Name: qpcr is a sensitive and rapid method for detection of cytomegaloviral dna in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded biopsy tissue
Uploaded: 2014-07-09T20:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about qPCR Is a Sensitive and Rapid Method for Detection of Cytomegaloviral DNA in Formalin-fixed, Paraffin-embedded Biopsy Tissue at JoVE.com

We acknowledge Amy Thomasson for her assistance with preparing this manuscript, and Fredrik Skarstedt and Ryan Christy for their efforts in the preparation of figures.

With the approval of the Institutional Review Board, a search of the electronic laboratory database was performed to identify formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) blocks representing cases of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in gastrointestinal (GI) biopsies diagnosed by histopathology (hematoxylin and eosin (H&#38;E) and/or immunohistochemistry (IHC)).
1. Tissue Processing from FFPE GI Biopsy Tissue
<ol>
	<li>Collect FFPE GI biopsy tissue blocks for cytomegalovirus (CMV) quantitative pol...

<ol>
	<li>Hodinka, R. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Manual of Clnical Microbiology. 2, 1558-1574 (2011).</li><li>Lasry, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Interstrain+variations+in+the+cytomegalovirus+(CMV)+glycoprotein+B+gene+sequence+among+CMV-infected+children+attending+six+day+care+centers.">Interstrain variations in the cytomegalovirus (CMV) glycoprotein B gene sequence among CMV-infected children attending six day care centers.</a> The Journal of infectious diseases. 174, 606-609 (1996).</li><li>Murph, J. R., Baron, J. C., Brown, C. K., Ebelhack, C. L., Bale Jr, J. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+occupational+risk+of+cytomegalovirus+infection+among+day-care+providers.">The occupational risk of cytomegalovirus infection among day-care providers.</a> JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association. 265, 603-608 (1991).</li><li>Pass, R. F., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Vaccine+prevention+of+maternal+cytomegalovirus+infection.">Vaccine prevention of maternal cytomegalovirus infection.</a> The New England journal of medicine. 360, 1191-1199 (2009).</li><li>McCoy, M. H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=qPCR+increases+sensitivity+to+detect+cytomegalovirus+in+paraffin-embedded,+formalin-fixed+tissue+of+gastrointestinal+biopsies.">qPCR increases sensitivity to detect cytomegalovirus in paraffin-embedded, formalin-fixed tissue of gastrointestinal biopsies.</a> Human Pathology. 45, 48-53 (2014).</li><li>Mills, A. M., Guo, F. P., Copland, A. P., Pai, R. K., Pinsky, B. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+comparison+of+CMV+detection+in+gastrointestinal+mucosal+biopsies+using+immunohistochemistry+and+PCR+performed+on+formalin-fixed,+paraffin-embedded+tissue.">A comparison of CMV detection in gastrointestinal mucosal biopsies using immunohistochemistry and PCR performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue.</a> The American journal of surgical pathology. 37, 995-1000 (2013).</li><li>Krech, U. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Complement-fixing+antibodies+against+cytomegalovirus+in+different+parts+of+the+world.">Complement-fixing antibodies against cytomegalovirus in different parts of the world.</a> Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 49, 103-106 (1973).</li><li>Chou, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Newer+methods+for+diagnosis+of+cytomegalovirus+infection.">Newer methods for diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infection.</a> Reviews of infectious diseases. 12 Suppl 7, (1990).</li><li>Brytting, M., Xu, W., Wahren, B., Sundqvist, V. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cytomegalovirus+DNA+detection+in+sera+from+patients+with+active+cytomegalovirus+infections.">Cytomegalovirus DNA detection in sera from patients with active cytomegalovirus infections.</a> Journal of clinical microbiology. 30, 1937-1941 (1992).</li><li>Revello, M. G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Human+cytomegalovirus+in+blood+of+immunocompetent+persons+during+primary+infection:+prognostic+implications+for+pregnancy.">Human cytomegalovirus in blood of immunocompetent persons during primary infection: prognostic implications for pregnancy.</a> The Journal of infectious diseases. 177, 1170-1175 (1998).</li><li>Shinkai, M., Bozzette, S. A., Powderly, W., Frame, P., Spector, S. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Utility+of+urine+and+leukocyte+cultures+and+plasma+DNA+polymerase+chain+reaction+for+identification+of+AIDS+patients+at+risk+for+developing+human+cytomegalovirus+disease.">Utility of urine and leukocyte cultures and plasma DNA polymerase chain reaction for identification of AIDS patients at risk for developing human cytomegalovirus disease.</a> The Journal of infectious diseases. 175, 302-308 (1997).</li></ol>

