MSiPS Biobank – Biobank for ‘induced pluripotent stem cells’ intended for scientific research focused on Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
On initiative of MS Centrum Noord Nederland – and funded by the ‘Vriendenloterij’ and ‘Stichting MS Research’- a biobank for biomaterials derived from people with various forms of MS (and relevant control groups) has been established at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). Any human biomaterial or derivatives from this biomaterial stored at the MSiPS biobank are intended explicitly for scientific research on MS.
For this purpose, candidate participants are asked to voluntarily donate a few milliliters of blood (5 vials) at the UMCG. From this material, blood cells are isolated and these blood cells are subsequently reprogrammed by the IPSC-CRISP facility of the UMCG to so called ‘induced pluripotent stem cells’ or
In the laboratory, iPS cells can be converted to almost any cell type of the body, including the various cell types of the brain. By comparing the properties of these MS- and ‘control’ iPS-derived (brain) cells in both healthy and pathological conditions, we hope to gain better insight in the pathological processes underlying the development and treatment of the various forms of MS.
We are looking for suitable participants for the MSiPS Biobank. Are you 18 or older, are you- or have you been treated for MS and do you have a sibling without MS who would also like to contribute to this Biobank? Please contact us for more information.
MSiPS Biobank
msips.biobank[at]umcg.nl
+31 6 361 6500