Fahd AlMulla ed FormalinFixed ParaffinEmbedd

Authors: Flavia Troglio Manuela Vecchi

Publish Date: 2012/02/03

Volume: 54, Issue: 1, Pages: 101-101

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Abstract

This book is not only a detailed technical manual for a variety of different molecular analyses that can be applied to formalinfixed paraffinembedded FFPE tissues but is also a brief guide to the critical regulatory and ethical implications associated with the use of human archival fixed samples for research purposes Indeed the first chapter illustrates how FFPE archival tissues and their related clinical and diagnostic records represent an invaluable source of information At the same time it describes the lively debate regarding the need in our era of personalized medicine for a unified regulatory or bioethical policy establishing desirable national and international standards that cover the spectrum of research activities and associated results with FFPE tissue specimensThe remaining sections illustrate recently developed techniques for expression studies on FFPE tissues comprising tissue microarray construction particularly appropriate for highthroughput procedures microarraybased CGH and copy number analysis gene expression profiling mutational analysis methylation profiling and protein mass spectrometry as well as cytological methodologies including multiple immunofluorescence labeling and in situ hybridizationThe book also provides a detailed description of currently available protocols for the extraction of biological material that is generally degraded in FFPE samples including lasercapture microdissected tissues and presents a number of alternative tissue fixatives to formalin fixation to cater for current molecular applicationsOne chapter also addresses the critical aspects of reproducibility and standardization of immunohistology between different laboratories This concept is generally underestimated but of extreme importance given the many variables that impact on antigen preservation in paraffinembedded biopsiesWhile being very detailed in the practical procedures which include troubleshooting sections and accurate reagent descriptions not all chapters provide a critical discussion on the quality of the data produced using different techniques nor do they present a thorough comparative analysis of different protocols and methodologiesThis text can be considered an introductory compendium of current methods and protocols in Molecular Biology for the use of fixed paraffinembedded tissues that will be particularly suited to new researchers in the field who are eager to develop expertise It is an easily readable and technically comprehensive book that would be ideal for initial experimental planning which can be complemented by other bibliographic sources and scientific journals for indepth discussions of particular techniques and their potential applications

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