SFN 2023 Poster: Investigating Neuroinflammation in the Human Brain Tumor Microenviroment Using a Novel RNA Protein Co-Detection Assay

Using the flagship single-cell spatial RNAscope technology, target gene and protein expression can be visualized to characterize cell types and tissue neighborhoods. Here, we demonstrate a novel method for the simultaneous detection of RNA and protein using a modified TSA-based multiomic assay that eliminates the need for protease for visualizing RNA molecules while preserving the epitopes for sensitive antibody targets.

Distinct differences in neuroinflammation signatures were also observed between the normal and tumor brain tissues. The assay offers a powerful technique for visualizing target RNA biomarkers in specific cell types identified by cell-marker protein expression. This tool is valuable for multiomic analysis and accurate interrogation of complex tissues such as the brain to obtain insights into novel prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers.