[Tissue banks for molecular diagnostics].
The application of modern high throughput-technologies in genome and proteome research permits the identification of molecular, disease-associated mechanisms. Research data are mostly derived from experiments in which cell lines or animal models are used. In order to translate this knowledge into clinical usage it is necessary to examine numerous, well-documented tissues. Tissue collections that are appropriate for such investigations exist, particularly in pathology institutes. These tissues are routinely fixed informalin and embedded in paraffin and in some cases additional tissue pieces are also kept frozen for future diagnostic purposes. The linking of tissues with corresponding clinico-pathological data and the use of the tissue microarray technology will enable rapid selection of new potential biomarkers for all kinds of diseases. By continuing the upgrading of tissue banks and by introducing quality controls, a significant potential for molecular diagnostics will be available in the future. This will contribute enormously to uncover and to establish novel therapeutical possibilities.
Schraml
P
P
Institut für Klinische Pathologie, UniversitätsSpital Zürich, Zürich.