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Introduction: Improving RNA isolation and cDNA synthesis techniques has emerged due to advancements in the knowledge of molecular basis of most diseases. This in turn increased the need of higher quantity and quality of the extracted genetic material to be used for a variety of diagnostic tests and experiments.Aim: The aim of the study was to compare three modified methods for RNA extraction from formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) biopsied tissue and different cDNA synthesis strategies to facilitate study of gene expression.Materials and methods: Compared RNA extraction methods were: lysis buffer, phenol-based extraction, and combination of both with concomitant use of silica-based spin columns. RNA quantity and purity were estimated spectrophotometrically. Different priming strategies for cDNA synthesis were applied: oligo dT, combination of oligo dT and random hexamer, and gene specific primer. Two-step RT-qPCR of ribosomal protein L37A on preamplified and non-preamplified cDNA templates was performed.Results: The combination of lysis buffer with phenol based extraction gave higher RNA yield. By doing cDNA preamplification, the confidence of detection by qPCR was raised, and efficiency was improved. The preamplified template increased the sensitivity of analysis.Conclusions: Together, the combination of approaches improved substantially the reproducibility and validity of quantitative gene expression analyses from FFPE tissues.

The analysis of the spatial expression patterns of genes is important for deciphering their functions. In situ hybridization provides insight into gene expression patterns at the cellular level. Here we describe a procedure for performing in situ hybridization on sections of paraffin-embedded tissue, including synthesis of labeled RNA probes, hybridization of the probes with target mRNAs, and immunological detection of the signals. The method enables evaluation of the expression patterns of genes in a variety of tissues of rice., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

A sort of new triphenylphosphine-bonded fluorescence probes have been prepared, which enable dual-color fluorescence imaging of mitochondria and nucleoli in living cells. [Display omitted] • 3-Coumaranone offers excellent opportunities for fluorescence probe design. • The first example to use triphenylphosphonium (TPP)-bonded dyes for RNA imaging. • The proposed probes can discriminate mitochondria and nucleoli via dual-color emissions. • The morphological changes of nucleoli upon drug stress have been evaluated by the synthetic probes. Probing intracellular organelles with fluorescent dyes offers opportunities to understand the structures and functions of these cellular compartments, which is attracting increasing interests. Normally, the design principle varies for different organelle targets as they possess distinct structural and functional profiles against each other. Therefore, developing a probe with dual intracellular targets is of great challenge. In this work, a new sort of donor–π–bridge–acceptor (D-π-A) type coumaranone dyes (CMO-1/2/3/4) have been prepared. Four fluorescent probes (TPP@CMO-1/2/3/4) were then synthesized by linking these coumaranone dyes with an amphiphilic cation triphenylphosphonium (TPP). Interestingly, both TPP@CMO-1 and TPP@CMO-2 exhibited dual color emission upon targeting to two different organelles, respectively. The green emission is well localized in mitochondria, while, the red emission realizes nucleoli imaging. RNA is the target of TPP@CMOs, which was confirmed by spectroscopic analysis and computational calculation. More importantly, the number and morphology changes of nucleoli under drug stress have been successfully evaluated using TPP@CMO-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Subcutaneous vaccination or desensitization may induce persistent nodules at the injection sites. Without the knowledge of prior injection, histopathological work‐up may be challenging. Objective: Aim of this study was to contribute to the histopathological work‐up of unclear subcutaneous nodules, especially their differentiation from cutaneous lymphoma. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed clinical data and histopathological slides of four patients with subcutaneous nodules, which were suspected to suffer from cutaneous T‐ or B‐cell lymphoma. Sections of these cases and 12 negative controls were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and a standardized immunohistochemical panel of B‐ and T‐cell markers including EBER in situ hybridization as well as electron microscopy. Results: In all cases, large histiocytes with granular cytoplasm compatible with intracellular aluminum hydroxide were present. EBER in situ hybridization revealed positive staining of these granular histiocytes while staining was absent in negative controls. Limitations: Post hoc completion of medical history revealed that vaccination or specific immunotherapy had been applied before at the biopsy site in only three out of four patients; one patient was lost to follow‐up. Conclusion: EBER in situ hybridization is an adjunctive tool to differentiate aluminum‐induced granuloma/lymphoid hyperplasia from other forms of pseudolymphoma and cutaneous B‐ or T‐cell lymphomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situ hybridization (ISH) is a powerful technique that is used to detect the localization of specific nucleic acid sequences for understanding the organization, regulation, and function of genes. However, in most cases, RNA probes are obtained by in vitro transcription from plasmids containing specific promoter elements and mRNA-specific cDNA. Probes originating from plasmid vectors are time-consuming and not suitable for the rapid gene mapping. Here, we introduce a simplified method to prepare digoxigenin (DIG)-labeled non-radioactive RNA probes based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and applications in free-floating mouse brain sections. Employing a transgenic reporter line, we investigate the expression of the somatostatin (SST) mRNA in the adult mouse brain. The method can be applied to identify the colocalization of SST mRNA and proteins including corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and protein kinase C delta type (PKC-δ) using double immunofluorescence, which is useful for understanding the organization of complex brain nuclei. Moreover, the method can also be incorporated with retrograde tracing to visualize the functional connection in the neural circuitry. Briefly, the PCR-based method for non-radioactive RNA probes is a useful tool that can be substantially utilized in neuroscience studies.

