Stabilization method for biological samples by combination of heating and chemical fixation

Abstract

The present invention provides methods for stabilizing a biological sample for analysis. The invention more particularly provides methods combining heat treatment and chemical fixation of biological samples in order to maintain protein primary structure and post-translational modifications, such as protein phosphorylations.

1 . A method for stabilizing a biological sample for analysis, the method comprising:
 a) heating the sample to a temperature above 70° C. to arrest enzymatic processes; and   b) subsequently submitting the sample to chemical fixation.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the method is for stabilizing a biological sample for histological analysis, most preferably histochemical analysis and/or immunohistochemical analysis. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the biological sample comprises at least one protein having a post-translational modification. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the biological sample comprises at least one protein having a phosphorylation. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the sample is heated to a temperature above 80° C., such as above 90° C., most preferably to a temperature above 95° C., such as to a temperature of 100° C. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the chemical fixation is performed using a cross-liking agent. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein the cross-liking agent is an aldehyde. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the aldehyde is formaldehyde or glutaraldehyde. 
     
     
         9 . A biological sample which has been stabilized using a method according to any of  claims 1  to  8 .