Histologic and Quality Assessment of Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) Research Samples: A Large Postmortem Tissue Collection

Context.— The National Institutes of Health Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project was developed to elucidate how genetic variation influences gene expression in multiple normal tissues procured from postmortem donors. Objective.— To provide critical insight into a biospecimen’s suitability for subsequent analysis, each biospecimen underwent quality assessment measures that included evaluation for underlying disease and potential effects introduced by preanalytic factors. Design.— Electronic images of each tissue collected from nearly 1000 postmortem donors were evaluated by board-certified pathologists for the extent of autolysis, tissue purity, and the type and abundance of any extraneous tissue. Tissue-specific differences in the severity of autolysis and RNA integrity were evaluated, as were potential relationships between these markers and the duration of postmortem interval and rapidity of death. Results.— Tissue-specific challenges in the procurement and preservation of the nearly 30 000 tissue specimens collected during the GTEx project are summarized. Differences in the degree of autolysis and RNA integrity number were observed among the 40 tissue types evaluated, and tissue-specific susceptibilities to the duration of postmortem interval and rapidity of death were observed. Conclusions.— Ninety-five percent of tissues were of sufficient quality to support RNA sequencing analysis. Biospecimens, annotated whole slide images, de-identified clinical data, and genomic data generated for GTEx represent a high-quality and comprehensive resource for the scientific community that has contributed to its use in approximately 1695 articles. Biospecimens and data collected under the GTEx project are available via the GTEx portal and authorized access to the Database of Genotypes and Phenotypes; procedures and whole slide images are available from the National Cancer Institute.