Many laboratory methods are available for the diagnosis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, including serology, viral culture, molecular viremia assays, histology of biopsy material, and, as recently demonstrated, molecular assays of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) biopsy tissue5,6. Serology, once a mainstay of diagnosis, only reliably identifies exposure and does not correlate well with acute CMV infection7. Viral culture, both conventional and early antigen shell vial, is hampered by leng...

Interpretation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in clinical specimens is critically important. CMV is a member of the betaherpesvirinae subfamily of herpesviruses. Similar to other herpesviruses, CMV has the ability to establish persistent or latent infection characterized by a lack of active viral replication1. Reactivation of virus may occur during times of stress or other immunosuppression, leading to active viral replication characterized by virion release, which may be accompanied by disease manifestations2-4. Gastrointestinal (GI) CMV disease symptoms frequently include abdominal pain and/or bloody stools1.
The diagnosis of CMV gastroenteritis by histology utilizes hematoxylin and eosin (H&#38;E) to identify CMV viral inclusions. In cases where clinical suspicion is high yet no obvious inclusions are observed, immunohistochemistry (IHC) is frequently used as an adjunct test method. However, IHC can also be hampered by rare non-classic appearing cellular staining patterns (equivocal), making interpretation difficult (Figure 2)5. It was sought to use DNA extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) GI biopsy tissue and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to detect CMV in GI biopsies. This technique has been shown to be valuable in the detection of CMV in GI biopsies, and is particularly helpful in equivocal IHC staining cases5,6. Also, qPCR has also been shown to correlate well with additional clinical CMV test data when it is available6. Use of qPCR in detecting CMV may lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment in cases where clinical suspicion for CMV is high, but H&#38;E and CMV IHC are negative.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="745">
	<tbody>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:224px;">1.7 mL microfuge tubes</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Costar</td>
			<td align="right" style="width:160px;">3620</td>
			<td style="width:167px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:224px;">serrated forceps</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Electron Microscopy Services</td>
			<td style="width:160px;">62086-1S</td>
			<td>Micro Forceps MF-1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:224px;">Tabletop centrifuges (microfuge)</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Eppendorf</td>
			<td align="right" style="width:160px;">5424</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:224px;">Xylene</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Fisher</td>
			<td style="width:160px;">Fisher Scientific: X3P</td>
			<td>1 gallon</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:224px;">Ethanol</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Fisher</td>
			<td style="width:160px;">Fisher Scientific: ET108</td>
			<td>96-100%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:224px;">microtome</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Leica</td>
			<td style="width:160px;">RM2255</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:224px;">QIAamp DNA FFPE Tissue Kit</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Qiagen</td>
			<td align="right" style="width:160px;">56404</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:224px;">artus CMV LightCycler PCR ASR</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Qiagen</td>
			<td align="right" style="width:160px;">4500025</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:224px;">CMV LC PCR Supplement Kit</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Qiagen</td>
			<td align="right" style="width:160px;">1031873</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:224px;">LightCycler centrifuge</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Roche</td>
			<td align="right" style="width:160px;">75005087</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:224px;">LightCycler Cooling Block</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Roche</td>
			<td align="right" style="width:160px;">10800058001</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:224px;">LightCycler Capping Tool</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Roche</td>
			<td align="right" style="width:160px;">3357317</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:224px;">Color Compensation Kit</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Roche</td>
			<td align="right" style="width:160px;">2158850</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:224px;">LightCycler 20 &#956;L Capillaries</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Roche</td>
			<td style="width:160px;">1 909 339</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:224px;">blades</td>
			<td style="width:195px;">Sakura</td>
			<td style="width:160px;">Fisher Scientific: 4689</td>
			<td>Accu-Edge low profile</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

qpcr is a sensitive and rapid method for detection of cytomegaloviral dna in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded biopsy tissue

