X-Message-Number: 24449 From: "Basie" <> Subject: methods to reverse the effects of formalin fixation Date: Sat, 31 Jul 2004 01:39:34 -0400 >The application of many molecular technologies currently requires access to fresh or frozen tissue specimens because of the limited ability to extract sufficient high quality RNA or protein from fixed tissue. Progress toward clinical application of potentially useful molecular technologies is also hampered by fixation methods that fail to conserve the structure of nucleic acids and proteins in tissues. This initiative would encourage research to develop (1) new fixation methods to better preserve macromolecules and (2) methods to reverse the effects of formalin fixation to make nucleic acids and proteins more readily accessible in archived specimens. < I could not agree more. A hundred years down the road they will certainly know how. Pass me the formalin. Basie IMPROVING DNA, RNA AND PROTEIN AVAILABILITY IN FIXED TISSUE PA NUMBER: PAR-00-079 National Cancer Institute THIS PA USES THE "MODULAR GRANT" AND "JUST-IN-TIME" CONCEPTS. IT INCLUDES DETAILED MODIFICATIONS TO STANDARD APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS THAT MUST BE USED WHEN PREPARING APPLICATIONS IN RESPONSE TO THIS PA. PURPOSE The application of many molecular technologies currently requires access to fresh or frozen tissue specimens because of the limited ability to extract sufficient high quality RNA or protein from fixed tissue. Progress toward clinical application of potentially useful molecular technologies is also hampered by fixation methods that fail to conserve the structure of nucleic acids and proteins in tissues. This initiative would encourage research to develop (1) new fixation methods to better preserve macromolecules and (2) methods to reverse the effects of formalin fixation to make nucleic acids and proteins more readily accessible in archived specimens. A better understanding of the physical and chemical basis of tissue preservation is vital for the rational development of new fixation methodologies. Knowledge of the mechanism of action of existing fixatives may provide insight that will allow simple modification of current techniques or development of new approaches that will meet the needs of both pathologists and researchers. In addition, carefully designed systematic studies may produce empirical solutions that will have the same end result. HEALTHY PEOPLE 2010 The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2010," a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas. This RFA, Improving DNA, RNA and Protein Availability in Fixed Tissue, is related to the priority area of cancer. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2010" at http://www.health.gov/healthypeople/. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Applications may be submitted by foreign and domestic, for-profit and non-profit organizations, public and private, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, laboratories, units of State and local governments, and eligible agencies of the Federal government. Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply as principal investigators. IMPROVING DNA, RNA AND PROTEIN AVAILABILITY IN FIXED TISSUE PA NUMBER: PAR-00-079 National Cancer Institute THIS PA USES THE "MODULAR GRANT" AND "JUST-IN-TIME" CONCEPTS. IT INCLUDES DETAILED MODIFICATIONS TO STANDARD APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS THAT MUST BE USED WHEN PREPARING APPLICATIONS IN RESPONSE TO THIS PA. PURPOSE The application of many molecular technologies currently requires access to fresh or frozen tissue specimens because of the limited ability to extract sufficient high quality RNA or protein from fixed tissue. Progress toward clinical application of potentially useful molecular technologies is also hampered by fixation methods that fail to conserve the structure of nucleic acids and proteins in tissues. This initiative would encourage research to develop (1) new fixation methods to better preserve macromolecules and (2) methods to reverse the effects of formalin fixation to make nucleic acids and proteins more readily accessible in archived specimens. A better understanding of the physical and chemical basis of tissue preservation is vital for the rational development of new fixation methodologies. Knowledge of the mechanism of action of existing fixatives may provide insight that will allow simple modification of current techniques or development of new approaches that will meet the needs of both pathologists and researchers. In addition, carefully designed systematic studies may produce empirical solutions that will have the same end result. HEALTHY PEOPLE 2010 The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2010," a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas. This RFA, Improving DNA, RNA and Protein Availability in Fixed Tissue, is related to the priority area of cancer. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2010" at http://www.health.gov/healthypeople/. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Applications may be submitted by foreign and domestic, for-profit and non-profit organizations, public and private, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, laboratories, units of State and local governments, and eligible agencies of the Federal government. Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply as principal investigators. Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=24449