Resource Report

URL: http://epi.helmholtz-muenchen.de/kora-gen/index_e.php

Proper Citation: KORA-gen (RRID:SCR_004510)

Description: KORA-gen is infrastructure to provide phenotypes, genotypes and biosamples for collaborative genetic epidemiological research. From all four surveys that have been conducted so far, the following biological material is on hand: genomic DNA, blood serum, blood plasma and EBV immortalized cell lines (form KORA S4 only). These have been extracted from blood samples and are stored in nitrogen tanks and -80 degrees C refrigerators. Genomic DNA from more than 18.000 adult subjects from Augsburg and the surrounding counties is available at present. So far, EBV immortalized cell lines from 1.600 participants are cultivated. To meet the manifold demands of researchers with genetic and molecular questions KORA-gen fulfills the following prerequisites for successful genetic-epidemiological research: * representative samples from the general population, * well characterized disease phenotypes and intermediate phenotypes, * information on environmental factors, * availability of genomic DNA, serum, plasma and urine, as well as EBV immortalized cell lines. In total, four population based health surveys have been conducted between 1984 and 2000 with 18000 participants in the age range of 25 to 74 years, and a biological specimen bank was established in order to enable scientists to perform epidemiologic research with respect to molecular and genetic questions. The KORA study center conducts regular follow-up investigations and has collected a wealth of information on sociodemography, general medical history, environmental factors, smoking, nutrition, alcohol consumption, and various laboratory parameters. This unique resource will be increased further by follow-up studies of the cohort. The assessment of statistical questions covers the definition of the study design and the calculation of statistical power. Furthermore, we offer assistance in data analysis. Kora-gen can be used by external partners. Interested parties can inform themselves interactively via internet about the available data and rules of access. The genotypic data base is a common resource to all partners.

Abbreviations: KORA-gen

Synonyms: Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg-gen

Resource Type: material resource, biomaterial supply resource

Keywords: gene, genetic, epidemiology, dna, serum, plasma, urine, cell line, epstein-barr virus immortalized cell line, blood, frozen, nitrogen, disease phenotype, adult human, survey, population study, genotype, phenotype