The era of molecular pathology has arrived. From its promising beg- nings in research laboratories, the field has grown, and continues to grow, to become a vital part of the care of an ever-increasing number of patients. Because of its recent emergence from the research taboratory, many molecuIar pathology protocols we still to be found in the primary litcramre, and have not appeared in a text. MO~PCU~Q~ Padhoiogy Protocob contains la- ratory protocoIs that have been developed by many of the authors for use in clinical molecular pathology laboratories and describe in detail Row to perform these assays. This book is therefore intended for clinical laboratory use by medical technologists and pathologists. It will dso be of interest to research workers who are performing these assays. In its broadest meaning, pathology is the study of disease, and therefore it follows that any disease for which the molecular basis is understood would be suitable as a topic for inclusion in this work. When seiecting protocols, it was necessary to place limits on the number of chapters that could be feasibly presented in a single work. Those protoculs that were selected are performed more frequently, or have achieved recognition as having important diagnostic utility in contemporary practice. A decision was made to exclude inherited genetic diseases with certain exceptions, such as those diseases that are associated with thrombotic states and are part of the traditional dumain of pathology.

We are currently experiencing a fundamental shift in the way in which we approach the characterization of cancer. Never before has the make up of cancer tissues and individual cells been so exhaustively researched and char- terized. We are now capable of producing molecular “fingerprints” that ch- acterize the expression of all known and unknown genes within tumors and their surrounding tissues. More than 30,000 different genes may be measured in each patient’s tumor in a single experiment. Simultaneously, novel therapies that exploit the molecular roadmap have been developed and are now being offered to patients. These novel agents, such as Glivec, Herceptin, Iressa, and others, specifically target individual genes within tumors and can produce d- matic responses in some patients. These drugs are only the forerunners of a coming tidal wave of novel therapeutics that individually target specific m- ecules within cancer cells—more than 300 such agents are currently in phase I or II clinical trials. This is an exciting time for cancer specialists and patients alike. However, if we have learned anything from the past 50 or more years of research into cancer, it is that Lord Beaverbrook, in founding the British national health service in the 1950s, was frighteningly prescient when he defined the primary goal of health care to be “Diagnosis, Diagnosis, Diag- sis. ” Now, more than ever, it is essential that appropriate diagnostic methods and approaches are applied to the selection of patients for treatment.

A huge amount of fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue is stored in every hospital. This is very precious material that can be used for translational research and for diagnostics. The molecular methods employed for analysis of these tissues are similar to the usual molecular biology and proteomics methods, but reliable results can be obtained only if specific steps are followed with great care. This book provides detailed and precise guidelines for molecular analysis of archive tissues and will serve as an invaluable aid for researchers and pathologists involved in translational research and diagnostics. Clear notes and explanations are included to simplify use of the protocols for the less experienced. The authors are a group of acknowledged experts who have developed the described methods and validated them within the European project "Archive Tissues: Improving Molecular Medicine Research and Clinical Practice - IMPACTS", which has involved 21 leading institutions in 11 countries.

Anthony Killeen has assembled a collection of readily reproducible molecular pathology techniques that are either frequently performed or recognized for their significant diagnostic utility. Each method is described in step-by-step detail by a leading molecular pathologist or laboratory scientist who has developed it or used it extensively. These clinical laboratory techniques can be used for the diagnosis or monitoring of cancer, hematological malignancies, infectious diseases, and selected genetic disorders. Comprehensive and path-breaking, Molecular Pathology Protocols will enable clinical laboratories to introduce new molecular pathology tests and lay the groundwork for a much-needed standardization in this rapidly developing field.