A commonly employed technique in molecular biology to evaluate the temporal and spatial expression of a certain gene is in situ hybridization. This method is an effective strategy to construct synexpression groups, co-expressed genes acting in shared biological processes, and to find new members of genes engaged in the same signaling pathways to discover similar spatial and temporal expression patterns in zebrafish embryos. The major disadvantage of this method is that RNA probes can penetrate within 2 days of post-fertilization embryos, and therefore, in later developmental stages, the probe can only reach the surface tissues. Further application of the method in histological sections will be required for a complete and accurate gene expression investigation. However, this method is highly effective at late embryogenesis and early larval stages for observing gene expression in endodermal derivatives and sensory organs. RNA probes for in situ hybridization can be prepared through in vitro transcription from plasmids carrying specific promoter elements and mRNA-specific cDNA, or an alternative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method can be used through PCR amplification. This chapter describes the procedures for detecting gene expression in zebrafish embryos using whole-mount RNA in situ hybridization., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

The intracellular distribution and dynamics of RNAs play pivotal roles in various physiological phenomena. The ability to monitor the amount and localization of endogenous RNAs in living cells allows for elucidating the mechanisms of various intracellular events. Protein-based fluorescent RNA probes are now widely used to visualize and analyze RNAs in living cells. However, continuously monitoring the temporal changes in RNA localization and dynamics in living cells is challenging. In this study, we developed a bioluminescent probe for spatiotemporal monitoring of RNAs in living cells by using a split-luciferase reconstitution technique. The probe consists of split fragments of a bioluminescent protein, NanoLuc, connected with RNA-binding protein domains generated from a custom-made mutation of a PUM-HD. The probe showed rapid luminescence intensity changes in response to an increase or decrease in the amount of a target RNA in vitro . In live-cell imaging, temporal alteration of the intracellular distribution of endogenous β-actin mRNA was visualized in response to extracellular stimulation. Furthermore, the application of the probe to the visualization of the specific localization of β-actin mRNA in primary hippocampal neurons was conducted. These results demonstrate the capability of the bioluminescent RNA probe to monitor the changes in localization, dynamics, and the amount of target RNA in living cells.

