[Histonet] Can you use RNAlater or RNAlaterice to extract RNA from OCT-embedded tissues?

[Charles Chiu]

Hello,

      I am currently working with OCT-embedded tissues and am wondering if anyone has had success extracting RNA from OCT-embedded tissues or has a protocol for doing so.  I am considering RNAlater-ICE by Ambion but specifically --

(1)  is OCT fully water soluble and not infiltrative?
(2)  Should I use RNAlater-ICE as a preservative upon thawing the OCT-embedded tissues or just proceed with TRIzol extraction?
(3)  Do I need to get rid of the OCT embedding medium and if so, how do I do this?

    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Charles
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Dr. Charles Chiu, M.D./Ph.D.
Clinical Fellow, Infectious Diseases
UCSF School of Medicine
521 Parnassus Ave., Room C443, Box 654
San Francisco, CA  94143-0654
Cell: (415) 420-4463
Pager: (415) 719-0088
cchiu <@t> itsa.ucsf.edu
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