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Updated: Sep 30, 2026

A Simple, Quick, and Partially Automated Protocol for the Isolation of Single Nuclei from Frozen Mammalian Tissues for Single Nucleus Sequencing
Published on: July 28, 2023
Protocol for mechanical nuclei dissociation and isolation from frozen tissue and organoids for single-nucleus RNA
Marion Guillon1, Margaux Brin1, Laetitia Laurent2
1Université de Montreal, Department of Neurosciences, Montreal QC H3T 1J4, Canada; Centre de recherche Azrieli du CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal QC H3T 1C5, Canada.
Abstract:
Preserving RNA integrity in complex tissues such as the brain is challenging. Here, we present a protocol for isolating intact nuclei from frozen tissue and organoids for single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq). We describe steps for mechanical dissociation, using the GentleMACS Dissociator, serial filtration, and magnetic bead-based nuclei isolation. We then detail nuclei quality control and counting. This approach yields pure single-nucleus suspensions suitable for downstream fixation, cryopreservation, or library preparation across diverse tissue types. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Guillon et al.1.

