Abstract: Systems and methods for automated laser capture microdissection are disclosed. High throughput microdissection is provided by using cell procurement and multi-imaging tools for pre-selecting cells of interest. Novel methods of computer-controlled cap transfer along with automated multi-slide and multi-cap placements, and automated slide and cap detection are provided. The systems and methods provide the advantages of increased speed and much lower rates of contamination.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the identification of expression signatures in ER+ breast cancer cases, where the signatures correlate with responsiveness, or lack thereof, to treatment with tamoxifen or another antiestrogen agent against breast cancer The signature profiles are identified based upon sampling of reference breast tissue samples from independent cases of breast cancer and provide a reliable set of molecular criteria for predicting the efficacy of treating a subject with breast cancer with tamoxifen or another antiestrogen agent against breast cancer. Additional methods and compositions are provided for predicting responsiveness to tamoxifen or another antiestrogen agent against breast cancer in cases of breast cancer by use of multiple biomarkers. Two biomarkers display increased expression correlated with tamoxifen response while two other biomarkers display decreased expression correlated with tamoxifen response.

Abstract: Systems and methods for acquiring laser capture microdissection samples are disclosed. An integral portion of a biological reaction vessel includes a transfer film carrier having a substrate surface; and a laser capture microdissection transfer film coupled to the substrate surface of the transfer film carrier. The systems and methods facilitate quick and accurate laser capture microdissection while simultaneously minimizing contamination.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the use of gene expression measurements to classify or identify tumors in samples obtained from a subject in a clinical setting, such as in cases of formalin fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) samples.

Abstract: This invention relates to the detection of increased expression from the HoxB13 (homeobox B13) gene as indicative of an invasive or metastatic cancer phenotype. The invention provides methods of detecting the level of expression from the HoxB13 gene, optionally in combination with nodal status, as an indicator of the invasive or metastatic phenotype as well as increased cellular migration and/or mobility. The invention also provides for the measurement of expression from the HoxB13 gene to assist in the determination of patient prognosis as well as clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated laser capture microdissection are disclosed. High throughput microdissection is provided by using cell procurement and multi-imaging tools for pre-selecting cells of interest. Novel methods of computer-controlled cap transfer along with automated multi-slide and multi-cap placements, and automated slide and cap detection are provided. The systems and methods provide the advantages of increased speed and much lower rates of contamination.

Abstract: This invention relates to the determination of RNA quality, or RNA integrity, in a biological sample. The extent of RNA degradation, or retention of RNA integrity, is determined based upon the comparison of the relative amount of two sequences of a representative RNA molecule in the sample. Compositions and methods related to the determination are provided to assess RNA quality.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser capture microdissection are disclosed. An inverted microscope includes a translation stage joystick subsystem. The systems and methods provide the advantages of increased speed and much lower rates of contamination.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the identification of expression signatures in ER+ breast cancer cases, where the signatures correlate with responsiveness, or lack thereof, to treatment with tamoxifen or another antiestrogen agent against breast cancer The signature profiles are identified based upon sampling of reference breast tissue samples from independent cases of breast cancer and provide a reliable set of molecular criteria for predicting the efficacy of treating a subject with breast cancer with tamoxifen or another antiestrogen agent against breast cancer. Additional methods and compositions are provided for predicting responsiveness to tamoxifen or another antiestrogen agent against breast cancer in cases of breast cancer by use of three biomarkers. Two biomarkers display increased expression correlated with tamoxifen response while the third biomarker displays decreased expression correlated with tamoxifen response.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser capture microdissection are disclosed. An inverted microscope includes a vacuum chuck subsystem that is adapted to hold a microscope slide down during the process of laser capture microdissection. The systems and methods provide the advantages of increased speed and much lower rates of contamination.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the amplification of nucleic acid molecules. Methods for amplifying target polynucleotides, including mRNA, using oligonucleotides, DNA and RNA polymerases are provided. The invention further provides compositions and kits for practicing the methods, as well as methods which use the amplification products.

Abstract: The invention provides for the identification and use of gene expression profiles, or patterns, with clinical relevance to breast cancer. In particular, the invention provides the identities of genes that are correlated with patient survival and breast cancer recurrence. The gene expression profiles may be embodied in nucleic acid expression, protein expression, or other expression formats and used to predict the survival of subjects afflicted with breast cancer and to predict breast cancer recurrence and. The profiles may also be used in the study and/or diagnosis of breast cancer cells and tissue, including the grading of invasive breast cancer, as well as for the study and/or determination of prognosis of a patient. When used for diagnosis or prognosis, the profiles may be used to determine the treatment of breast cancer based upon the likelihood of life expectancy and recurrence.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated laser capture microdissection are disclosed. High throughput microdissection is provided by using cell procurement and multi-imaging tools for pre-selecting cells of interest. Novel methods of computer-controlled cap transfer along with automated multi-slide and multi-cap placements, and automated slide and cap detection are provided. The systems and methods provide the advantages of increased speed and much lower rates of contamination.

Abstract: The invention provides materials and methods for the detection of nucleic acid expression via the 3? portion of expressed sequences. Embodiments of the invention include the use of microarrays comprising nucleic acid probes that are complementary to the 3? end of expressed sequences and by the use of quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) based amplification of sequences found at or near the 3? end of expressed sequences. The invention may be used to detect the presence of expressed nucleic acids encoding particular gene products (sequences present in a “transcriptome”).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the amplification of nucleic acid molecules. Methods for amplifying target polynucleotides, including mRNA, using oligonucleotides, DNA and RNA polymerases are provided. The invention further provides compositions and kits for practicing the methods, as well as methods which use the amplification products.