Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Beyond H&E: integration of nucleic acid-based analyses into diagnostic pathology.
- Journal:
- Veterinary pathology
- Year:
- 2014
- Authors:
- Maes, R K et al.
- Affiliation:
- College of Veterinary Medicine · United States
Plain-English summary
Recent advancements in veterinary pathology, especially for infectious diseases caused by viruses and certain types of cancer, have improved thanks to new methods that can identify genetic material from these agents in tissue samples. Techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which amplifies DNA or RNA, and in situ hybridization are now commonly used to detect these genetic markers. This is important because it helps differentiate between cancerous and non-cancerous cells and can guide treatment decisions by identifying specific mutations in tumors. Other specialized methods, like laser capture microdissection, allow for more precise analysis of nucleic acids in individual cells. Overall, these developments enhance our ability to diagnose and treat various diseases in pets more effectively.
Abstract
Veterinary pathology of infectious, particularly viral, and neoplastic diseases has advanced significantly with the advent of newer molecular methodologies that can detect nucleic acid of infectious agents within microscopic lesions, differentiate neoplastic from nonneoplastic cells, or determine the suitability of a targeted therapy by detecting specific mutations in certain cancers. Polymerase chain reaction-based amplification of DNA or RNA and in situ hybridization are currently the most commonly used methods for nucleic acid detection. In contrast, the main methodology used for protein detection within microscopic lesions is immunohistochemistry. Other methods that allow for analysis of nucleic acids within a particular cell type or individual cells, such as laser capture microdissection, are also available in some laboratories. This review gives an overview of the factors that influence the accurate analysis of nucleic acids in formalin-fixed tissues, as well as of different approaches to detect such targets.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24129897/