NIH, National Cancer Institute, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (DCTD) NIH - National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute DCTD - Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis

The Influence of Immunohistochemistry on mRNA Recovery from Microdissected Frozen and Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded Sections

Author(s): Gjerdrum L, Abrahamsen HN, Villegas B, Sorensen BS, Schmidt H, Hamilton-Dutoit SJ

Publication: Diagn Mol Path, 2004, Vol. 13, Page 224

PubMed ID: 15538113 PubMed Review Paper? No

Purpose of Paper

This paper assessed the effects of slide storage and immunohistochemical staining on mRNA subsequently isolated from microdissected cells from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) and OCT-embedded frozen tissue sections.

Conclusion of Paper

RNA extracted from immunohistochemically stained tissue sections yielded detectable although significantly reduced RNA and gene expression levels in comparison to hematoxylin stained controls for both FFPE and OCT embedded frozen tissue sections. Storage of tissue section slides at room temperature, 4 or -80 degrees C for up to 90 days did not significantly affect RNA quantity or gene expression levels.

Studies

  1. Study Purpose

    To asses the effects of immunohistochemical staining on mRNA levels and gene expression in FFPE and OCT-embedded frozen microdissected cells. All OCT-embedded sections were post-fixed in acetone. Specimens underwent immunohistochemical or hematoxylin staining prior to microdissection.

    Summary of Findings:

    RNA quantity, the number of positive cases, and mean gene expression levels (beta-actin, beta2-microglobulin) were significantly reduced, as determined by real time quantitative RT-PCR analysis of immunohistochemically stained tissue compared to hematoxylin stained controls. While significant effects were observed with both frozen and FFPE tissues, the decrease in mean gene expression was more robust in FFPE tissue. Effects were observed for all immunohistochemical targets and genes measured.

    Biospecimens
    Preservative Types
    • Formalin
    • OCT
    Diagnoses:
    • Neoplastic
    Platform:
    AnalyteTechnology Platform
    RNA Real-time qRT-PCR
    Pre-analytical Factors:
    ClassificationPre-analytical FactorValue(s)
    Real-time qRT-PCR Specific Targeted nucleic acid beta-actin
    beta 2-microglobulin
    Real-time qRT-PCR Specific Type of tissue stain Immunohistochemistry
    H&E
    Biospecimen Preservation Type of fixation/preservation OCT
    Formalin (buffered)
  2. Study Purpose

    To determine the effect of FFPE slide storage (room temperature, 4 or -80 degrees C) on mRNA yield and gene expression.

    Summary of Findings:

    mRNA was quantifiable in all samples stored at room temperature for up to 90 days, but only in 2 of 9 samples after 180 days of storage at room temperature. Beta-actin mRNA levels were comparable among slides stored for 1 to 90 days, but were drastically reduced after 180 days of storage. Similar reductions in PCR success were observed when the sections were stored  at 4 or -80 degrees C for 180 days compared to 90 days or less..

    Biospecimens
    Preservative Types
    • Formalin
    Diagnoses:
    • Neoplastic
    Platform:
    AnalyteTechnology Platform
    RNA Real-time qRT-PCR
    Pre-analytical Factors:
    ClassificationPre-analytical FactorValue(s)
    Storage Storage duration 1 day
    30 days
    90 days
    180 days
    Storage Storage temperature Room temperature
    4 degrees C
    -80 degrees C
    Real-time qRT-PCR Specific Targeted nucleic acid beta-actin
    B2M

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