Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
Retrospective MicroRNA Sequencing: Complementary DNA Library Preparation Protocol Using Formalin-fixed Paraffin-embedded RNA Specimens
Published on: May 5, 2018
Reliable microRNA profiling in routinely processed formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded breast cancer specimens using
Britta Hasemeier1, Matthias Christgen, Hans Kreipe
1Institute of Pathology, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany. Hasemeier.Britta@MH-Hannover.de
Background:
During the last years the analysis of microRNA expression patterns has led to completely new insights into cancer biology. Furthermore, these patterns are a very promising tool for the development of new diagnostic and prognostic markers. However, most human tumour samples for which long term clinical records are available exist only as formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of microRNA profiling studies in routinely processed formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded human breast cancer specimens using fluorescence labelled bead technology.
Results:
A statistically highly significant correlation (Spearman r: 0.78 - 0.90, p < 0.0001) was observed for the expression of 319 microRNAs in routinely processed FFPE breast cancer specimens and paired fresh frozen tissue samples (n = 5). Results were confirmed in a larger series analyzing a selection of 10 microRNAs reported to be deregulated in breast cancer (n = 12). The expression pattern of 3 microRNAs was independently validated in this cohort using real-time RT-PCR technology.
Conclusion:
Comprehensive microRNA expression patterns can be reliably derived from routinely processed FFPE breast cancer specimens using fluorescence labelled bead technology.