It is crucial to identify cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of immunosuppressed patients, given their greater risk for developing severe infection. Many laboratory methods for the detection of CMV infection have been developed, including serology, viral culture, and molecular methods. Often, these methods reflect systemic involvement with CMV and do not specifically identify local tissue involvement. Therefore, detection of CMV infection in the GI tract is frequently done by traditional histology of biopsy tissue. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&#38;E) staining in conjunction with immunohistochemistry (IHC) have remained the mainstays of examining these biopsies. H&#38;E and IHC sometimes result in atypical (equivocal) staining patterns, making interpretation difficult. It was shown that quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for CMV can successfully be performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) biopsy tissue for very high sensitivity and specificity. The goal of this protocol is to demonstrate how to perform qPCR testing for the detection of CMV in FFPE biopsy tissue in a clinical laboratory setting. This method is likely to be of great benefit for patients in cases of equivocal staining for CMV in GI biopsies.

A total of 228 tissue blocks were tested by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), which was comprised of 91 cytomegalovirus (CMV) positive cases based on histology and positive immunohistochemistry (IHC), 18 with equivocal CMV IHC, and 79 negative controls. As illustrated in Figure 2, CMV positive cases would have demonstrated typical CMV viral inclusions (A) and/or positive IHC staining (B). Equivocal cases would have demonstrated rare, non-classic appearing st...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about qPCR Is a Sensitive and Rapid Method for Detection of Cytomegaloviral DNA in Formalin-fixed, Paraffin-embedded Biopsy Tissue at JoVE.com

qPCR Is a Sensitive and Rapid Method for Detection of Cytomegaloviral DNA in Formalin-fixed, Paraffin-embedded Biopsy Tissue

This protocol describes qPCR detection of cytomegalovirus in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded biopsy tissue, which is rapid, sensitive, specific, and useful for interpreting equivocal hematoxylin and eosin or immunohistochemical staining patterns.

It is crucial to identify cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of immunosuppressed patients, given their greater risk for ...

qpcr-is-sensitive-rapid-method-for-detection-cytomegaloviral-dna

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

Rapid Homogeneous Detection of Biological Assays Using Magnetic Modulation Biosensing System

A magnetic modulation biosensing system (MMB) [1,2] rapidly and homogeneously detected biological targets at low concentrations without any washing or separation step. When the IL-8 target was present, a 'sandwich'-based assay attached magnetic beads with IL-8 capture antibody to streptavidin coupled fluorescent protein via the IL-8 target and a biotinylated IL-8 antibody. The magnetic beads are maneuvered into oscillatory motion by applying an alternating magnetic field gradient through two electromagnetic poles. The fluorescent proteins, which are attached to the magnetic beads are condensed into the detection area and their movement in and out of an orthogonal laser beam produces a periodic fluorescent signal that is demodulated using synchronous detection. The magnetic modulation biosensing system was previously used to detect the coding sequences of the non-structural Ibaraki virus protein 3 (NS3) complementary DNA (cDNA) [2]. The techniques that are demonstrated in this work for external manipulation and condensation of particles may be used for other applications, e.g. delivery of magnetically-coupled drugs in-vivo or enhancing the contrast for in-vivo imaging applications.

Magnetic modulation biosensing system is utilized to rapidly, sensitively and simply detect biological assays, such as DNA molecules and proteins.

A magnetic modulation biosensing system (MMB) [1,2] rapidly and homogeneously detected biological targets at low concentrations without any washing or ...

Paraffin-Embedded and Frozen Sections of Drosophila Adult Muscles

The molecular characterization of muscular dystrophies and myopathies in humans has revealed the complexity of muscle disease and genetic analysis of muscle specification, formation and function in model systems has provided valuable insight into muscle physiology. Therefore, identifying and characterizing molecular mechanisms that underlie muscle damage is critical. The structure of adult Drosophila multi-fiber muscles resemble vertebrate striated muscles 1 and the genetic tractability of Drosophila has made it a great system to analyze dystrophic muscle morphology and characterize the processes affecting muscular function in ageing adult flies 2. Here we present the histological technique for preparing paraffin-embedded and frozen sections of Drosophila thoracic muscles. These preparations allow for the tissue to be stained with classical histological stains and labeled with protein detecting dyes, and specifically cryosections are ideal for immunohistochemical detection of proteins in intact muscles. This allows for analysis of muscle tissue structure, identification of morphological defects, and detection of the expression pattern for muscle/neuron-specific proteins in Drosophila adult muscles. These techniques can also be slightly modified for sectioning of other body parts.

