title: Factors affecting the yield of microRNAs from laser microdissectates of formalin-fixed tissue sections.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Quantification of microRNAs in specific cell populations microdissected from tissues can be used to define their biological roles, and to develop and deploy biomarker assays. In this study, a number of variables were examined for their effect on the yield of microRNAs in samples obtained from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues by laser microdissection.
  
  
  RESULTS
  MicroRNA yield was improved by using cresyl violet instead of hematoxylin-eosin to stain tissue sections in preparation for microdissection, silicon carbide instead of glass fiber as matrix in RNA-binding columns, and overnight digestion of dissected samples with proteinase K. Storage of slides carrying stained tissue sections at room temperature for up to a week before microdissection, and storage of the microdissectates at room temperature for up to a day before RNA extraction did not adversely affect microRNA yield.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These observations should be of value for the efficient isolation of microRNAs from microdissected formalin-fixed tissues with a flexible workflow.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Surgery, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA. santosh.patnaik@roswellpark.org.
authors.forename: Santosh Kumar
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Patnaik
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kannisto
authors.forename: Sai
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yendamuri