Final Report Summary - MMCBG (Enhancing the capacity of biomedical research in Bulgaria)
The overall objective of the project was to enhance the research and technological potential of the Medical Faculty, Medical University - Sofia, by establishing a technologically adequate and scientifically sound molecular medicine centre core for collaborative research in the field of human genetics and its application to medicine. Upon the upgrading and strengthening of the existing technological, scientific and managerial capacity and skills in this important area, the project promotes and greatly facilitates the integration of Bulgarian medical research into the European Research Area (ERA). It provides the opportunities of Bulgarian researchers to compete on a national and international level, and thus contributes to a sustainable long-term scientific development.
The following specific objectives of the project were addressed:
Objective 1: To reinforce the S&T potential through an upgrade of the existing facilities, which increases the capacity, stimulates the interest of the clinical researchers and facilitates the conceptual and technological integration with EU biomedical research.
Objective 2: To reinforce the S&T potential through supporting and expanding expertise in molecular genetics and genomic research.
Objective 3: To increase the networking with centres in Bulgaria and EU and to stimulate further the ability to conduct collaborative studies.
Objective 4: To disseminate the scientific knowledge and information and to increase the visibility of our research programmes.
The activities of the project were implemented in work packages (WPs). There were five packages dedicated to:
WP1 - Technological upgrade;
WP2 - Improving human resources;
WP3 Networking;
WP4 - Dissemination of knowledge and information and
WP5 Management.
The WPs fitted together logically and were highly complementary in bringing together the resources, expertise, infrastructure and capacity required to deliver the goal of improving the R&T capacity of MMC at Medical University - Sofia, in the field of Molecular Medicine.
During the first year, the main core facilities - biobanking, genomics and bioinformatics - were established and all new equipment planned for upgrading was installed. The genomics sector is equipped with ABI Prism 3130xl automated sequencer and 7900HT real-time PCR system for sequencing, SNP genotyping and expression analysis; two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis for proteomic analysis; photo-documentation system; gradient PCR engines and all necessary standard laboratory equipment for sequencing, fragment analysis, SNP genotyping and other routine molecular genetic analyses. During the second year the capacity and reliability of the centre's biobanking facility was ensured through chemagic magnetic separation module for nucleic acid isolation, NanoDrop-1000 spectrophotometer and -80 degrees Celsius and -20 degrees Celsius freezing units at for long term storage of DNA, RNA and other biological specimens. The high throughput of the laboratory is guaranteed by a liquid handling robot Biomek FX. The procurement of Nautilus Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) from one of the leading producers, Thermo Scientific, was done as a measure to support and to overcome to some extend the lack of experienced personnel to deal with database development and support and bioinformatics at MMC.
The introduction of bar-code system for the samples and Nautilus LIMS offers MMC a process-workflow-oriented tool that uses information technology and automation to manage lab operations. The LIMS encompasses process and workflow management, data collection, data processing, information storage, information sharing, and knowledge management. In addition it will facilitate the compliance with all European standards for GLP, GALP and ISO-9001 and will be particularly valuable in case of future accreditation of the centre.
The implementation of a bar-code reading system and LIMS during the third year, to ensure the sample tracking, work flow management and overall project management is underway.
All individual personal computer (PC) stations in the bioinformatics core are equipped with Microsoft Office packages and basic software for everyday use. They are linked in a local computer network, providing secure efficient access to common databases and analysis software and ensuring synchronisation of the work of the different users. File, database and application servers were installed in order to provide storage and rapid access to the data generated in the centre by all researchers and in the different core facilities. The computer network is robust and autonomous, with a firewall protection and centralised management. It is split into different security zones requiring authorised access. The database server at MMC harbours the DNA bank, genetic registries of the NGL as well as project specific databases with both genetic and clinical data. The centre provided access to specialised databases and software for pedigree drawing; statistical analysis and public data mining.
