Guidelines for Molecular Analysis in Archive Tissues

A huge amount of fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue is stored in every hospital. This is very precious material that can be used for translational research and for diagnostics. The molecular methods employed for analysis of these tissues are similar to the usual molecular biology and proteomics methods, but reliable results can be obtained only if specific steps are followed with great care. This book provides detailed and precise guidelines for molecular analysis of archive tissues and will serve as an invaluable aid for researchers and pathologists involved in translational research and diagnostics. Clear notes and explanations are included to simplify use of the protocols for the less experienced. The authors are a group of acknowledged experts who have developed the described methods and validated them within the European project 'Archive Tissues: Improving Molecular Medicine Research and Clinical Practice - IMPACTS', which has involved 21 leading institutions in 11 countries.

Giorgio Stanta is Professor of Pathology at the University of Trieste. For many years his main interest has been the application of molecular analysis to fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues (all human tissues of biopsy or surgical origin), called 'archive tissues'. This research line started thanks to his collaboration with the researchers who first applied molecular biology techniques to human diseases at Yale University, where Professor Stanta worked from 1985 to 1988. Since then he has developed several methods, in particular for RNA analysis. Professor Stanta is the coordinator of the European project 'Archive Tissues: Improving Molecular Medicine Research and Clinical Practice - IMPACTS' (www.impactsnetwork.eu), involving around 20 European universities in 11 different countries. He is taking part as an expert in the Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources Research European Infrastructure (BBMRI). He is also on the Managing Board of the 'Molecular Pathology Study Group' of the European Society of Pathology.