Annual Report 2020
THL Biobank is a nationwide biobank that collects and stores valuable research samples from all over Finland. THL Biobank operates under the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) and aims to promote the utilisation of nationally significant research data in disease prevention and health promotion. THL Biobank has been operating since 2014. At the end of 2019, it became a member of the Finnish Biobank Cooperative (FINBB).
Samples and data in THL Biobank
In 2020, THL Biobank administered samples and data from nearly 220 000 donors and 33 different research projects.
THL Biobank’s research material includes more than one million research samples (incl. DNA, RNA, serum, plasma, urine and cell samples), large amounts of laboratory analyses produced from samples (e.g. lipids and liver enzyme levels), results from various physical measurements (e.g. height, weight, blood pressure), genomic data and other extensive omics data such as measurements of hundreds of molecules from serum samples (metabolome). In addition, the biobank stores information provided by the sample provider in interviews and questionnaires, including information on lifestyle and disease history.
| Samples | Examples of sample related data | Examples of sample donor related data |
|---|---|---|
| DNA | Lipids | Background information |
| RNA | Inflammatory markers | Physical examination |
| Serum | Liver enzymes | Lifestyle |
| Plasma | Genomic data | Disease and symptoms information |
| Cells | Metabolomic data | Medication |
| Saliva | Other omics data | Mood and mental health |
| Urine | Use of health services | |
| Toe nails | Physical activity | |
| Skin biopsy | Nutrition |
The omics data stored in THL Biobank is very extensive and versatile, and their number is constantly increasing with the results produced in new studies.
| Type of omics data | N |
|---|---|
| Imputed genotype | 110 646 |
| Genotyped chip data | 117 515 |
| Whole exome sequence | 18 390 |
| Whole genome sequence | 5290 |
| Metabolomics, NMR | 42 740 |
| Telomeres | 11 474 |
| Transcriptomics | 515 |
| DNA metylation | 510 |
Use of THL Biobank data
In 2020, THL Biobank processed 68 preliminary inquiries for biobank data access. As a result of the revised inquiry process and the membership of FINBB, the number of preliminary research inquiries almost doubled to the previous year.
Summer 2020 saw the launch of REMS2, a revised and more accessible application portal. The total number of research applications received by THL Biobank was 22. Over the course of the year, 88 batches of extracted data were released and more than 15 000 samples were processed for use in 26 different biobank studies. During the year, there were more than 60 ongoing biobank projects.
The largest project utilising THL Biobank samples and data in 2020 was the FinnGen study. FinnGen is an extensive biobank research project based on a public-private partnership between Finnish universities, biobanks, hospital districts and several international pharmaceutical companies. The aim of the project, which was launched in 2017, is to better understand disease mechanisms by combining genome and health information from up to 500 000 Finns. THL Biobank handles the project’s sample logistics on behalf of all Finnish biobanks. In 2020, nearly 93 000 FinnGen project samples were processed at THL Biobank. The extensive sample collections of THL Biobank constitute an important part of the FinnGen project.
Read more about FinnGen
Read more about ongoing biobank studies (mainly in Finnish)
Major scientific publications
Results from biobank studies utilising THL Biobank’s samples and data were reported in high-impact scientific publications. Many of these publications were based on the results produced in the FinnGen biobank project.
Selected publications from the year 2020 that utilized THL Biobank's resources:
- The role of polygenic risk and susceptibility genes in breast cancer over the course of life. Nat Commun. 11 (2020)
- Inherited myeloproliferative neoplasm risk affects haematopoietic stem cells. Nature 586 (2020)
- Polygenic and clinical risk scores and their impact on age at onset and prediction of cardiometabolic diseases and common cancers. Nat Med. 26 (2020)
- Seroprevalence of Lyme borreliosis in Finland 50 years ago. Clin Microbiol Infect. 26 (2020)
- Risks of light and moderate alcohol use in fatty liver disease - follow-up of population cohorts. Hepatology 71 (2020)
Read more on other publications resulted brom biobank research
Read more about publications resulted from FinnGen Study
THL Biobank datasets were enriched by returned research data
A record amount of new research data produced from samples used in biobank research projects was returned to THL Biobank in 2020. Most often the returned data was genomic data. New data was also released from the original research groups for future use through the biobank.
| Type of data received | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Genotype data (GWAS) / imputed genotype data | 29 000 |
| Exome sequencing data (WES) | 6900 |
| Whole genome sequencing data (WGS) | 3400 |
| Mitocondrional CN (mtDNA-CN) | 1100 |
| Telomeres | 11 500 |
| Ceramide lipid analyses | 8000 |
| Liver enzyme analyses (ALT, ASAT, bilirubin) | 13 700 |
| Environmental toxin analyses | 3000 |
Development and quality management work at THL Biobank
In 2020, new projects were launched at THL Biobank to develop internal processes and update documentation (e.g. instructions for equipment, methods and procedures). The purpose of the reform is to harmonise and streamline processes and procedures, thus ensuring the quality of the biobank’s operations in all areas.
THL Biobank’s internal information systems were developed by setting up new functionalities and interfaces, the purpose of which is to serve in particular data management and the carrying out of searches for data availability.
In 2020, two certificates confirming the high quality of the laboratory work were issued to the THL Biobank laboratory through an external quality assessment round organised by the Integrated Biobank of Luxembourg (IBBL). THL Biobank participated in evaluations that tested biobanks’ capacity to isolate DNA from whole blood and determine DNA concentration and purity.
Collaboration
THL Biobank is a member of the Finnish Biobank Cooperative (FINBB). FINBB aims to create a centralised and internationally advanced biobank infrastructure in Finland. All the hospital biobanks in Finland are also members of FINBB.
FINBB also coordinates the Finnish research infrastructure for biobanking network, BBMRI.fi, which involves all Finnish biobanks. THL Biobank operates actively not only in BBMRI.fi, but also with the network of European research infrastructure for biobanking, BBMRI-ERIC.
THL Biobank received recognition for its active collaboration at the national level, being selected as the “Enhancer of biobank collaboration in 2020” in a vote in which all Finnish biobanks participated.
THL Biobank also participated actively in various development projects involving or closely related to biobank activities, such as the development of information management solutions together with the IT Centre for Science (CSC), the streamlining of data permit practices together with the Data Permit Authority (Findata), and the working group preparing for the establishment of the national genome centre.
In addition, THL Biobank supported THL’s COVID-19 research by offering sample processing and information system support in areas such as consent management.
THL Biobank – accessible and approachable
THL Biobank exists because of sample donors, and biobank research cannot be carried out without their participation and their positive attitude towards biobank activities. For the time being, biobank consent can be given to THL Biobank only in the context of a primary scientific study.
Efforts were made to facilitate citizens’ contact requests by opening a digital Suomi.fi Messages service. A total of 116 requests were received by the biobank during the year, mainly via the Suomi.fi service.
THL Biobank is visible online and in social media
THL Biobank’s website provides comprehensive information for both sample providers and researchers.
Stay tuned for THL Biobank’s news
Follow THL Biobank's current affairs in Twitter (@THLBiobank).
