Biomarker unit

EQUIPMENT

The biomarker room

The biomarker unit is a certified P2 biological safety laboratory, equipped for handling a variety of biological samples. It includes a standard workbench with sink, a second bench with a fume hood, and essential laboratory tools (e.g., pipettes, gloves, and consumables). The lab is also outfitted with two refrigerated centrifuges, a freezer for sample storage, and a spectrophotometer.

Blood sampling

Blood samples can be taken by our certified medical assistants who are also the technicians of the MRI machines

SERVICES

The unit is available for booking by researchers holding P2 certification, who may use the facilities to perform procedures such as centrifugation, aliquoting of blood samples, or other analyses requiring the available equipment.
In addition, the unit’s staff offers analysis services upon request. These include:

   • ELISA assays on saliva (e.g., cortisol, melatonin) and serum/plasma (e.g., BDNF, inflammatory markers).

   • DNA/RNA extraction from saliva, blood, or hair samples

   • Genotyping for specific loci (note: whole genome sequencing is not available)

Genotyping examples:

  • APOE3/4 (memory, Alzheimer’s) – BDNF val/met (synaptic plasticity)
  • 5-HTT serotonin transporter promoter (anxiety disorders)
  • COMT val/met (Parkinson’s, ADHD, schizophrenia…)
  • PER3 (circadian rhythms)
  • DRD2 dopamine D2 receptor (addiction disorders)
  • Polygenic risk scores

WORKFLOW

SAMPLE COLLECTION

Blood samples can be taken by our medical assistants on site at the informary

PREPARATION AND ANALYSIS

Samples can be prepared (aliquoted) and analysed in a P2 biosafety laboratory – ground floor of H4

STORAGE

Freezers at -80C and -20C are available for storage of the samples in the basement