Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Detection of Axonally Localized mRNAs in Brain Sections Using High-Resolution In Situ Hybridization
Published on: June 17, 2015
Localization of mRNA in vertebrate axonal compartments by in situ hybridization
José Roberto Sotelo-Silveira1, Aldo Calliari, Alejandra Kun
1Department of Proteins and Nucleic Acids, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Av. Italia 3318, CP 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay.
Abstract:
The conclusive demonstration of RNA in vertebrate axons by in situ hybridization (ISH) has been elusive. We review the most important reasons for difficulties, including low concentration of axonal RNAs, localization in specific cortical domains, and the need to isolate axons. We demonstrate the importance of axon micro-dissection to obtain a whole mount perspective of mRNA distribution in the axonal territory. We describe a protocol to perform fluorescent ISH in isolated axons and guidelines for the preservation of structural and molecular integrity of cortical RNA-containing domains (e.g., Periaxoplasmic Ribosomal Plaques, or PARPs) in isolated axoplasm.
Related Concept Videos
In-situ Hybridization
Types of probes and labels
A probe is a complementary strand of DNA or RNA that binds to corresponding nucleotide sequences in a cell. Many...
Regulated mRNA Transport

