Recommendations on Collecting and Storing Samples for Genetic Studies in Hearing and Tinnitus Research

Objectives: Research on the genetic basis of tinnitus is still in its first steps. A group of scientists dedicated to tinnitus genetics within European Tinnitus Network (TINNET) network recognize that further progress requires multicenter collaborative efforts for defining contributing genes. The purpose of the present work is to provide instructions regarding collection, processing, storage, and shipment of samples intended for genetic studies in auditory research. Design: One part of the recommendations has a general character; another part is of particular importance for auditory healthcare practitioners such as otolaryngology physicians, audiologists, and general practitioners. Results: We provide a set of instructions and various options for obtaining samples. We give advice regarding sample processing, storage, and shipment and define the minimal and essential clinical information that should accompany the samples collected for genetic processing. Conclusions: These recommendations offer a basis to standardize and optimize collaborations between geneticists and healthcare practitioners specialized in tinnitus and hearing disorders. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives License 4.0 (CCBY-NC-ND), where it is permissible to download and share the work provided it is properly cited. The work cannot be changed in any way or used commercially without permission from the journal. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: The work was supported by an independent research program funded under the Biomedicine and Molecular Biosciences European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action framework (TINNET, BM1306) and from the European Union H2020 research and innovation program under the MSC-ITN 722046 (Schlee et al. 2017). A.J.S. received funding from German Tinnitus Foundation, Sonnenfeld Fundation, and Dürr Foundation. C.R.C. received funding from Karolinska Institutet, Tysta Skolan, Hörselforskningsfonden, Magnus Bergvalls, and Lars Hiertas Minne. J.A.L.-E. received funding from Meniere Society, UK, and the Luxembourg National Research Fund (INTER/Mobility/17/11772209). Publication fees were partially supported by Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal, Portugal. The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. Received November 30, 2017; accepted April 6, 2018. Address for correspondence: Jose A. Lopez-Escamez, Otology and Neurotology Group CTS495, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, Avda de la Ilustración, 114, 18016 Granada, Spain. E-mail: antonio.lopezescamez@genyo.es Copyright © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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