The Transplant Centre Biobank Registry is the first pediatric cross-organ transplant biorepository in Canada.

Since the first organ transplant nearly half a century ago, patients are living longer after transplant than ever before. This is thanks to the research efforts of physicians and scientists to better understand the immunologic basis of transplant and to develop more effective immunosuppressive medicines.

Despite improvements in transplant survival over the years, there remain factors that limit both survival and quality of life post-transplant. There is considerable variability between individuals in outcomes after a solid organ transplant. This includes differences in how some individuals respond to treatment, outcomes, and side-effects. The reasons for this variability are poorly understood, but a large part of these differences are likely genetic. Today, advances in technology permit us to scan the whole genome of an individual. This sophisticated technology opens new opportunities to investigate how genetic variation contributes to clinical outcomes.

The goal is to apply knowledge of genomics and pharmacogenomics to research and practice of transplant medicine with the goal of eventually personalizing the care of these patients. Collaborations with stem cell experts will allow us to model disease to develop new therapies for end-stage organ disease. Through a cross-disciplinary approach, we hope to ultimately improve not only survival but also the quality of life for individuals after organ transplantation.

Our Biobank Family

Recent Highlights

Improving Precision of Tacrolimus Dosing Models

Use of machine learning indicates other genetic factors besides CYP3A5 genotype influence how a child metabolizes tacrolimus after transplant. These genetic effects vary by the age of the child as well as the type of organ transplant they received. This study highlights the importance of artificial intelligence in helping guide personalized drug dosing.

Pediatric Outcomes in Transplant: PersOnaliSing Immunosuppression to ImproVe Efficacy (POSITIVE Study): The Collaboration and Design of a National Transplant Precision Medicine Program

Despite age-related differences in biology, physiology, and behavior, transplant immunosuppression is not tailored by age. This likely contributes to high graft failure and posttransplant complications. The POSITIVE study aims to personalize posttransplant immunosuppression in children and young adults.

A randomized clinical trial of age and genotype-guided tacrolimus dosing after pediatric solid organ transplantation

This randomized, semi-blinded, 30-day pilot trial examined genotype-guided dosing in pediatric patients listed for solid organ transplant between 2012 and 2016. This trial found that CYP3A5 genotype-guided dosing stratified by age resulted in earlier attainment of therapeutic tacrolimus concentrations and fewer out-of-range concentrations.

Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program

Our Biobank is a part of The Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program (CDTRP, previously CNTRP), which is a national research network designed to increase organ and tissue donation in Canada and enhance the survival and quality of life of Canadians who receive transplants.

The Transplant Centre Biobank Registry was launched in 2010 through seed funding from the SickKids Transplant and Regenerative Medicine Centre and the Labatt Family Heart Centre.

If you are interested in participating, have any questions, or want to find out more, please get in touch with us at anytime!