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Paramasivam P, Stöter M, Corradi E, Dalla Costa I, Höijer A, Bartesaghi S, Sabirsh A, Lindfors L, Yanez Arteta M, Nordberg P, Andersson S, Baudet ML, Bickle M, Zerial M. Quantitative intracellular retention of delivered RNAs through optimized cell fixation and immunostaining. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 28:433-446. [PMID: 34949721 PMCID: PMC8848937 DOI: 10.1261/rna.078895.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Detection of nucleic acids within subcellular compartments is key to understanding their function. Determining the intracellular distribution of nucleic acids requires quantitative retention and estimation of their association with different organelles by immunofluorescence microscopy. This is particularly important for the delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics, which depends on endocytic uptake and endosomal escape. However, the current protocols fail to preserve the majority of exogenously delivered nucleic acids in the cytoplasm. To solve this problem, by monitoring Cy5-labeled mRNA delivered to primary human adipocytes via lipid nanoparticles (LNP), we optimized cell fixation, permeabilization, and immunostaining of a number of organelle markers, achieving quantitative retention of mRNA and allowing visualization of levels that escape detection using conventional procedures. The optimized protocol proved effective on exogenously delivered siRNA, miRNA, as well as endogenous miRNA. Our protocol is compatible with RNA probes of single molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH) and molecular beacon, thus demonstrating that it is broadly applicable to study a variety of nucleic acids in cultured cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasath Paramasivam
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Stöter
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Eloina Corradi
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento 38123, Italy
| | | | - Andreas Höijer
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Science R&D, AstraZeneca, 43150 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stefano Bartesaghi
- Bioscience Metabolism, Research and Early Development Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 43150 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alan Sabirsh
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Science R&D, AstraZeneca, 43150 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lennart Lindfors
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Science R&D, AstraZeneca, 43150 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marianna Yanez Arteta
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Science R&D, AstraZeneca, 43150 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Peter Nordberg
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 43150 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Shalini Andersson
- Oligonucleotide Discovery, Discovery Sciences R&D, AstraZeneca, 43150 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Marc Bickle
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Marino Zerial
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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2
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Clinically adaptable polymer enables simultaneous spatial analysis of colonic tissues and biofilms. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2020; 6:33. [PMID: 32973205 PMCID: PMC7518420 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-020-00143-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial influences on host cells depend upon the identities of the microbes, their spatial localization, and the responses they invoke on specific host cell populations. Multimodal analyses of both microbes and host cells in a spatially resolved fashion would enable studies into these complex interactions in native tissue environments, potentially in clinical specimens. While techniques to preserve each of the microbial and host cell compartments have been used to examine tissues and microbes separately, we endeavored to develop approaches to simultaneously analyze both compartments. Herein, we established an original method for mucus preservation using Poloxamer 407 (also known as Pluronic F-127), a thermoreversible polymer with mucus-adhesive characteristics. We demonstrate that this approach can preserve spatially-defined compartments of the mucus bi-layer in the colon and the bacterial communities within, compared with their marked absence when tissues were processed with traditional formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) pipelines. Additionally, antigens for antibody staining of host cells were preserved and signal intensity for 16S rRNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was enhanced in poloxamer-fixed samples. This in turn enabled us to integrate multimodal analysis using a modified multiplex immunofluorescence (MxIF) protocol. Importantly, we have formulated Poloxamer 407 to polymerize and cross-link at room temperature for use in clinical workflows. These results suggest that the fixative formulation of Poloxamer 407 can be integrated into biospecimen collection pipelines for simultaneous analysis of microbes and host cells.
