Table 1 Sample processing for "-omics" studies of preterm birth
"-omics" Platform | Appropriate Samples | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|
Genomics (DNA) | Blood Saliva | Stable at room temperature but best if refrigerated Salivette superior to buccal swab for high through-put genotyping |
Transcriptomics (RNA) | Blood Amniotic fluid Cervico-vaginal fluid Myometrium Amnion Chorion Decidua | All samples require appropriate collection equipment, meticulous processing and sample storage to insure integrity of RNA for analysis |
Proteomics (protein) | Plasma Amniotic fluid Cervico-vaginal fluid Myometrium Amnion Chorion Decidua Urine | All samples require rapid preparation and preservation (+/- protease inhibitors) to prevent non-specific protein degradation |
Metabolomics | Blood Amniotic fluid Urine | Samples require rapid metabolic "quenching" (e.g., flash freezing or acid precipitation) to prevent degradation of metabolome |