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Updated: Sep 13, 2025
Proteomic Sample Preparation from Formalin Fixed and Paraffin Embedded Tissue
Published on: September 2, 2013
Feasibility of amino acid profiling in long-term stored formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded colorectal neoplasia tissue
Roza C M Opperman1,2,3, Puck E Bruchner4, Sofie Bosch4,5
1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. r.opperman@amsterdamumc.nl.
Introduction:
Metabolic processes play a role in cancer development, with faecal amino acids emerging as potential biomarkers for colorectal neoplasia. While fresh frozen tissue is preferred for metabolomic analysis, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue is more widely available.
Objectives:
We aimed to evaluate amino acid profiles in FFPE tissue across different stages of the adenoma-carcinoma sequence.
Method:
A panel of 20 amino acids was measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
Results:
Fourteen amino acids were detected, with proline elevated in colorectal carcinoma versus advanced (FC 2.33, p = 0.04) and non-advanced adenomas (FC 2.42, p = 0.02).
Conclusion:
Despite analytical challenges, amino acid profiling in FFPE tissue is feasible.
