China's Metabolic Analytics Project Opens Biobank to the World

In a significant move, Shanghai's Ruijin Hospital announced the opening of its biobank to the global research community. This decision marks the culmination of two decades of dedicated work by the China Metabolic Analytics Project (ChinaMAP). The announcement coincides with World Diabetes Day, highlighting the project's commitment to tackling metabolic diseases and tumors.

ChinaMAP, a collaborative effort led by the National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases at Ruijin Hospital, represents a comprehensive cohort study spanning the entire country. The project aims to gather experts in energy metabolism from around the world to investigate the mechanisms behind metabolic imbalances and their link to various diseases. Additionally, the project seeks to identify methods for maintaining metabolic homeostasis.

Recognizing the unique genetic makeup of the Chinese population, ChinaMAP was established to address the limitations of genomic discoveries primarily focused on European and American populations. This initiative, spearheaded by Ruijin Hospital, leverages China's diverse population and disease patients to create a comprehensive genomic database.

Through five distinct clinical and population studies, ChinaMAP has established the M-Biobank, a repository of biological samples from nearly 3 million individuals with metabolic diseases. These samples represent a diverse range of participants, including those from national diabetes surveys, cardiovascular and malignant tumor studies, the National Metabolic Management Center, and adolescent severe obesity studies.

The first phase of ChinaMAP covered 27 provinces and eight ethnic groups, resulting in the most comprehensive genomic database in China to date. This database serves as a valuable resource for researchers studying risk factors for diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, tumors, and all-cause mortality.

The biobank boasts an impressive collection of data, including genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and gut microbiome information. With over 1,500 diseases and phenotypes documented and follow-up data spanning more than a decade, the biobank is poised to become a leading platform for scientific research in Asia.

By opening its biobank to the world, ChinaMAP demonstrates its commitment to global collaboration in the fight against metabolic diseases and tumors. This initiative promises to accelerate research and development of new diagnostic tools, treatment strategies, and preventive measures, ultimately contributing to improved human health worldwide.