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3
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Charvet S, Riemann L, Alneberg J, Andersson AF, von Borries J, Fischer U, Labrenz M. AFISsys - An autonomous instrument for the preservation of brackish water samples for microbial metatranscriptome analysis. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 149:351-361. [PMID: 30469021 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Microbial communities are the main drivers of biogeochemical cycling of multiple elements sustaining life in the ocean. The rapidity of their response to stressors and abrupt environmental changes implies that even fast and infrequent events can affect local transformations of organic matter and nutrients. Modern molecular techniques now allow for monitoring of microbial activities and functions in the environment through the analysis of genes and expressed genes contained in natural microbial assemblages. However, messenger RNA turnover in cells can be as short as 30 seconds and stability varies greatly between transcripts. Sampling of in situ communities involves an inevitable delay between the collection of seawater and the extraction of its RNA, leaving the bacterial communities plenty of time to alter their gene expression. The characteristics of microbial RNA turnover make time-series very difficult because samples need to be processed immediately to limit alterations to the metatranscriptomes. To address these challenges we designed an autonomous in situ fixation multi-sampler (AFISsys) for the reliable sampling of microbial metatranscriptomes at frequent intervals, for refined temporal resolution. To advance the development of this instrument, we examined the minimal seawater volume necessary for adequate coverage of community gene expression, and the suitability of phenol/ethanol fixation for immediate and long-term preservation of transcripts from a microbial community. We then evaluated the field eligibility of the instrument itself, with two case studies in a brackish system. AFISsys is able to collect, fix, and store water samples independently at a predefined temporal resolution. Phenol/ethanol fixation can conserve metatranscriptomes directly in the environment for up to a week, for later analysis in the laboratory. Thus, the AFISsys constitutes an invaluable tool for the integration of molecular functional analyses in environmental monitoring in brackish waters and in aquatic environments in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Charvet
- IOW - Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Warnemuende, Germany
| | - Lasse Riemann
- Marine Biological Section, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Johannes Alneberg
- KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Science for Life Laboratory, Sweden
| | - Anders F Andersson
- KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Science for Life Laboratory, Sweden
| | | | - Uwe Fischer
- HYDRO-BIOS Apparatebau GmbH, Altenholz, Germany
| | - Matthias Labrenz
- IOW - Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Warnemuende, Germany.
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Biomedical analysis of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples: The Holy Grail for molecular diagnostics. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2018; 155:125-134. [PMID: 29627729 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2018.03.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
More than a century ago in 1893, a revolutionary idea about fixing biological tissue specimens was introduced by Ferdinand Blum, a German physician. Since then, a plethora of fixation methods have been investigated and used. Formalin fixation with paraffin embedment became the most widely used types of fixation and preservation method, due to its proper architectural conservation of tissue structures and cellular shape. The huge collection of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) sample archives worldwide holds a large amount of unearthed information about diseases that could be the Holy Grail in contemporary biomarker research utilizing analytical omics based molecular diagnostics. The aim of this review is to critically evaluate the omics options for FFPE tissue sample analysis in the molecular diagnostics field.
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5
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Yoon DS, Pendergrass DL, Lee MH. A simple and rapid method for combining fluorescent in situ RNA hybridization (FISH) and immunofluorescence in the C. elegans germline. MethodsX 2016; 3:378-85. [PMID: 27257608 PMCID: PMC4878318 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Imaging of RNAs and proteins in specific tissues has opened ample avenues to understand gene expression during development. Recently, a fluorescent in situ RNA hybridization (FISH) method has been developed to analyze the spatio-temporal expression patterns of endogenous mRNAs. However, combining FISH with immunofluorescence is challenging as the reaction conditions for the two procedures conflict in multiple ways. In this report, we developed a simple and rapid method to detect both RNAs and associated proteins with better preservation of the fine structure in the C. elegans germline. This method will provide new tools for in vivo imaging of RNAs and their associated proteins in the same germline, which also enables simultaneous visualization of RNA/protein complex at the cellular level in vivo. •Developing a simple and rapid FISH method with better preservation of the fine structure.•Combining FISH with immunofluorescence in C. elegans germline.•Labeling extruded gonads, instead of the whole worms, to prevent non-specific somatic autofluorescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Suk Yoon
