Trial Information

Biological Specimen Collection for Laboratory Methods Development and for Training Purposes

We propose two related activities that involve the collection of biological samples. The
first involves the collection of mouthwash samples from 200 volunteers, to assess the
feasibility of pooling samples for quantitative genotype determinations. For a small number
of volunteers, we will also collect a peripheral blood sample and a skin punch biopsy for
establishment of lymphoblastoid and fibroblast cell lines. The blood and skin samples will
be used to compare the amount and subcellular localization of DNA repair proteins between
lymphocytes (cells most commonly collected in epidemiologic studies) and fibroblasts (the
cell types commonly used in assay development). In addition, we will conduct hands-on
education and training sessions in molecular genetics for members of DCEG and others. The
hands-on education sessions will be aimed at non-laboratory scientists and involve 6-9 hours
of demonstration and participation in basic molecular genetics techniques. Participants
will have the option of collecting their own mouthwash sample, extracting the DNA, and
performing a genotyping assay on their sample in the Laboratory of Population Genetics in
Building 41. After the education session, the biological samples will be reassigned
arbitrary numbers not linked to personally identifying information and will be used for
laboratory methods development only.