Optimized RNA Extraction from Non-deparaffinized, Laser-Microdissected Material

mRNA extraction and subsequent RT-polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based expression analysis from laser-microdissected material is by now a well-established and reproducible method. Most routinely stored tissue samples are preserved as formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded materials. While this allows for a convenient storage and stable preservation of nucleic acids, deparaffinization before staining for laser microdissection may result in a significant loss of mRNA quality and consequently of PCR sensitivity. We describe a method of isolating anatomic compartments from non-deparaffinized, formalin-fixed, and paraffin-embedded tissues by laser-assisted microdissection which allows for a highly efficient mRNA retrieval.