SEARCHBreast: a new resource to locate and share surplus archival material from breast cancer animal models to help address the 3Rs

Blyth, K. , Carter, P., Morrissey, B., Chelala, C., Jones, L., Holen, I. and Speirs, V. (2016) SEARCHBreast: a new resource to locate and share surplus archival material from breast cancer animal models to help address the 3Rs. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 156(3), pp. 447-452. (doi: 10.1007/s10549-016-3785-0) (PMID:27083180)

Abstract

Animal models have contributed to our understanding of breast cancer, with publication of results in high-impact journals almost invariably requiring extensive in vivo experimentation. As such, many laboratories hold large collections of surplus animal material, with only a fraction being used in publications relating to the original projects. Despite being developed at considerable cost, this material is an invisible and hence an underutilised resource, which often ends up being discarded. Within the breast cancer research community there is both a need and desire to make this valuable material available for researchers. Lack of a coordinated system for visualisation and localisation of this has prevented progress. To fulfil this unmet need, we have developed a novel initiative called Sharing Experimental Animal Resources: Coordinating Holdings—Breast (SEARCHBreast) which facilitates sharing of archival tissue between researchers on a collaborative basis and, de facto will reduce overall usage of animal models in breast cancer research. A secure searchable database has been developed where researchers can find, share, or upload materials related to animal models of breast cancer, including genetic and transplant models. SEARCHBreast is a virtual compendium where the physical material remains with the original laboratory. A bioanalysis pipeline is being developed for the analysis of transcriptomics data associated with mouse models, allowing comparative study with human and cell line data. Additionally, SEARCHBreast is committed to promoting the use of humanised breast tissue models as replacement alternatives to animals. Access to this unique resource is freely available to all academic researchers following registration at https://​searchbreast.​org

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: SEARCHBreast was developed by an Infrastructure for Impact Award from NC3Rs (Grant Ref: NC/L001004/1).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Blyth, Professor Karen
• Authors: Blyth, K., Carter, P., Morrissey, B., Chelala, C., Jones, L., Holen, I., and Speirs, V.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
• Journal Name: Breast Cancer Research and Treatment
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• ISSN: 0167-6806
• ISSN (Online): 1573-7217
• Published Online: 15 April 2016
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2016 The Authors
• First Published: First publised in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment 156:447-452
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a creative commons license