- Department of Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, NC 27834, USA
| | - DeQwon L Pendergrass
- Department of Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, NC 27834, USA
| | - Myon-Hee Lee
- Department of Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, NC 27834, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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6
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Fuller KA, Bennett S, Hui H, Chakera A, Erber WN. Development of a robust immuno-S-FISH protocol using imaging flow cytometry. Cytometry A 2016; 89:720-30. [DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.22852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A. Fuller
- Translational Cancer Pathology Laboratory, School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; The University of Western Australia; Crawley Australia
| | - Sophia Bennett
- Translational Renal Research Group; Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research; Nedlands Australia
| | - Henry Hui
- Translational Cancer Pathology Laboratory, School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; The University of Western Australia; Crawley Australia
| | - Aron Chakera
- Translational Renal Research Group; Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research; Nedlands Australia
| | - Wendy N. Erber
- Translational Cancer Pathology Laboratory, School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; The University of Western Australia; Crawley Australia
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine; Nedlands Australia
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7
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Pereira MA, Dias AR, Faraj SF, Cirqueira CDS, Tomitao MT, Carlos Nahas S, Ribeiro U, de Mello ES. Carnoy's solution is an adequate tissue fixative for routine surgical pathology, preserving cell morphology and molecular integrity. Histopathology 2014; 66:388-97. [DOI: 10.1111/his.12532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marina A Pereira
- Cancer Institute(ICESP); University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine; Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - Andre R Dias
- Cancer Institute(ICESP); University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine; Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - Sheila F Faraj
- Cancer Institute(ICESP); University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine; Sao Paulo Brazil
| | | | - Michele T Tomitao
- Cancer Institute(ICESP); University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine; Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - Sergio Carlos Nahas
- Cancer Institute(ICESP); University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine; Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - Ulysses Ribeiro
- Cancer Institute(ICESP); University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine; Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - Evandro S de Mello
- Cancer Institute(ICESP); University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine; Sao Paulo Brazil
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8
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Zhang WI, Röhse H, Rizzoli SO, Opazo F. Fluorescent in situ hybridization of synaptic proteins imaged with super-resolution STED microscopy. Microsc Res Tech 2014; 77:517-27. [DOI: 10.1002/jemt.22367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Revised: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- William I. Zhang
- Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology; University of Göttingen; Göttingen Germany
- STED Microscopy of Synaptic Function; European Neuroscience Institute; Göttingen Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB); University of Göttingen; Göttingen Germany
| | - Heiko Röhse
- STED Microscopy of Synaptic Function; European Neuroscience Institute; Göttingen Germany
| | - Silvio O. Rizzoli
- Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology; University of Göttingen; Göttingen Germany
- STED Microscopy of Synaptic Function; European Neuroscience Institute; Göttingen Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB); University of Göttingen; Göttingen Germany
| | - Felipe Opazo
- Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology; University of Göttingen; Göttingen Germany
- STED Microscopy of Synaptic Function; European Neuroscience Institute; Göttingen Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB); University of Göttingen; Göttingen Germany
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9
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Larsson L, Berglundh T. Influence of Fixation Method on the Accuracy of Assessment of mRNA in Cells with theIn SituHybridization Technique. J Histotechnol 2013. [DOI: 10.1179/his.2008.31.2.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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10
