WNT/ β-catenin signaling is involved in a variety of cellular processes related to development, including differentiation, homeostasis, genetic stability, and proliferation. Aberrant signaling of the WNT/ β-catenin pathway is also associated with many types of cancer. Secreted proteins, like WNTs, are challenging for antibody detection using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and require alternative methods to identify their cellular localization. The RNAscope™ in situ hybridization (ISH) assay provides single-cell gene expression resolution with spatial and morphological context.

The RNAscope™ ISH assay is ideal for expression analysis of the WNT/ β-catenin signaling pathway:

Proven ultra-high sensitivity for the detection of secreted proteins - Accurate detection of secreted proteins like WNTs require highly sensitive assays. RNAscope ISH, known for its ultra-sensitivity, has been referenced in over 40 WNT signaling pathway publications.

ANY Gene and WNT family member - When analyzing this pathway, researchers typically examine the expression of multiple WNT genes. RNAscope probes can be designed for virtually ANY GENE, enabling researchers to apply a single detection method across all members of the WNT family as well as other genes in the pathway.

ANY Species and model systems - Studies of the WNT/ β-catenin pathway are often performed in human and also in model organisms such as mouse, C. elegans, Xenopus, Zebrafish and Drosophila. RNAscope probes can be designed for virtually ANY SPECIES so examination of genes in the WNT/ β-catenin pathway across multiple model organisms can be conducted seamlessly.

RNAscope™ WISH in embryos—The wholemount in situ hybridization (WISH) methodology in zebrafish with the RNAscope assay was published in 2014 by Gross-Thebing, et al.. This customer-derived innovation enables the study of the WNT/β-catenin pathway in wholemount embryos from species such as Xenopus, Zebrafish and Drosophila.

BaseScope™ Assay and WNT/ β-catenin pathway mutations - ACD’s recently introduced BaseScope Assay enables detection of splice variants, mutations and more within the tissue environment. This assay offers researchers a unique method to examine mutations in WNT pathway genes in situ and more thoroughly understand their roles in developmental defects.