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Optimal molecular profiling of tissue and tissue components: defining the best processing and microdissection methods
Jaime Rodriguez-Canales1, Jeffrey C Hanson, Jason D Hipp
1Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) Core, Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|January 30, 2013
Summary
This chapter details methods for isolating pure cells from tissues for molecular studies. Improved sample quality and documentation are crucial for linking phenotype and genotype, enhancing life science reproducibility and productivity.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Histology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- High-quality, pure cell populations are essential for accurate molecular analysis of tissues.
- Inconsistent sample quality in current research hinders data interpretation and replication.
- Advances in tissue processing and microdissection offer solutions for improved sample integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compare current methods for obtaining anatomically specific molecular signals from tissues.
- To provide detailed protocols for tissue processing and microdissection.
- To address physical and chemical factors influencing optimal tissue preparation for molecular studies.
Main Methods:
- Review of tissue collection, fixation, processing, storage, sectioning, staining, and microdissection techniques.
- Detailed comparison of various tissue microdissection technologies.
- Inclusion of protocols for handling tissue components before and after microdissection, including cytology specimens.
Main Results:
- Identification of critical steps in tissue processing for molecular studies.
- Discussion of challenges and solutions for maintaining sample quality.
- Emphasis on the importance of documenting and controlling sample quality.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing tissue processing workflows is vital for generating high-quality, anatomically tagged scientific data.
- Improved sample quality control will significantly enhance the productivity and reliability of life science research.
- The chapter serves as a guide for laboratories to refine their tissue-to-data pipelines.