In situ hybridization (ISH) is a powerful technique that is used to detect the localization of specific nucleic acid sequences for understanding the organization, regulation, and function of genes. However, in most cases, RNA probes are obtained by in vitro transcription from plasmids containing specific promoter elements and mRNA-specific cDNA. Probes originating from plasmid vectors are time-consuming and not suitable for the rapid gene mapping. Here, we introduce a simplified method to prepare digoxigenin (DIG)-labeled non-radioactive RNA probes based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and applications in free-floating mouse brain sections. Employing a transgenic reporter line, we investigate the expression of the somatostatin (SST) mRNA in the adult mouse brain. The method can be applied to identify the colocalization of SST mRNA and proteins including corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and protein kinase C delta type (PKC-d) using double immunofluorescence, which is useful for understanding the organization of complex brain nuclei. Moreover, the method can also be incorporated with retrograde tracing to visualize the functional connection in the neural circuitry. Briefly, the PCR-basedmethod for non-radioactive RNA probes is a useful tool that can be substantially utilized in neuroscience studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situ hybridization (ISH) is a sensitive method used to localize a specific sequence of DNA or RNA in biological samples, including cells, tissue sections or whole organs. RNA ISH can be used to determine spatial gene expression using a single-stranded probe with a reverse-complementary sequence. Cell-specific gene expression has been studied using mRNA and protein levels. Signals produced by RNA probes are usually more specific than those produced by antibodies in immunostaining. Currently, ISH is the most widely used method to localize mRNA molecules. Traditionally, probes were labeled with radioactive isotopes, but the cumbersome procedures and potential health risk limit their acceptance. Recently, probes labeled with nonradioactive materials including digoxigenin, biotin and various fluorophores have been developed. The tyramide signal amplification system further enhances the sensitivity of detection. These methods have been applied in numerous studies in various tissues including reproductive organs. This article details three methods of RNA in situ hybridization: radioactive in situ hybridization, digoxigenin in situ hybridization, and digoxigenin-tyramide signal amplification fluorescein in situ hybridization. The pros and cons of each protocol are discussed. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Radioactive in situ hybridization (radioactive-ISH) Basic Protocol 2: Digoxigenin in situ hybridization (DIG-ISH) Basic Protocol 3: Digoxigenin-tyramide signal amplification fluorescein in situ hybridization (DIG-TSA-FISH)., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Abstract: A large group of fluorescent hybridization probes, includes intercalating dyes for example thiazole orange (TO). Usually TO is coupled to nucleic acids post-synthetically which severely limits its use. Here, we have developed a phosphoramidite monomer, 10, and prepared a 2′-OMe-RNA probe, labeled with 5-(trans-N-hexen-1-yl-)-TO-2′-deoxy-uridine nucleoside, dUTO, (Nucleoside bearing an Inter-Calating moiety, NIC), for selective mRNA detection. We investigated a series of 15-mer 2′-OMe-RNA probes, targeting the cyclin D1 mRNA, containing one or several dUTO at various positions. dUTO-2′-OMe-RNA exhibited up to 7-fold enhancement of TO emission intensity upon hybridization with the complementary RNA versus that of the oligomer alone. This NIC-probe was applied for the specific detection of a very small amount of a breast cancer marker, cyclin D1 mRNA, in total RNA extract from cancerous cells (250ng/μl). Furthermore, this NIC-probe was found to be superior to our related NIF (Nucleoside with Intrinsic Fluorescence)-probe which could detect cyclin D1 mRNA target only at high concentrations (1840ng/μl). Additionally, dUT can be used as a monomer in solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, thus avoiding the need for post-synthetic modification of oligonucleotide probes. Hence, we propose dUTO oligonucleotides, as hybridization probes for the detection of specific RNA in homogeneous solutions and for the diagnosis of breast cancer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A near-infrared fluorescent dye Hsd was designed and synthesized, which absorbed as hemicyane and emitted as Cy7 and therefore produced a Stokes shift as large as 224 nm. Quantum chemistry calculation demonstrated that the large Stokes shift was produced by the combination of intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) and internal conversion. Significantly, Hsd showed selectively response to RNA in aqueous solution and fixed cells. Moreover, Hsd could be uptaken into the cells under the assistance of cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) and selectively stain RNA in living cells. The introducing of CB7 provides a platform to amplify the application of some cell-impermeant fluorescent stains through the supramolecular chemistry methods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Recent RNA research has revealed the close involvement of various RNAs in cellular functions. RNAs are becoming the inevitable target molecules for research into details of gene expression. RNA and its related complexes are also promising targets for disease diagnosis. Multi cellular specimens such as organ tissues, histopathological specimens, and embryos are among the possible targets of RNA-based diagnostic techniques. In this report, we focused on a method that would provide such spatial and temporal information. We demonstrated that an RNA-specific probe (OMUpy2) was not only applicable to the detection of a specific mRNA in Drosophila embryos in a temporal and spatial manner but was also relatively quick and easy to use. The probe, OMUpy2, could be applied to other multi cellular systems for RNA-based diagnosis and research. The promising results of this manuscript show the great potential of RNA-based detection for both biological research and diagnostic medicine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article offers information on the study that focuses on the application of a sandwich hybridisation assay (SHA) for rapid detection of the Northern Pacific seastar, Asterias amurensis. It outlines the materials and methods used in the study including larval rearing, field sampling, and probe design.