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Pearson BJ, Eisenhoffer GT, Gurley KA, Rink JC, Miller DE, Sánchez Alvarado A. Formaldehyde-based whole-mount in situ hybridization method for planarians. Dev Dyn 2009; 238:443-50. [PMID: 19161223 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH) is a powerful tool for visualizing gene expression patterns in specific cell and tissue types. Each model organism presents its own unique set of challenges for achieving robust and reproducible staining with cellular resolution. Here, we describe a formaldehyde-based WISH method for the freshwater planarian Schmidtea mediterranea developed by systematically comparing and optimizing techniques for fixation, permeabilization, hybridization, and postprocessing. The new method gives robust, high-resolution labeling in fine anatomical detail, allows co-labeling with fluorescent probes, and is sufficiently sensitive to resolve the expression pattern of a microRNA in planarians. Our WISH methodology not only provides significant advancements over current protocols that make it a valuable asset for the planarian community, but should also find wide applicability in WISH methods used in other systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bret J Pearson
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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11
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Dillon GP, Illes JC, Isaacs HV, Wilson RA. Patterns of gene expression in schistosomes: localization by whole mount in situ hybridization. Parasitology 2007; 134:1589-97. [PMID: 17686191 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182007002995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
As a consequence of comprehensive transcriptome analysis followed by sequencing and draft assembly of the genome, the emphasis of schistosome research is shifting from the identification of genes to the characterization of their functions and interactions. Developmental biologists have long used whole mount in situ hybridization (WISH) to determine gene expression patterns, as a vital tool for formulating and testing hypotheses about function. This paper describes the application of WISH to the study of gene expression in larval and adult schistosomes. Fixed worms were permeablized by proteinase K treatment for hybridization with digoxygenin-labelled RNA probes, with binding being detected by alkaline phosphatase-coupled anti-digoxygenin antibodies, and BM Purple substrate. Discrete staining patterns for the transcripts of the molecules Sm29, cathepsin L, antigen 10.3 and chorion were observed in the tegument cell bodies, gut epithelium, oesophageal gland and vitelline lobules, respectively, of adult worms. Transcripts of the molecules SGTP4, GP18-22 and cathepsin L were localized to tegument cell bodies and embryonic gut, respectively, of lung schistosomula. We also showed that Fast Red TR fluorescent substrate can refine the pattern of localization permitting use of confocal microscopy. We believe that method of WISH will find broad application, in synergy with other emerging post-genomic techniques, such as RNA interference, to studies focused at increasing our molecular understanding of schistosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- G P Dillon
- Biology Department, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK.
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12
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Gutfeld O, Prus D, Ackerman Z, Dishon S, Linke RP, Levin M, Urieli-Shoval S. Expression of serum amyloid A, in normal, dysplastic, and neoplastic human colonic mucosa: implication for a role in colonic tumorigenesis. J Histochem Cytochem 2005; 54:63-73. [PMID: 16116035 DOI: 10.1369/jhc.5a6645.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute phase reactant, whose level in the blood is elevated in response to trauma, infection, inflammation, and neoplasia. Elevated levels of SAA in the serum of cancer patients were suggested to be of liver origin rather than a tumor cell product. The role of SAA in human malignancies has not been elucidated. We investigated the expression of SAA at various stages of human colon carcinoma progression. Nonradioactive in situ hybridization applied on paraffin tissue sections from 26 colon cancer patients revealed barely detected SAA mRNA expression in normal looking colonic epithelium. Expression was increased gradually as epithelial cells progressed through dysplasia to neoplasia. Deeply invading colon carcinoma cells showed the highest levels of SAA. Expression was also found in colon carcinoma metastases. Cells of lymphoid follicles of the intestinal wall, inflammatory cells, ganglion cells, and endothelial cells, also expressed SAA mRNA. Immunohistochemical staining revealed SAA protein expression that colocalized with SAA mRNA expression. RT-PCR analysis confirmed the expression of the SAA1 and SAA4 genes in colon carcinomas, expression that was barely detectable in normal colon tissues. These findings indicate local and differential expression of SAA in human colon cancer tissues and suggest its role in colonic tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orit Gutfeld
- Department of Oncology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
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13
