DNA BANK

The applications of the samples preserved in the DNA Bank are very diverse, as they constitute the basis for many of the activities related to Genomics. Those related to DNA constitute the starting point for any subsequent analysis of research, which is why their quality is of crucial importance in ensuring the reliability of results.

In this respect, the aim of the DNA Bank is to facilitate high-quality samples that enable a wide range of studies to be carried out based on genotyping, including both nuclear and mitochondrial sequencing, the analysis of variation in minisatellite and microsatellite DNA and gene and intergene SNPs, and analysis using microarrays.

The fields of application of DNA analysis are very diverse and varied, which is why it is not possible to provide an exhaustive list. Instead, some applications are cited below which are used at the University of the Basque Country itself and in its environs:

Biomedical Science:

• Detection of somatic mutations
• Detection of hereditary mutations
• Detection of susceptibility factors
• Analysis of loss of heterozygosity
• DNA methylation studies
• Mitochondrial DNA analysis
• Identification of individuals, biological remains and biopsies
• Neonatal identification
• Monitoring of transplants

The collections that currently make up the DNA Bank in the field of biomedical applications refer mainly to neurodegenerative diseases, oncobiology and obesity.

There are also samples available of individuals without known pathologies which can be used as control samples.

Biological and Environmental:

• Population studies of anthropological interest
• Identification of animal and plant species
• Identification of microorganism species

Collections of samples of native populations currently existing in the Bank

Food:

• Identification of species in foods (processed and raw)
• Detection of genetically-modified organisms