Paraffin-Embedded and Frozen Sections of Drosophila Adult Muscles

Identification of mechanisms underlying muscle damage is crucial. Here we present the histological technique for preparing paraffin-embedded and frozen sections of Drosophila thoracic muscles. This allows analysis of muscle morphology and localization of protein and other muscle cell components.

The molecular characterization of muscular dystrophies and myopathies in humans has revealed the complexity of muscle disease and genetic analysis of ...

DNA Extraction from Paraffin Embedded Material for Genetic and Epigenetic Analyses

Disease development and progression are characterized by frequent genetic and epigenetic aberrations including chromosomal rearrangements, copy number gains and losses and DNA methylation. Advances in high-throughput, genome-wide profiling technologies, such as microarrays, have significantly improved our ability to identify and detect these specific alterations. However as technology continues to improve, a limiting factor remains sample quality and availability. Furthermore, follow-up clinical information and disease outcome are often collected years after the initial specimen collection. Specimens, typically formalin-fixed and paraffin embedded (FFPE), are stored in hospital archives for years to decades. DNA can be efficiently and effectively recovered from paraffin-embedded specimens if the appropriate method of extraction is applied. High quality DNA extracted from properly preserved and stored specimens can support quantitative assays for comparisons of normal and diseased tissues and generation of genetic and epigenetic signatures 1. To extract DNA from paraffin-embedded samples, tissue cores or microdissected tissue are subjected to xylene treatment, which dissolves the paraffin from the tissue, and then rehydrated using a series of ethanol washes. Proteins and harmful enzymes such as nucleases are subsequently digested by proteinase K. The addition of lysis buffer, which contains denaturing agents such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), facilitates digestion 2. Nucleic acids are purified from the tissue lysate using buffer-saturated phenol and high speed centrifugation which generates a biphasic solution. DNA and RNA remain in the upper aqueous phase, while proteins, lipids and polysaccharides are sequestered in the inter- and organic-phases respectively. Retention of the aqueous phase and repeated phenol extractions generates a clean sample. Following phenol extractions, RNase A is added to eliminate contaminating RNA. Additional phenol extractions following incubation with RNase A are used to remove any remaining enzyme. The addition of sodium acetate and isopropanol precipitates DNA, and high speed centrifugation is used to pellet the DNA and facilitate isopropanol removal. Excess salts carried over from precipitation can interfere with subsequent enzymatic assays, but can be removed from the DNA by washing with 70% ethanol, followed by centrifugation to re-pellet the DNA 3. DNA is re-suspended in distilled water or the buffer of choice, quantified and stored at -20&deg;C. Purified DNA can subsequently be used in downstream applications which include, but are not limited to, PCR, array comparative genomic hybridization 4 (array CGH), methylated DNA Immunoprecipitation (MeDIP) and sequencing, allowing for an integrative analysis of tissue/tumor samples.

This video demonstrates the protocol for DNA extraction from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded material. This is a multi-day procedure in which tissue sections are deparaffinized with xylene, rehydrated with ethanol and treated with proteinase K to purify and isolate DNA for subsequent gene-specific or genome-wide analysis.

Disease development and progression are characterized by frequent genetic and epigenetic aberrations including chromosomal rearrangements, copy number ...

Proteomic Sample Preparation from Formalin Fixed and Paraffin Embedded Tissue

Preserved clinical material is a unique source for proteomic investigation of human disorders. Here we describe an optimized protocol allowing large scale quantitative analysis of formalin fixed and paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue. The procedure comprises four distinct steps. The first one is the preparation of sections from the FFPE material and microdissection of cells of interest. In the second step the isolated cells are lysed and processed using 'filter aided sample preparation' (FASP) technique. In this step, proteins are depleted from reagents used for the sample lysis and are digested in two-steps using endoproteinase LysC and trypsin. 
After each digestion, the peptides are collected in separate fractions and their content is determined using a highly sensitive fluorescence measurement. Finally, the peptides are fractionated on 'pipette-tip' microcolumns. The LysC-peptides are separated into 4 fractions whereas the tryptic peptides are separated into 2 fractions. In this way prepared samples allow analysis of proteomes from minute amounts of material to a depth of 10,000 proteins. Thus, the described workflow is a powerful technique for studying diseases in a system-wide-fashion as well as for identification of potential biomarkers and drug targets.

