Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
09:20
Proteomic Sample Preparation from Formalin Fixed and Paraffin Embedded Tissue
Published on: September 2, 2013
[Update on protein analysis of fixed tissues].
K-F Becker1, D Berg, K Malinowsky
1Institut für Pathologie, Technische Universität München, Trogerstr. 18, 81675 München. kf.becker@lrz.tum.de
Der Pathologe
|August 17, 2010
Summary
Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues, once deemed unsuitable, are now viable for protein analysis. Recent advancements enable protein techniques for FFPE tissues, advancing histopathology.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Pathology
Context:
- Histopathological characterization relies on tissue samples to differentiate healthy from diseased states.
- Nucleic acid-based methods are established, but protein-based techniques for formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues are emerging.
- Historically, FFPE tissues were considered inadequate for comprehensive protein analysis.
Purpose:
- To provide an overview of recent developments in protein analysis of FFPE tissues.
- To highlight quantitative analysis and high-throughput technologies.
- To explore the integration of these methods into clinical pathology workflows.
Summary:
- Recent research shows that FFPE tissues are suitable for various protein analysis techniques, including Western blot, protein microarrays, MALDI imaging, and 2D gel electrophoresis.
- These methods, previously limited to frozen tissues, now offer new possibilities for FFPE samples.
- The focus is on quantitative and high-throughput approaches.
Impact:
- Enables advanced protein-based diagnostics using routinely archived FFPE tissue samples.
- Facilitates the development of novel biomarkers for disease detection and characterization.
- Potential to enhance the routine workflow of clinical pathology laboratories with powerful protein analysis tools.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Western Blotting
Western blotting is an analytical technique for protein identification. It has various applications in immunology and medicine, including detecting diseases like bovine spongiform encephalopathy, mad cow disease, and human and feline immunodeficiency virus from biological samples.
The technique begins with separating proteins from the sample using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), followed by protein transfer, immunoblotting, and finally, protein detection.
The technique begins with separating proteins from the sample using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), followed by protein transfer, immunoblotting, and finally, protein detection.
01:03Fixation and Sectioning
Two basic types of preparation are used to visualize specimens with a light microscope: wet mounts and fixed specimens.
The simplest type of preparation is the wet mount, in which the specimen is placed in a drop of liquid on the slide. A liquid specimen can be directly deposited on the slide using a dropper. Solid specimens, such as skin scraping, can be placed on the slide before adding a drop of liquid to prepare the wet mount. Sometimes the liquid is simply water, but stains are often added...
The simplest type of preparation is the wet mount, in which the specimen is placed in a drop of liquid on the slide. A liquid specimen can be directly deposited on the slide using a dropper. Solid specimens, such as skin scraping, can be placed on the slide before adding a drop of liquid to prepare the wet mount. Sometimes the liquid is simply water, but stains are often added...