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Gloghini A, Canal B, Klein U, Dal Maso L, Perin T, Dalla-Favera R, Carbone A. RT-PCR analysis of RNA extracted from Bouin-fixed and paraffin-embedded lymphoid tissues. J Mol Diagn 2005; 6:290-6. [PMID: 15507667 PMCID: PMC1867484 DOI: 10.1016/s1525-1578(10)60524-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we have investigated whether RNA can be efficiently isolated from Bouin-fixed or formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded lymphoid tissue specimens. To this aim, we applied a new and simple method that includes the combination of proteinase K digestion and column purification. By this method, we demonstrated that the amplification of long fragments could be accomplished after a pre-heating step before cDNA synthesis associated with the use of enzymes that work at high temperature. By means of PCR using different primers for two examined genes (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase [GAPDH]- and CD40), we amplified segments of cDNA obtained by reverse transcription of the isolated RNA extracted from Bouin-fixed or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. Amplified fragments of the expected sizes were obtained for both genes tested indicating that this method is suitable for the isolation of high-quality RNA. To explore the possibility for giving accurate real time quantitative RT-PCR results, cDNA obtained from matched frozen, Bouin-fixed and formalin-fixed neoplastic samples (two diffuse large cell lymphomas, one plasmacytoma) was tested for the following target genes: CD40, Aquaporin-3, BLIMP1, IRF4, Syndecan-1. Delta threshold cycle (DeltaC(T)) values for Bouin-fixed and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues and their correlation with those for frozen samples showed an extremely high correlation (r > 0.90) for all of the tested genes. These results show that the method of RNA extraction we propose is suitable for giving accurate real time quantitative RT-PCR results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annunziata Gloghini
- Division of Pathology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico National Cancer Institute , via Pedemontana Occidentale, Aviano I-33081, Italy
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14
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Takagi H, Shibutani M, Kato N, Fujita H, Lee KY, Takigami S, Mitsumori K, Hirose M. Microdissected region-specific gene expression analysis with methacarn-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues by real-time RT-PCR. J Histochem Cytochem 2004; 52:903-13. [PMID: 15208357 DOI: 10.1369/jhc.3a6215.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown methacarn to be a versatile fixative for analysis of proteins, DNA, and RNA in paraffin-embedded tissues (PETs). In this study we analyzed its suitability for quantitative mRNA expression analysis of microdissected PET specimens using a real-time RT-PCR technique. Fidelity of expression in the methacarn-fixed PET sections, with reference to dose-dependent induction of cytochrome P450 2B1 in the phenobarbital-treated rat liver, was high in comparison with the unfixed frozen tissue case, even after hematoxylin staining. RNA yield from methacarn-fixed PET sections was equivalent to that in unfixed cryosections and was also not significantly affected by hematoxylin staining. Correlations between the expression levels of target genes and input amounts of extracted RNA in the range of 1-1000 pg were very high (correlation coefficients >0.98), the regression curves being similar to those with unfixed cryosections. Although cell numbers should be optimized for each target gene/tissue, >/=200 cells were necessary for accurate measurement in 10-microm-thick rat liver sections judging from the variation of measured value in small microdissected areas. These results indicate high performance with methacarn, close to that of unfixed tissues, regarding quantitative expression analysis of mRNAs in microdissected PET-specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hironori Takagi
- Division of Pathology, National Institute of Health Sciences, 1-18-1 Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8501, Japan
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15
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Srinivasan M, Sedmak D, Jewell S. Effect of fixatives and tissue processing on the content and integrity of nucleic acids. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2002; 161:1961-71. [PMID: 12466110 PMCID: PMC1850907 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9440(10)64472-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 868] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Clinical and molecular medicines are undergoing a revolution based on the accelerated advances in biotechnology such as DNA microarrays and proteomics. Answers to fundamental questions such as how does the DNA sequence differ between individuals and what makes one individual more prone for a certain disease are eagerly being sought in this postgenomic era. Several government and nonprofit organizations provide the researchers access to human tissues for molecular studies. The tissues procured by the different organizations may differ with respect to fixation and processing parameters that may affect significantly the molecular profile of the tissues. It is imperative that a prospective investigator be aware of the potential contributing factors before designing a project. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the methods of human tissue acquisition, fixation, and preservation. In addition, the parameters of procurement and fixation that affect the quality of the tissues at the molecular level are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mythily Srinivasan