Archival formalin fixed and paraffin embedded (FFPE) clinical samples are valuable material for investigation of diseases. Here we demonstrate a sample preparation workflow allowing in-depth proteomic analysis of microdissected FFPE tissue.

Preserved clinical material is a unique source for proteomic investigation of human disorders. Here we describe an optimized protocol allowing large scale ...

MicroRNA In situ Hybridization for Formalin Fixed Kidney Tissues

In this article we describe a method for colorimetric detection of miRNA in the kidney through in situ hybridization with digoxigenin tagged microRNA probes. This protocol, originally developed by Kloosterman and colleagues for broad use with Exiqon miRNA probes1, has been modified to overcome challenges inherent in miRNA analysis in kidney tissues. These include issues such as structure identification and hard to remove residual probe and antibody. Use of relatively thin, 5 mm thick, tissue sections allowed for clear visualization of kidney structures, while a strong probe signal was retained in cells. Additionally, probe concentration and incubation conditions were optimized to facilitate visualization of microRNA expression with low background and nonspecific signal. Here, the optimized protocol is described, covering the initial tissue collection and preparation through the mounting of slides at the end of the procedure. The basic components of this protocol can be altered for application to other tissues and cell culture models.

MicroRNA In situ Hybridization for Formalin Fixed Kidney Tissues

This article describes an in situ hybridization protocol optimized for colormetric detection of microRNA expression in formalin fixed kidney sections.

In this article we describe a method for colorimetric detection of miRNA in the kidney through in situ hybridization with digoxigenin tagged microRNA ...

Detection of Live Escherichia coli O157:H7 Cells by PMA-qPCR

A unique open reading frame (ORF) Z3276 was identified as a specific genetic marker for E. coli O157:H7. A qPCR assay was developed for detection of E. coli O157:H7 by targeting ORF Z3276. With this assay, we can detect as low as a few copies of the genome of DNA of E. coli O157:H7. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay were confirmed by intensive validation tests with a large number of E. coli O157:H7 strains (n = 369) and non-O157 strains (n = 112). Furthermore, we have combined propidium monoazide (PMA) procedure with the newly developed qPCR protocol for selective detection of live cells from dead cells. Amplification of DNA from PMA-treated dead cells was almost completely inhibited in contrast to virtually unaffected amplification of DNA from PMA-treated live cells. Additionally, the protocol has been modified and adapted to a 96-well plate format for an easy and consistent handling of a large number of samples. This method is expected to have an impact on accurate microbiological and epidemiological monitoring of food safety and environmental source.

Detection of Live Escherichia coli O157:H7 Cells by PMA-qPCR

A qPCR assay was developed for detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 targeting a unique genetic marker, Z3276. The qPCR was combined with propidium monoazide (PMA) treatment for live cell detection. This protocol has been modified and adapted to a 96-well plate format for easy and consistent handling of numerous samples

A unique open reading frame (ORF) Z3276 was identified as a specific genetic marker for E. coli O157:H7. A qPCR assay was developed for detection of E. ...

Rapid and Efficient Zebrafish Genotyping Using PCR with High-resolution Melt Analysis

Zebrafish is a powerful vertebrate model system for studying development, modeling disease, and performing drug screening. Recently a variety of genetic tools have been introduced, including multiple strategies for inducing mutations and generating transgenic lines. However, large-scale screening is limited by traditional genotyping methods, which are time-consuming and labor-intensive. Here we describe a technique to analyze zebrafish genotypes by PCR combined with high-resolution melting analysis (HRMA).&#160;This approach is rapid, sensitive, and inexpensive, with lower risk of contamination artifacts.&#160;Genotyping by PCR with HRMA can be used for embryos or adult fish, including in high-throughput screening protocols.

PCR combined with high-resolution melt analysis (HRMA) is demonstrated as a rapid and efficient method to genotype zebrafish.

