MIPT: Molecular Genetic Data Base of Russian Residents

The main articles are:

• Genetics
• Genetic data banks (biobanks, biorepositories, storing biological samples)
• Genomics and Bioinformatics in Russia

2024: Creation of a database of molecular genetic data of Russian residents

A database of molecular genetic data of Russian residents has been created at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT). The project started in early 2024, its goal is to accumulate and analyze biological material for population research and the development of new medical test systems. The implementation of the project opens up opportunities for scientific research and could be an important step towards a more personalized approach in medicine. The university announced this on December 26, 2024.

The accumulation of genetic data allows a better understanding of how different genotypes can influence a patient's response to treatment. This will help to more accurately select therapy, which is especially important in oncology, where different subtypes of tumors may require different approaches. Genetic tests can also help identify a predisposition to certain diseases. This makes it possible to take preventive measures, such as lifestyle changes or regular examinations.

Potential users of the genomic database will be companies engaged in the development of test systems and clinical research. These are pharmaceutical companies, research institutes, as well as biotechnology companies working in the development of new methods of diagnosis and treatment. 

The collection of information for the genomic database takes place in collaboration with the MIPT spin-off, the Biotech Solutions genetic holding. The process involves confidentiality. Information in an impersonal form falls into the MIPT Genomic Center.

At our center, we investigate the resulting biological material, and put the results into a genomic database. We then use them for population studies, that is, to estimate the frequencies of mutations encountered in the human genome. Samples defined as controls are needed, in particular, in the development of test systems related to the study of human biological material. Also, knowing the genotype, we can select experimental groups to participate in clinical or scientific research, "said Denis Gudkov, head of the MIPT Genomic Center.

Stored in the database and data on the gut microbiota. In the future, it is planned to introduce the results of biochemical studies there, including the analysis of inflammatory markers, as well as data from hormonal studies. This will allow you to analyze the effect of different markers on each other.

Our base is an element of the ecosystem. And data that is stored in the database and in the biological sample bank is necessarily used for research. When we do some kind of development that uses genotypes, we need standard samples. How to get them? It can be synthesized or collected from volunteers. But if the case is rare, then a lot of material is needed. And if we form a genomic base and a biobank in advance, then there is a possibility that we will find the required genotype at home. This significantly reduces the time and costs of research, - explained Denis Gudkov.

Most of the technologies involved in creating a genomic database have been developed by MIPT. Thus, the dependence on the supply of consumables from abroad has been reduced.

We use our own developments to work with nucleic acids. For example, we have created preservation solutions for all types of biomaterials that we use in our work. The microbiotic research technique is fully developed in our laboratory. Most of the consumables we use are produced in Russia. All this greatly reduces the cost of the process, and we are less dependent on supplies from abroad, "added Denis Gudkov.

Everyone can join the project and submit their biomaterial to the MIPT genomic database.