A novel complementation system with short peptide-inserted- Renilla luciferase (PI-Rluc) and split-RNA probes was constructed for noninvasive RNA detection. The RNA binding peptides HIV-1 Rev and BIV Tat were used as inserted peptides. They display induced fit conformational changes upon binding to specific RNAs and trigger complementation or discomplementation of Rluc. Split-RNA probes were designed to reform the peptide binding site upon hybridization with arbitrarily selected target RNA. This set of recombinant protein and split-RNA probes enabled a high degree of sensitivity in RNA detection. In this study, we show that the Rluc system is comparable to Fluc, but that its detection limit for arbitrarily selected RNA (at least 100 pM) exceeds that of Fluc by approximately two orders of magnitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracellular redistribution of a photosensitizing fluorescent dye is concerned with its diagnostic and therapeutic features. To date such studies in this area are extremely scarce. Herein, a fluorescent photosensitizer PDI-1 with lysosome-targeting function has been prepared by functionalization of perylenediimide (PDI) with bis-tertiary amine groups. Fluorescence live cell imaging shows that PDI-1 can indeed target the lysosome, however, uncommon inter-organelle translocation was observed under continual visible light irradiation through a microscope. The cell nucleolus was subsequently lit up by PDI-1 in a photo-controllable manner. The imaging study using fixed cells confirmed that RNAs were the major target of PDI-1 in cell nucleolus. In addition, PDI-2 and PDI-3 were prepared by slightly modifying the structure of PDI-1. However, there is no obvious photo-induced redistribution observed on both PDI-2 and PDI-3. The result implies that even though tiny modification to the structure of a photosensitizer, the influence can be significant for its photobiological behavior. [Display omitted] • Inter-organelle translocation was observed upon imaging using PDI-1 a perylenediimide-tertiary amine photosensitizer (PS). • PDI-1 offers a promising fluorescence probe for nucleolus imaging through a photo-controllable manner. • Tiny modification to the structure of a PS can lead to great influence to its photobiological behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 600 Prunus samples were examined by using a nonradioactive digoxigenin-labelled RNA probe specific for hop stunt viroid (HSVd). Prunus salicina and Prunus armeniaca appeared to be better hosts than Prunus persica. The weak viroid concentration in flowers and young leaves of peach trees growing in the field did not permit its detection in such samples. The diagnosis was more reliable (about 85%) with bark and leaves aged 4 months and more, from regrowths of GF 305 peach seedlings inoculated and kept in the greenhouse. Detection of HSVd in leaves and bark of apricot and Japanese plum plants aged 3 months or more also proved reliable (about 80% and 90%, respectively). HSVd could be transmitted in apricot, peach and plum nucleic acid preparations to GF 305 peach seedlings by repeated stem slashing, and to cherries (Prunus avium and Prunus serrulata) by approach grafting with an infected P. salicina source. The viroid was eliminated from 18% of the clones obtained after thermotherapy. In the course of this study, 25 selected Prunus accessions suspected to be infected by unusual diseases were analysed by hybridization with a HSVd-specific probe and by indexing on GF 305 peach seedlings in the greenhouse. Fifteen of these accessions were found to be infected by HSVd, 19 induced reddish marbling, and four induced small blackish spots on the leaves aged about 4 months. Repeated assays showed that these foliar symptoms were not caused by the viroid. Peach red marbling (PRMa) has not been associated with any known virus and seems to be caused by an infectious agent not yet described. That could also be the case with the agent of peach sooty ringspot (PSRS). PRMa and PSRS symptoms were reproduced by grafting and indexing, and their causal agents eliminated by thermotherapy in a significant fraction of the treated plants. They behave like viral agents and can infect the different Prunus species studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A specific dot-blot hybridization assay was developed using an in vitro-transcribed non-radioactive RNA probe for the routine detection of Grapevine virus A (GVA) for use as an alternative diagnostic tool for large-scale surveys. GVA was detected in RNA isolated from infected vine plants, plant extracts and tissue prints using this probe however no reaction was observed with healthy plants of genus Vitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Porifera are one of the best candidates as the sister group to all other metazoans. Studies on this phylum are therefore expected to shed light on the origin and early evolution of key animal features. Transcriptomic or genomic data acquired during the last 10 years have highlighted the conservation of most of the main genes and pathways involved in the development of the other metazoans. The next step is to determine how similar genetic tool boxes can result in widely dissimilar body plan organization, dynamics, and life histories. To answer these questions, three main axes of research are necessary: (1) conducting more gene expression studies; (2) developing knockdown protocols; and (3) reinterpreting sponge cell biology using modern tools. In this chapter we focus on the in situ hybridization (ISH) technique, needed to establish the spatiotemporal expression of genes, both on whole mount individuals and paraffin sections, and at different stages of development (adults, embryos, larvae, buds) of the homoscleromorph sponge Oscarella lobularis.

