mRNA Molecules Localized and Quantified in Fixed Samples

A RNA visualization method allows simultaneous detection, localization, and quantification of individual mRNA molecules at the sub-cellular level in fixed samples.

By resolving in situ messenger RNA into clear focus, Stellaris fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) advances research in cancer, developmental biology, and pathology. By enabling scientists to localize and count discrete molecules of mRNA using widefield fluorescence microscopy, the probes can lead also to streamlined studies in stem cell, pathology, transcription regulation, and neuroscience research.


Stellaris FISH is an effective tool for several key applications. For example, Stellaris probes are used to reveal up- and down- regulation of gene expression in drug screening studies. It can also be used to characterization tumors by correlating mRNA levels of known oncogenes.

Biosearch Technologies, Inc. (Biosearch; Novato, CA, USA), a supplier of sophisticated oligonucleotide components to the rapidly growing molecular diagnostics industry, released the new product, Stellaris FISH Probes, which is currently manufactured on a custom basis. Stellaris FISH probes include software for optimum probe design. In addition, premade probe sets for glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) in human and mouse applications are available.

A probe set comprises multiple oligonucleotides with different sequences each with a fluorescent label that collectively bind along the same target transcript to produce a punctate signal. This direct detection method minimizes the possibility of false negatives and false positives. Furthermore, Stellaris FISH probes can bind to partially degraded target mRNAs making them well suited for formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples.

Stellaris FISH can also be combined with existing technologies such as quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), DNA FISH, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and western blotting to provide complementary information.

The Stellaris FISH technology follows a simple protocol, does not use exotic reagents, is inexpensive and platform-independent, offers same-day results, and is versatile toward many sample types and applications. Scientists may even label Stellaris FISH probes with different dyes, to allow for simultaneous multiplex detection of different RNA targets simultaneously. Scientists can address the stochastic nature of gene expression and visualize RNA through direct detection without isolation, purification, and amplification.

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Biosearch Technologies, Inc.