Researchers

The Repository was developed in conjunction with the Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium. It is supported by an NHMRC Enabling Grant (404701).

In order to develop targeted preventative treatments, genetic risk factors must first be identified. This process requires access to a large number of samples. The aim of the national Repository is to make DNA available to all qualified Australian researchers enhancing their ability to identify causes of diabetes. To enable Australian researchers to identify genetic risk factors for diabetes, it was proposed to:

1. Identify and recruit 3000 families affected by diabetes, either T1D or cT2D;
2. Develop and maintain a database and Repository of DNA samples from these families; and
3. Facilitate identification of genes affecting the risk of developing these forms of diabetes.

Therefore The Repository will function to:

1. Identify and recruit families affected by T1D or cT2D;
2. Extract DNA from samples obtained from these families;
3. Obtain archived samples from the Australian Type 1 Diabetes DNA Repository;
4. Amplify each of these new and archived DNA samples in order to obtain sufficient DNA for new and ongoing genetic studies;
5. Maintain all DNA samples in a centralized Repository; and
6. Make DNA samples available to qualified Australian researchers who have obtained ethical consent.