The next revolution in molecular medicine is the application of molecular profiling to individualized patient therapy. Molecular profiling technology has advanced dramatically, particularly in the field of cancer tissue biomarkers. It is now possible to gather complex genomic and proteomic information from a routine clinical needle biopsy or surgical specimen. In Molecular Profiling : Methods and Protocols, expert researchers in the field focus on the entire process from discovery to commercialization, with practical guides that are not limited to experimental methods. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, as well as essays and guidelines for grants, patents, and commercialization of products related to molecular profiling. Authoritative and practical, Molecular Profiling: Methods and Protocols seeks to aid scientists in understanding the latest advancements in genomics, proteomics, imagining, and bioinformatics.

A thoroughly revised and updated collection readily reproducible techniques for culturing human cells. This new edition includes a wide range of human cell types relevant to human disease and new chapters on fibroblasts, Schwann cells, gastric and colonic epithelial cells, and parathyroid cells. The protocols follow the successful Methods in Molecular MedicineTM series format, each offering step-by-step laboratory instructions, an introduction outlining the principle behind the technique, lists of the necessary equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

This timely book covers the need to know clinical practices for all those involved in molecular laboratory science. The field of molecular medicine is evolving at an astounding speed. Propelled by the new insights and technologies, advances are being made at an unprecedented rate. With dual measure given to today’s breakthroughs, this book is a collection of the most current practices relevant to the clinical molecular laboratorian. It begins with an introductory section on techniques and procedure. It then presents four separate sections on infectious disease, oncology, pre/post-natal, and identity testing, with specific chapters clearly outlining clinical protocols used in daily practice. Modern Clinical Molecular Techniques cuts to the heart of what is essential for the practicing molecular laboratory scientist. It is an outstanding resource for those operating within or looking to set up a clinical molecular laboratory.

This essential methods manual for immunohematologists (or hematologists and immunohematologists) provides information on genes that encode antigens on red blood cells, platelets and neutrophils. The book begins by covering general concepts in molecular biology and specific protocols such as DNA preparation, PCR-RFLP and allele-specific PCR. Information on the erythrocyte, platelet and neutrophil antigen systems and the molecular basis of polymorphisms are presented clearly in a gene facts sheet format. Database accession numbers and useful adjuncts such as Request forms, worksheets for PCR/enzyme digests also serve to benefit the user. The information is clearly presented and easily accessible and is complemented by the excellent diagrams and tabular material. This book is invaluable for both new and experienced researchers in the field and other related disciplines. - Essential for hematologists and those involoved in tissue typing and the study of human genetic polymorphisms - Presents clearly and concisely the information on a particular variant and the technique used to detect it - Organized by antigen and provides sequences of polymorphisms and primers - Details the general concepts and critical information on genes, their products, and sources of relevant nucleic acids - Includes protocols that allow investigators to set up assays with minimal effort (protocols include primers, reagents, reaction conditions, sizes of amplified products, restriction fragment digests, and the relevant safety information) - Provides information that helps interpret results in clinical settings - Contains additional sources of information (e.g., key references, web site addresses, glossary, Database accession numbers, request forms, and worksheets for PCR/enzyme digests)

This timely book covers the need to know clinical practices for all those involved in molecular laboratory science. The field of molecular medicine is evolving at an astounding speed. Propelled by the new insights and technologies, advances are being made at an unprecedented rate. With dual measure given to today’s breakthroughs, this book is a collection of the most current practices relevant to the clinical molecular laboratorian. It begins with an introductory section on techniques and procedure. It then presents four separate sections on infectious disease, oncology, pre/post-natal, and identity testing, with specific chapters clearly outlining clinical protocols used in daily practice. Modern Clinical Molecular Techniques cuts to the heart of what is essential for the practicing molecular laboratory scientist. It is an outstanding resource for those operating within or looking to set up a clinical molecular laboratory.

This manual not only provides reliable, up-to-date protocols for lab use but also the theoretical background of molecular biology, allowing users to better understand the principles underlying these techniques. It covers a wide range of methods, including the purification of nucleic acids, enzymatic modification of DNA, isolation of specific DNA fragments, PCR, cloning techniques, and gene expression. A Springer Lab Manual