RNAFISH

RNAFISH (RNA Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization) is a molecular biology technique used to visualize and locate specific RNA molecules within cells or tissues. It is an adaptation of the well-established DNA Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) method, but instead of targeting DNA, it targets RNA. The technique utilizes fluorescently labeled probes, which are short nucleic acid sequences complementary to the target RNA. These probes bind specifically to their target RNA molecules within the cellular context.

The process typically involves preparing cells or tissue samples, permeabilizing them to allow probe entry, and then incubating them with the labeled probes. After a washing step to remove unbound probes, the sample is examined using fluorescence microscopy. The fluorescence emitted by the probes allows researchers to see where the target RNA is located, its abundance, and its distribution within the cell or tissue.

RNAFISH is a powerful tool for studying gene expression at the spatial level. It can be used to investigate a wide range of biological processes, including cell development, differentiation, disease progression, and the effects of various treatments. By visualizing RNA in situ, researchers can gain insights into the dynamic regulation of gene expression and how it relates to cellular function and structure. Different variations of RNAFISH exist, allowing for the detection of single RNA molecules or multiplexing to detect multiple RNA species simultaneously.