Genetic data and biological samples

The 1958 National Child Development Study (NCDS), the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS) and the 1970 British Cohort Study (BCS70) samples have been extensively genotyped.

We have collected biological samples from three of our studies: NCDS (blood, saliva), BCS70 (blood) and MCS (saliva, teeth). We welcome applications for further use of these samples.

Find out how to apply for access to CLS genetic data and/or biological samples.

Details of the specific measures and data governance are shown below. For specific information on the genetic data we have for each cohort and the quality control (QC) measures taken, please see our GitHub website.

1958 National Child Development Study (NCDS)

The 2002/3 Biomedical Survey for NCDS collected whole blood and saliva from cohort members.

DNA was extracted from whole blood and there is also a transformed lymphocytes collection. Both of these collections have been extensively genotyped. The transformed lymphocyte collection allows for further DNA extraction, whilst the whole blood derived DNA collection is a finite resource.

Please see the NCDS genetics information for details of the genetic data available for research purposes, which includes genotype data, imputed data, epigenetic data and sequencing (exome) data.

NCDS genomic data is available via different routes based on the type of data and if it is required to be linked to NCDS survey data. The various options are outlined below:

1. For access to Genome Wide (GW) genotyping data only (i.e. not linked to any other NCDS data), please apply directly to the European Genome-phenome Archive (EGA). The GW data release approval is managed by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Data Access Committee (Sanger DAC), at datasharing@sanger.ac.uk.
2. Access to Genome Wide (GW) genotyping data linked to any other NCDS phenotypic or genomic data can be requested via the CLS Data Access Committee.
3. NCDS biological samples and the rest of the NCDS genomic data (imputed, epigenetics and sequencing) can also be requested via the CLS Data Access Committee.

1970 British Cohort Study (BCS70)

The 2016-17 Biomedical Survey for BCS70 (Age 46) collected whole blood samples from cohort members. Original samples are held at the University of Bristol.

CLS has commissioned the genotyping of the BCS70 DNA. Please see the BCS70 genetics information for details of the genetic data available for research purposes. This includes genotype data, imputed data and epigenetic data.

BSC70 samples and genetic data can be requested via the CLS Data Access Committee.

Next Steps

Saliva samples will be collected from Next Steps participants during the Age 32 Survey. DNA will be extracted from the samples and genotyped. CLS will the custodian of these samples, and their processing and storage will be managed by the University of Bristol (Bioresource Laboratories, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School).

Millennium Cohort Study (MCS)

Oral fluid was collected at age 3 (MCS2). All oral fluid samples are depleted and residues were destroyed. Data arising from the assay are available at the UK Data Service.

Milk teeth are not currently available for access. Further information to follow.

In 2015-16, the age 14 sweep (MCS6) collected saliva from cohort members and both natural parents. DNA has been extracted from the saliva samples and genotyped. Unlike the NCDS transformed lymphocytes collection, this is non-renewable. MCS genetics information for details of the genetic data available for research purposes, which includes genotype data, imputed data, and the Illumina GenomeStudio Final Report. The genetic data collection and genetic data generated are described in the CLS working paper, Collection of DNA samples and genetic data at scale in the UK Millennium Cohort Study.

MCS genetic data can be requested via the CLS Data Access Committee.