Bridging the Gap in Synaptic Research: Visualizing Neurexin and Neuroligin Interactions Using Multiomic RNAscope™ Technology

The formation and regulation of synapses are crucial processes that ensure proper brain function by establishing connections between neurons. Two key proteins involved in these processes are neurexins and neuroligins, with mutations in these genes being linked to psychiatric disorders like autism, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding the interactions between neurexins and neuroligins in the synaptic cleft could provide insights into potential therapeutic targets and mechanisms underlying these disorders.

Current methods for detecting ligand/receptor protein-protein interactions lack the specificity and sensitivity required. In this study, we developed a novel assay based on RNAscope in situ hybridization technology to visualize protein-protein interactions, proteins, and mRNA within the same tissue section.

We demonstrate the assay's ability to detect and spatially visualize the interaction of the neurexin/neuroligin protein complex at the presynaptic and postsynaptic terminals—key regulators of these synaptic structures.

Download this synaptic research poster to explore:

• The use of RNA probes targeting excitatory presynaptic, inhibitory presynaptic, and postsynaptic terminals along with cell profiling antibodies NEUN and GFAP
• An automated workflow for visualizing protein targets in situ, combined with protein-protein interactions and mRNAs using RNAscope technology
• How detecting and visualizing protein-protein interactions alongside mRNA in the same tissue section offers a valuable tool for studying complex brain processes like synaptogenesis

This poster was presented at the Society for Neuroscience (SfN)’s Neuroscience 2024 meeting in October 2024.