospecimens and related data

• Collection of high-quality biological samples
• Manual and automated isolation of DNA and RNA from various types of biological material (including blood, feces, biopsies), quality control
• Manual and automated sample pretreatment (including blood plasma, serum centrifugation, and aliquoting)
• Storage and maintenance of sample collections in low and ultra-low temperature conditions
• Issuance of samples stored in LGDB and related data for research purposes
• Extraction of data from national health databases and registries related to the samples stored in LGDB

Molecular analyses

• Manual and automated DNA/cDNA library preparation, quality control, and next-generation sequencing using MGI Tech and Illumina sequencing platforms:
  • Whole genome sequencing (for genomes of various sizes)
  • Transcriptome/metatranscriptome sequencing
  • Metagenomic sequencing (shot-gun and 16S rRNA gene variable regionsequencing)
  • Targeted amplification-based sequencing of specific genes, genomes;
  • Implementation and development of other next-generation sequencing applications
• Genotyping using TaqMan real-time PCR technology
• Sanger sequencing (analysis of the length of any genome, any region, fragment)
• Digital PCR for absolute quantification of biomarkers, and gene expression levels

Consultations

• In establishing and maintaining biobanks following the principles of good international practice
• Organization of collection of high-quality biological samples, primary processing
• In developing the design of genetic studies
• Evaluating the ethical aspects of the research
• In developing the methodological design of studies based on next-generation sequencing