Molecular Instruments, has introduced a new version of its RNA imaging assay designed for use in manual laboratory workflows. The new assay, HCR Pro RNA-ISH, is intended to offer high sensitivity RNA detection in a format accessible to research labs not using automated systems.
The assay supports both chromogenic and fluorescent staining and is aimed at researchers working with complex or low-signal samples. The technology uses enzymatic signal amplification to allow for RNA imaging even in samples with high background interference, such as autofluorescent tissues. This could make it particularly useful for detecting low-abundance targets over wide fields of view at low magnification.
Cameron Earl, Director of Product Management at Molecular Instruments, said the new manual assay brings the sensitivity of their automated platforms to hands-on applications. “Now we’re excited to offer the extreme sensitivity of HCR Pro RNA-ISH to researchers using manual assays on the full gamut of sample types from whole-mount embryos to ultrathick brain slices.”
One notable feature of the new assay is its protease-free protocol for tissue sections, which the company says preserves the integrity of protein targets and sample morphology. This allows researchers to combine RNA imaging with common immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence techniques without compromising results.