- Department of Pathology, Tzagournis Medical Research Facility, The Ohio State University, 420 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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16
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Affiliation(s)
- L K Barthel
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor 48109-0616, USA
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17
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Fernández-Santos JM, Martín-Lacave I. Detection of different mRnas expressed in the thyro-parathyroid complex of the rat by in situ hybridization using digoxigenin-labelled oligonucleotide probes. THE HISTOCHEMICAL JOURNAL 2000; 32:217-22. [PMID: 10872886 DOI: 10.1023/a:1004098900587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The effects have been examined of different methods and regimens for tissue fixation, preservation, permeabilization and immunostaining of different mRNAs detected by in situ hybridization in paraffin-embedded samples. The three main hormone mRNAs expressed in the thyro-parathyroid glands, namely thyroglobulin, calcitonin and parathyroid hormone mRNAs, were chosen as the target nucleic acid sequences to be detected using digoxigenin-labelled probes. Our results suggest that chemical fixation and permeabilization of tissue samples are restrictive steps. Thus, paraformaldehyde fixation provides excellent signal intensities and non-detectable background levels whereas routine formalin and Bouin's solution give unsatisfactory results. A clear linear correlation was also found between signal intensity and proteinase K permeabilization. Moreover, the optimization of immunohistochemical steps, such as anti-digoxigenin antibody concentration and colour development times, enhance the intensity and specificity of hybrid signals. Furthermore, our results show that, in contrast to some data in the literature, paraffin-embedded tissue is suitable for detection of mRNAs by in situ hybridization. It gives equivalent intensities of specific signal and superior histological and cellular resolutions when compared to cryopreserved tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Fernández-Santos
- Departamento de Citología e Histología Normal y Patológica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain
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18
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Louis H, Lavie J, Lacolley P, Daret D, Bonnet J, Lamazière JM. Freeze-drying allows double nonradioactive ISH and antigenic labeling. J Histochem Cytochem 2000; 48:499-508. [PMID: 10727292 DOI: 10.1177/002215540004800408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Because tissue freeze-drying is an excellent way to preserve antigenic conformation, we have tested the feasibility of this technique to reveal nonradioactive in situ hybridization (ISH) of tissue mRNA. We have compared mRNA detection after different methods of tissue preservation, freeze-drying, cryosectioning, and formaldehyde or methanol fixation. Our results show that nonradioactive ISH is more sensitive for tissues preserved by freeze-drying than for other tissue preparations. We have demonstrated that freeze-drying allows combination of ISH and immunohistochemistry for simultaneous detection of mRNA and antigen because with this technique of tissue preservation ISH does not affect the sensitivity or the amount of the detected antigens. This work underscores the fact that tissue freeze-drying is an easy, convenient, and reliable technique for both ISH and immunohistochemistry and achieves excellent structural conditions for nonradioactive detection.
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Urieli-Shoval S, Cohen P, Eisenberg S, Matzner Y. Widespread expression of serum amyloid A in histologically normal human tissues. Predominant localization to the epithelium. J Histochem Cytochem 1998; 46:1377-84. [PMID: 9815279 DOI: 10.1177/002215549804601206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute-phase reactant whose level in the blood is elevated to 1000-fold as part of the body's responses to various injuries, including trauma, infection, inflammation, and neoplasia. As an acute-phase reactant, the liver has been considered to be the primary site of expression. However, limited extrahepatic SAA expression was described in mouse tissues and in cells of human atherosclerotic lesions. Here we describe nonradioactive in situ hybridization experiments revealing that the SAA mRNA is widely expressed in many histologically normal human tissues. Expression was localized predominantly to the epithelial components of a variety of tissues, including breast, stomach, small and large intestine, prostate, lung, pancreas, kidney, tonsil, thyroid, pituitary, placenta, skin epidermis, and brain neurons. Expression was also observed in lymphocytes, plasma cells, and endothelial cells. RT-PCR analysis of selected tissues revealed expression of the SAA1, SAA2, and SAA4 genes but not of SAA3, consistent with expression of these genes in the liver. Immunohistochemical staining revealed SAA protein expression that co-localized with SAA mRNA expression. These data indicate local production of the SAA proteins in histologically normal human extrahepatic tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Urieli-Shoval
- Hematology Unit, Hadassah University Hospital, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel
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Rousselle C, Robert-Nicoud M, Ronot X. Flow cytometric analysis of DNA content of living and fixed cells: a comparative study using various fixatives. THE HISTOCHEMICAL JOURNAL 1998; 30:773-81. [PMID: 9988344 DOI: 10.1023/a:1003440423316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The majority of studies dealing with DNA analyses are made on fixed cells. In this context, the efficiency as fixatives of ethanol, methanol, acetone, Carnoy, Boehm-Sprenger and aldehydes was determined using two different DNA fluorescent probes, Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide. The purpose of our study was to find the fixative that would provide the best results with respect to the following parameters: aggregates, cell size and granularity, and DNA staining analysis. Using murine fibroblasts, we found that 68% ethanol, 85% methanol and aldehydes did not increase aggregate formation, whereas Carnoy, acetone or Boehm-Sprenger fixatives did. The results show that aldehydes seem to alter cell size least. All fixatives induce an increase in cell granularity, which is very pronounced with alcohols, but aldehydes alter morphology less than alcohols. We observed that the fixatives giving the best resolution with Hoechst 33342 staining lead to a lower measurement variability than with propidium iodide staining. This study leads us to conclude that 68% ethanol and 85% methanol can be considered as appropriate fixatives for flow cytometry studies of DNA content.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Rousselle
- Institut Albert Bonniot, Université Joseph Fourier, Dynamique de l'Organisation des Génomes, INSERM U309, La Tronche, France
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Abstract
In situ hybridization (ISH) is a technique by which specific nucleotide sequences are identified in cells or tissue sections. These may be endogenous, bacterial or viral, DNA or RNA. On the basis of research applications, the technique is now being translated into diagnostic practice, mainly in the areas of gene expression, infection and interphase cytogenetics. Diagnostic applications are most often based on short nucleotide sequences (oligomers) labelled with non-isotopic reporter molecules, and sites of binding may be localized by histochemical or immunohistochemical methods. The technique can be applied to routinely fixed and processed tissues; with some targets, it is even possible to obtain hybridization in autopsy material. ISH has been used to detect messenger RNA (mRNA) as a marker of gene expression, where levels of protein storage are low; for example, to confirm an endocrine tumour as the source of excess hormone production. Its application in infectious diseases has to date been mainly in viral infections, such as the typing of human papillomavirus (HPV) or the detection of Epstein-Barr virus by the presence of small nuclear RNAs (EBERs). The expression of mRNAs for histone proteins has been used to detect cells in S phase, and related methods may be applied to detect apoptotic cells. Using probes to chromosome-specific sequences, it is possible to detect aneuploidy, and to document changes in specific chromosomes, which may have prognostic significance in some tumours, such as B-cell chronic lymphatic leukaemia. Using sequence-specific probes, translocations can be identified, such as the t(11;12) of Ewing's sarcoma. This review presents an outline of the technique of in situ hybridization and discusses areas of current and potential diagnostic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M McNicol
- University Department of Pathology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary University NHS Trust, U.K
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Nielsen BS, Borregaard N, Bundgaard JR, Timshel S, Sehested M, Kjeldsen L. Induction of NGAL synthesis in epithelial cells of human colorectal neoplasia and inflammatory bowel diseases. Gut 1996; 38:414-20. [PMID: 8675096 PMCID: PMC1383072 DOI: 10.1136/gut.38.3.414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 316] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In inflammatory and neoplastic disorders of the colon a defect barrier function of the mucosa may result in absorption of bacterial products from the intestinal lumen. These products may further recruit inflammatory cells and thus augment the inflammatory response. A novel lipocalin in neutrophils, neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL), with the ability to bind bacterial formylpeptides, has been described and therefore it is of interest to investigate the expression of this protein in diseases of the colon. Expression of NGAL was investigated by immunohistochemistry and by mRNA in situ hybridisation in normal colon and in neoplastic and inflammatory colorectal diseases. A very high expression of NGAL was seen in colonic epithelium in areas of inflammation, both in non-malignant epithelium (diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and appendicitis) as well as in premalignant and malignant neoplastic lesions of the colon. In adenocarcinoma, the NGAL expression was especially abundant in the transitional mucosa and in the superficial ulcerated area. On the other hand, no NGAL expression could be detected in lymph node metastases from these adenocarcinomas. A weak expression of NGAL in some epithelial cells was only occasionally seen in normal colon. In conclusion, NGAL synthesis is induced in epithelial cells in inflammatory and neoplastic, colorectal diseases. NGAL may serve an important anti-inflammatory function as a scavenger of bacterial products.
