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DNA Extraction from Paraffin Embedded Material for Genetic and Epigenetic Analyses
Published on: March 26, 2011
DNA extraction from paraffin embedded material for genetic and epigenetic analyses
Larissa A Pikor1, Katey S S Enfield, Heryet Cameron
1Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Centre, Canada. lpikor@bccrc.ca
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|April 15, 2011
Summary
High-quality DNA extraction from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues is crucial for genomic and epigenomic analyses. This study details a robust method for recovering DNA from archival FFPE specimens for disease research.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Epigenomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Disease development involves genetic and epigenetic alterations.
- High-throughput technologies enable detection of these alterations.
- Sample quality and availability are limiting factors in genomic studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe an effective DNA extraction method for archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens.
- To enable quantitative assays and generation of genetic/epigenetic signatures from FFPE samples.
Main Methods:
- DNA extraction from FFPE tissues involves paraffin removal, protein digestion, and nucleic acid purification.
- Phenol-chloroform extraction and ethanol precipitation are key steps.
- RNase A treatment removes contaminating RNA.
Main Results:
- The described method yields high-quality DNA from FFPE samples.
- Purified DNA is suitable for downstream applications like PCR and array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH).
Conclusions:
- Effective DNA recovery from FFPE tissues is achievable with appropriate methods.
- This facilitates integrative analysis of genetic and epigenetic alterations in disease research.
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