Highly Sensitive Detection of RNA in Mouse Central and Peripheral Nervous System Using the RNAscope™ ISH Technology

RNAscope™ in situ hybridization (ISH) technology provides a unique highly sensitive and specific method for the detection of any gene expressed in neurons and glial cells. The multiplexing capabilities of RNAscope enable the analysis of multiple markers simultaneously, allowing precise characterization of different cell populations within the nervous system with morphological context.

To illustrate the utility of RNAscope applications in neuroscience, a series of experiments were conducted to characterize the specific localization and cellular distribution of the following transcripts:

• RNA markers of astrocytes and glial cells Aif1, Gfap and Rbfox3
• opioid receptors Oprm1, Oprd1 and Oprk1 • sodium acid-sensing ion channel Asic1a and inwardly-rectifying potassium channel Kcnj3
• long non-coding RNAs such as Col4a2, Malat1, Miat1, H19 and Pvt1
• dopamine receptors Drd1 and cannabinoid receptors Cnr1.