We are one of 17 participants taking part in this large study which started in late 2004. Researchers are confronted with a wealth of potential opportunities for molecular phenotyping large numbers of biological samples obtained from cohorts, patients or animal models. The challenge is to ensure that these tools are developed to permit high-throughput analyses of significant numbers of samples. Cohort protocols are in place for sample collection and storage, and that systems are in place to capture, warehouse and analyse the range of biological data that will emerge from these studies. This consortium will bring some of these tools into practice during the course of the next four years so that they can be used to identify biomarkers that predict disease, determine risk and relate to disease activity or response to therapy. The Twin Research Unit is involved in collecting fat biopsy samples from 40 identical pairs who will be seen twice and 20 non-identical pairs who will be seen once. We are also involved in providing expert statistical analysis in the later stages of the study. The ultimate aim of MolPAGE is to bring together the necessary skills and tools to allow moleculear phenotyping to be realistically applied, informing our study of common disease and its treatment.