RNA in situ hybridization is a powerful technique for analyzing RNA expression at the single cell level within the morphological context, providing valuable spatial and cellular information missing from bulk tissue analysis.The next-generation RNA ISH technologies called RNAscope™ and BaseScope™ allow single RNA molecule detection in routine clinical formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue with single-base resolution. 

Key features

• Detection of a single RNA molecules. The RNAscope™ probe design provides robustness against partial target RNA accessibility or degradation.
• Signal amplification coupled with simultaneous background suppression strategy results in single-RNA-molecule detection even in partially degraded samples.
• Provides cell-specific expression information in intact tissue architecture.
• Works for virtually ANY gene from ANY species in ANY tissue.

Examples of applications of RNAscope™ and BaseScope™ assay will be discussed, including

• Characterization of tumor, stromal, and immune cell states in tumor microenvironment
• Revealing tumor intrinsic expression of immune checkpoint molecules
• Characterization of alternative splicing
• Detection, characterization, and (co-)localization of mRNAs in the central and peripheral nervous system:
  • Co-expression with specific cell type markers
  • Sub-cellular localization of mRNA expression in cell body, axons or dendrites