A major goal of the project is to expand the local networking at the Medical University - Sofia and with research institutions in Bulgaria. Monthly joint seminars were organised and served as a starting point for the creation of new research groups in priority areas, with research potential and existing demand from the clinical research community: genetics of epilepsy, genetics of Alzheimer and genetics of cardiovascular disorders. New research groups were constituted in priority areas, with research potential and existing demand from the clinical research community: biomedical research in sports, pharmacogenetics and genetics of HIV infection. The research links with other institutes in Bulgaria, working in the field of cell and molecular biology were expanded and strengthened.
The following specific objectives of the project were addressed:
Objective 1: To reinforce the S&T potential through an upgrade of the existing facilities, which increases the capacity, stimulates the interest of the clinical researchers and facilitates the conceptual and technological integration with EU biomedical research.
Objective 2: To reinforce the S&T potential through supporting and expanding expertise in molecular genetics and genomic research.
Objective 3: To increase the networking with centres in Bulgaria and EU and to stimulate further the ability to conduct collaborative studies.
Objective 4: To disseminate the scientific knowledge and information and to increase the visibility of our research programmes.
The activities of the project were implemented in work packages (WPs). There were five packages dedicated to:
WP1 - Technological upgrade;
WP2 - Improving human resources;
WP3 Networking;
WP4 - Dissemination of knowledge and information and
WP5 Management.
The WPs fitted together logically and were highly complementary in bringing together the resources, expertise, infrastructure and capacity required to deliver the goal of improving the R&T capacity of MMC at Medical University - Sofia, in the field of Molecular Medicine.
During the first year, the main core facilities - biobanking, genomics and bioinformatics - were established and all new equipment planned for upgrading was installed. The genomics sector is equipped with ABI Prism 3130xl automated sequencer and 7900HT real-time PCR system for sequencing, SNP genotyping and expression analysis; two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis for proteomic analysis; photo-documentation system; gradient PCR engines and all necessary standard laboratory equipment for sequencing, fragment analysis, SNP genotyping and other routine molecular genetic analyses. During the second year the capacity and reliability of the centre's biobanking facility was ensured through chemagic magnetic separation module for nucleic acid isolation, NanoDrop-1000 spectrophotometer and -80 degrees Celsius and -20 degrees Celsius freezing units at for long term storage of DNA, RNA and other biological specimens. The high throughput of the laboratory is guaranteed by a liquid handling robot Biomek FX. The procurement of Nautilus Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) from one of the leading producers, Thermo Scientific, was done as a measure to support and to overcome to some extend the lack of experienced personnel to deal with database development and support and bioinformatics at MMC.
The introduction of bar-code system for the samples and Nautilus LIMS offers MMC a process-workflow-oriented tool that uses information technology and automation to manage lab operations. The LIMS encompasses process and workflow management, data collection, data processing, information storage, information sharing, and knowledge management. In addition it will facilitate the compliance with all European standards for GLP, GALP and ISO-9001 and will be particularly valuable in case of future accreditation of the centre.
The implementation of a bar-code reading system and LIMS during the third year, to ensure the sample tracking, work flow management and overall project management is underway.
All individual personal computer (PC) stations in the bioinformatics core are equipped with Microsoft Office packages and basic software for everyday use. They are linked in a local computer network, providing secure efficient access to common databases and analysis software and ensuring synchronisation of the work of the different users. File, database and application servers were installed in order to provide storage and rapid access to the data generated in the centre by all researchers and in the different core facilities. The computer network is robust and autonomous, with a firewall protection and centralised management. It is split into different security zones requiring authorised access. The database server at MMC harbours the DNA bank, genetic registries of the NGL as well as project specific databases with both genetic and clinical data. The centre provided access to specialised databases and software for pedigree drawing; statistical analysis and public data mining.
A major goal of the project is to expand the local networking at the Medical University - Sofia and with research institutions in Bulgaria. Monthly joint seminars were organised and served as a starting point for the creation of new research groups in priority areas, with research potential and existing demand from the clinical research community: genetics of epilepsy, genetics of Alzheimer and genetics of cardiovascular disorders. New research groups were constituted in priority areas, with research potential and existing demand from the clinical research community: biomedical research in sports, pharmacogenetics and genetics of HIV infection. The research links with other institutes in Bulgaria, working in the field of cell and molecular biology were expanded and strengthened.