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Published on: August 2, 2017
"Optimal timing for RNA isolation: Recommendations for placenta sample collection under clinical conditions"
J Sommer1, L Ehrlich1, A Kühn2
1Clinic of Obstetrics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Germany; Division of Experimental Obstetrics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Germany.
For placenta research, sample quality is crucial. Storing placenta samples within 3 hours of delivery ensures good tissue and RNA quality for accurate gene expression analysis.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Placenta tissue quality is critical for subsequent laboratory analyses.
- Clinical settings often face challenges with delayed sampling or improper storage of placenta tissues due to unpredictable delivery times.
- Maintaining tissue integrity is vital for reliable research outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine optimal time points and storage conditions for preserving placenta tissue and RNA quality.
- To establish guidelines for sample handling in research settings to ensure data accuracy.
- To investigate the impact of post-delivery time on RNA integrity and gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 172 placenta samples over a 24-hour period post-delivery.
- Assessment of RNA quality using metrics such as the 260/280-ratio and RNA integrity number (RIN).
- Evaluation of gene expression levels to correlate with tissue and RNA quality.
Main Results:
- Significant degradation of tissue and RNA quality was observed beyond a certain time interval post-delivery.
- The 260/280-ratio and RIN values indicated a decline in RNA quality over time.
- Gene expression analysis revealed variability in results when samples were processed after extended delays.
Conclusions:
- A cut-off time of 3 hours after placental delivery is recommended to ensure optimal tissue and RNA quality.
- Adhering to this time frame is particularly important for studies involving genes with complex or low mRNA expression.
- Implementing timely sample collection and storage protocols is essential for robust placenta research.
