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Molecular biology platform

The Biobank Côte d’Azur has DNA and RNA collections ready for possible destocking. It can also prepare them on request for its customers.
Depending on the basic material used for extraction, the technique is different. If a technique has not yet been implemented in our laboratory, it can also be developed for you, on request.

The laboratory has a whole apparatus for carrying out immunohistochemistry, and a broad range of antibodies can be used or developed on demand.

DNA EXTRACTION

For the extraction of DNA, different kits are currently employed in the laboratory. We have at our disposal kits for the extraction of DNA from paraffin-embedded tissue, frozen tissues or plasma. Three extraction automats are also available: MagnaPure Compact (Roche), Qiacube and QIAsymphony (qiagen). Any technique can be developed on request.

Each DNA sample is tested in the laboratory either by Nanodrop or Qubit (according to request) to determine its concentration and to verify the purity of the extraction. The quality of the DNA is also verified upon request (by agarose gel migration or by amplification with a control gene).

RNA EXTRACTION

For the extraction of RNA, several kits are currently used in the laboratory. In particular, we have kits for extracting RNA from paraffin-embedded tissues, frozen tissues or cells. Three extraction automats are also available: MagnaPure Compact (Roche), Qiacube and QIAsymphony (qiagen).
Any technique can be developed on request.

Each RNA sample is tested in the laboratory either by Nanodrop or Qubit (according to request) to determine its concentration and to verify the purity of the extraction. The quality of the RNA is also verified by the Bioanalyzer and a RIN (RNA Intigrity Number) is calculated (Agilent).

Immunohistochemistry

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is used to detect antigens in situ, by means of specific antibodies, on histological sections or cytology products. This antigen-antibody reaction is evidenced by a colorimetric enzymatic reaction.

This analysis is used for diagnostic, prognostic or predictive purposes. Within the LPCE, we have many antibody panels (among the most common used: TTF-1, Cytokeratin Pan Plus, p40, ALK, PD-L1, ROS1, BRAFV600E, HMB45, Melan A, PS100), performed on the Benchmark Ultra Roche autostainer.

We also use the innovative Ventana DISCOVERY ULTRA instrument for advanced automation in multiplexing technology, which is expected to play a critical role in cancer research in the future.