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Affiliation(s)
- B S Nielsen
- Department of Pathology, Sundby Hospital, Denmark
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23
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Huang B, Raz A. Differential expression of autocrine motility factor receptor (AMFR) mRNA in normal and cancer cells detected by in situ hybridization. Cell Res 1995. [DOI: 10.1038/cr.1995.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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Guiot Y, Rahier J. The effects of varying key steps in the non-radioactive in situ hybridization protocol: a quantitative study. THE HISTOCHEMICAL JOURNAL 1995; 27:60-8. [PMID: 7536187 DOI: 10.1007/bf00164173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
In situ hybridization represents a major advance in the study of gene expression and, thus, in the evaluation of cellular function in histological sections. The availability of oligonucleotide probes labelled with biotin and sensitive immunohistochemical detection systems makes the study of different types of mRNA by in situ hybridization easier. However, a large number of protocols have been reported, which is sometimes confusing. The present study analyses quantitatively the influence of each important step of in situ hybridization on the staining intensity of rat proinsulin mRNA. The aim was to optimize technical conditions, to make the method sensitive and to evaluate its reproducibility for proinsulin mRNA detection and measurements. The duration of fixation and the digestion have an important impact on the results. The optimal digestion time depends on the fixation. With a digestion of 30 micrograms ml-1 proteinase K for 12 min at 37 degrees C, the optimal fixation time was 24 h. Section thickness also influences the staining intensity. The intensity of the staining increases as the section thickness increases from 3 to 5 microns before slowly decreasing. A weak paraformaldehyde post-fixation (0.4% for 20 min) gives best results in comparison to a stronger post-fixation (4% for 10 min). An increase of probe concentration leads to a higher specific labelling, reaching a plateau at 800 ng ml-1. Hybridization temperature (37-42 degrees C) exerts little influence. However, the temperature of the washes and the immunodetection system have a major effect on the intensity of labelling.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Guiot
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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Meek RL, Urieli-Shoval S, Benditt EP. Expression of apolipoprotein serum amyloid A mRNA in human atherosclerotic lesions and cultured vascular cells: implications for serum amyloid A function. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1994; 91:3186-90. [PMID: 8159722 PMCID: PMC43540 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.91.8.3186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Altered lipoprotein metabolism and vascular injury are considered to be major parts of the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic lesions. Serum amyloid A (SAA) is a family of acute-phase reactants found residing mainly on high density lipoproteins (HDL) in the circulation. Several functions for the SAAs have been proposed that could be important in atherosclerosis. These include involvement in cholesterol metabolism, participation in detoxification, depression of immune responses, and interference with platelet functions. Like other acute-phase reactants, the liver is a major site of SAA synthesis. However, studies in the mouse have revealed that several cell types including macrophages express SAA. Furthermore, we recently found that SAA mRNA expression can be induced in the human monocyte/macrophage cell line, THP-1. In the present study, human atherosclerotic lesions of coronary and carotid arteries were examined for expression of SAA mRNA by in situ hybridization. Surprisingly, SAA mRNA was found in most endothelial cells and some smooth muscle cells as well as macrophage-derived "foam cells," adventitial macrophages, and adipocytes. In addition, cultured smooth muscle cells expressed SAA1, SAA2, and SAA4 mRNAs when treated with interleukin 1 or 6 (IL-1 or IL-6) in the presence of dexamethasone. These findings give further credence to the notion that the SAAs are involved in lipid metabolism or transport at sites of injury and in atherosclerosis or may play a role in defending against viruses or other injurious agents such as oxidized lipids. Furthermore, expression of SAAs by endothelial cells is compatible with the evidence that SAA modulates platelet aggregation and function and possibly adhesion at the endothelial cell surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Meek
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle 98195
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