In situ hybridization is a tool for evaluation of gene expression within tissues or single cells. This protocol describes optimized sensitive fluorescence detection of gene transcripts (mRNAs) in semithin sections of Schistosoma mansoni adult worms using specifically designed and labeled RNA probes. Due to improved methodologies in tissue preservation, sectioning, amplification of fluorescent signal, and prehybridization tissue treatment, it is possible to detect transcripts in the fine structures of schistosomes. The protocol is sensitive enough to detect very low abundance targets. This procedure is optimized for tissues derived from S. mansoni adult worms; however, it can be successfully applied to other trematode species.

Whole-mount in situ hybridization (WMISH) is a commonly used technique for visualizing the expression profile of mRNAs in embryos. Unlike traditional in situ hybridization techniques, which require thin tissue sections, the WMISH technique allows gene expression patterns to be assessed over the entire embryo and structure. Here, we describe the detailed procedural steps of WMISH, including probe production, embryo fixation and staining, and post-hybridization signal detection. Using this protocol, we visualized highly specific expression patterns of Sonic hedgehog and Bmp4 mRNAs in E12.5 mouse embryos.

In situ hybridization (ISH) is one of the fundamental methods in developmental biology and neurobiology. Their first ISH protocols were reported in 1969 (Gall and Pardue, Proc Natl AcadSci USA 63:378-83, 1969). Since several decades, ISH based on the specific hybridization of 100-2000 nucleotides long probes enabled the localization of DNA/RNA sequences in tissues and cells with high cellular resolution. But sometimes a limited sensitivity notably in mineralized tissues (Obernosterer et al., Nature Protocols 2:1508-14, 2007).Here we describe a recent improvement of in situ hybridization efficiency by applying nucleotide locked nucleic acid (LNA)-incorporated oligodeoxynucleotide probes (20 LNA/DNA nucleotide probes) essentially used for noncoding miRNA and messenger RNAs.

In situ hybridization is a commonly used technique using an antisense RNA probe to localize a specific RNA sequence on histological sections. This approach can visualize the expression pattern of a gene of interest in a portion of tissues. Here, we detail an optimized method for performing in situ hybridization on mouse paraffin sections using digoxigenin (DIG)-labeled RNA probes.

Over the years, in situ hybridization has been used for visualizing spatial gene expression patterns. Direct comparison of the expression patterns of different genes is useful for studying various biological activities in many situations. If we can distinguish signals derived from different probes in the same hybridization reaction, the localization of multiple gene transcripts can be detected simultaneously. In this chapter, we describe a two-color in situ hybridization procedure, which enables us to compare the expression patterns of two genes in a single tissue section. First, we explain how to prepare RNA probes and tissue samples. Then, we explain how to perform an in situ experiment, including pre-hybridization, hybridization, post-hybridization, and detection steps. A stepwise detection procedure is used to obtain the two color signals.

High-throughput screening with a loss-of-function strategy is a logical and efficient way to identify novel genes involved in biological processes of interest. In zebrafish, morpholinos have been developed as a convenient tool to knock down gene expression. Here, we describe procedures for systematic screening using morpholinos in zebrafish to identify novel deubiquitylases involved in convergent extension during gastrulation. In this example, we examine candidates based on embryonic morphology and molecular signals of whole mount in situ hybridization assay.