Comparing miRNA Expression in FFPE and Snap Frozen Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Li Jinghuan, Smyth Paul, Flavin Richard, Cahill Susanne, Denning Karen, Aherne Sinead, Guenther Simone M, O'Leary John J, Sheils Orla
Primary Institution: Deptment of Histopathology, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
Hypothesis
miRNA species are less susceptible to RNA degradation associated with tissue processing than occurs with mRNA.
Conclusion
miRNAs can be reliably detected in archival FFPE samples, suggesting they are robust targets for molecular pathology.
Supporting Evidence
- miRNA extracted from FFPE blocks was successfully amplified using Q-RT-PCR.
- Levels of expression of miRNA detected in total RNA extracted from FFPE were higher than that from snap frozen cells.
- 65.58% of miRNAs displayed ΔΔCts in a range between +/-1, indicating similar expression profiles.
Takeaway
This study shows that tiny RNA pieces called miRNAs can be found in old tissue samples, which helps scientists study diseases better.
Methodology
The study analyzed 160 miRNAs in paired RNA extracts from fresh and FFPE samples using Q-RT-PCR.
Limitations
The RNA extracted from FFPE blocks is often compromised, and some miRNAs showed poor correlation between FFPE and snap frozen samples.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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