Clinical information and Biological Research Materials Bank for Ophthalmology at the CUO-Recherche clinique of the Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval
Funded since 2021
Goal
- To facilitate access to biological material from patients with ophthalmic conditions
- To improve understanding of and management for various ophthalmic conditions
Description
The samples collected by the biobank come from follow-up visits with patients who have eye diseases or from surgeries performed for various retinal and ocular conditions, such as cataracts, macular holes, or diabetic retinopathy. For example, during a vitrectomy, the vitreous is removed and replaced with another solution. As part of the biobank’s operations, and with the patient’s prior consent, a portion of the vitreous will be stored at -80°C. We will then collect relevant clinical data for each sample, pertaining to the patient’s ocular and general health. In addition, some patients requiring surgery have concomitant ophthalmic conditions such as AMD, diabetic retinopathy, or Fuchs’ corneal endothelial dystrophy. This will allow us to have samples in the biobank from patients with various diseases affecting the eye. A procedure for collecting samples from patients with inherited retinal diseases has recently been established. Cells from blood and skin samples will be cultured and may be used for the development of new gene therapies.
Impact
The samples collected by the biobank will lead to advances in biomedical research on eye diseases. In addition, the biobank will help advance translational research on eye diseases and the development of gene therapies for mutations affecting the retina. The availability of samples and data from the biobank has already contributed to the award of a prestigious grant from Fighting Blindness Canada (FBC).
Accessibility
The infrastructure is available to VSRN member researchers whose projects have been approved by an ethics committee. The database could facilitate collaborations not only among Network members but also with external researchers, as it is accessible to them.
Infrastructure administrator
Ali Dirani, MD, MSc, MPH, Clinician-researcher (ophthalmologist, vitreous and retina surgeon), CUO recherche clinique – Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement. Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval
Contact information
Julie Mauger, BSc. Inf., Clinical Research Coordinator – julie.mauger@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca
Funding
Vision Sciences Research Network (VSRN)
