Gene expression profiling from ffpe samples

Abstract

Methods and compositions relating to the generation and use of gene expression data from tissue samples that have been fixed and embedded are provided. The data can electronically stored and implemented as well as used to augment diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A computer readable medium containing a gene expression profile represented as a data structure, said medium having a plurality of data fields stored on the medium and comprising:
 a first data field representing gene expression profile data that is to be analyzed, said first data field being stored in a range of addresses in said computer readable medium;   one or more receiver objects that will receive test sample expression data for analysis with said gene expression profile data, each receiver object being stored in a separate range of addresses in said computer readable medium,   wherein each receiver object comprises a data field adapted for storing input information for correlation or analysis with said first data field.   
     
     
         2 . The medium of  claim 1  wherein said first data field is stored in a range of addresses used by one of said one or more receiver objects. 
     
     
         3 . The medium of  claim 1  further comprising a prompt field adapted for storing one or more data prompts to elicit entry of test sample expression data. 
     
     
         4 . The medium of  claim 1  wherein said test sample expression data is obtained from cells of a tissue containing sample from a human patient. 
     
     
         5 . The medium of  claim 1  wherein said gene expression profile data is derived from amplification of polyadenylated mRNA from one or more FFPE samples.