Zebrafish is a powerful vertebrate model system for studying development, modeling disease, and performing drug screening. Recently a variety of genetic ...

Rapid Isolation And Purification Of Mitochondria For Transplantation By Tissue Dissociation And Differential Filtration

Previously described mitochondrial isolation methods using differential centrifugation and/or Ficoll gradient centrifugation require 60 to 100 min to complete. We describe a method for the rapid isolation of mitochondria from mammalian biopsies using a commercial tissue dissociator and differential filtration. In this protocol, manual homogenization is replaced with the tissue dissociator&#8217;s standardized homogenization cycle. This allows for uniform and consistent homogenization of tissue that is not easily achieved with manual homogenization. Following tissue dissociation, the homogenate is filtered through nylon mesh filters, which eliminate repetitive centrifugation steps. As a result, mitochondrial isolation can be performed in less than 30 min. This isolation protocol yields approximately 2 x 1010 viable and respiration competent mitochondria from 0.18 &#177; 0.04 g (wet weight) tissue sample.

A method for rapid isolation of mitochondria from mammalian tissue biopsies is described. Rat liver or skeletal muscle preparations were homogenized with a commercial tissue dissociator and mitochondria were isolated by differential filtration through nylon mesh filters. Mitochondrial isolation time is &#60;30 min compared to 60 - 100 min using alternative methods.

Previously described mitochondrial isolation methods using differential centrifugation and/or Ficoll gradient centrifugation require 60 to 100 min to ...

Detection and Analysis of DNA Damage in Mouse Skeletal Muscle In Situ Using the TUNEL Method

Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick end labeling (TUNEL) is the method of using the TdT enzyme to covalently attach a tagged form of dUTP to 3&#8217; ends of double- and single-stranded DNA breaks in cells. It is a reliable and useful method to detect DNA damage and cell death in situ. This video describes dissection, tissue processing, sectioning, and fluorescence-based TUNEL labeling of mouse skeletal muscle. It also describes a method of semi-automated TUNEL signal quantitation. Inherent normal tissue features and tissue processing conditions affect the ability of the TdT enzyme to efficiently label DNA. Tissue processing may also add undesirable autofluorescence that will interfere with TUNEL signal detection. Therefore, it is important to empirically determine tissue processing and TUNEL labeling methods that will yield the optimal signal-to-noise ratio for subsequent quantitation. The fluorescence-based assay described here provides a way to exclude autofluorescent signal by digital channel subtraction. The TUNEL assay, used with appropriate tissue processing techniques and controls, is a relatively fast, reproducible, quantitative method for detecting apoptosis in tissue. It can be used to confirm DNA damage and apoptosis as pathological mechanisms, to identify affected cell types, and to assess the efficacy of therapeutic treatments in vivo.

Detection and Analysis of DNA Damage in Mouse Skeletal Muscle In Situ Using the TUNEL Method

This video describes dissection, tissue processing, sectioning, and fluorescence-based TUNEL labeling of mouse skeletal muscle. It also describes a method for semi-automated analysis of TUNEL labeling.

Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick end labeling (TUNEL) is the method of using the TdT enzyme to covalently ...

Employing Digital Droplet PCR to Detect BRAF V600E Mutations in Formalin-fixed Paraffin-embedded Reference Standard Cell Lines

ddPCR is a highly sensitive PCR method that utilizes a water-oil emulsion system. Using a droplet generator, an extracted nucleic acid sample is partitioned into ~20,000 nano-sized, water-in-oil droplets, and PCR amplification occurs in individual droplets. The ddPCR approach is in identifying sequence mutations, copy number alterations, and select structural rearrangements involving targeted genes. Here, we demonstrate the use of ddPCR as a powerful technique for precisely quantitating rare BRAF V600E mutations in FFPE reference standard cell lines, which is helpful in identifying individuals with cancer. In conclusion, ddPCR technique offers the potential to precisely profile the specific rare mutations in different genes in various types of FFPE samples.

The goal of this video is to demonstrate how to perform&#160;automated DNA extraction from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) reference standard cell lines and digital droplet PCR&#160;(ddPCR) analysis to detect rare mutations in a clinical setting. Detecting mutations in FFPE samples demonstrates the clinical utility of ddPCR in FFPE samples.