[PRECELLYS] RNA extraction from subcutaneous adiposetissue (scAT) in human obesity

Adipose tissue is a critical player in obesity-related metabolic functions. Indeed, adipose tissue is no longer considered to be simply a passive lipid reservoir, but rather an endocrine organ capable of secreting factors that profoundly influence processes such as feeding behavior, energy flux, and immuno-inflammation. As such, obtaining adipose tissue samples are paramount to the understanding of human obesity. Much of our recent understanding regarding the role of subcutaneous adipose tissue (scAT) in human obesity is a consequence of using modern molecular biology tools, such as the microarray. [1] These techniques are highly dependent on the quality of total RNA obtained. Biopsies of scAT are precious and often small amounts. To improve performance and get a better quality of extracted RNA, we compared two mashing methods.

[1] Mutch, D. M. & Clement, K. Unraveling the genetics of human obesity. PLoS Genet 2, e188 (2006).