In situ hybridization with polymerase chain reaction-derived single-stranded DNA probe and S1 nuclease

A rapid and simplified protocol for in situ hybridization (ISH) with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-derived single-stranded DNA probes and S1 nuclease revealed transcripts of bone matrix proteins on decalcified skeletal bone specimens. Mouse bone tissue was fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde, decalcified with 20% EDTA, and embedded in paraffin. Each pair of primers for reverse transcriptase -PCR was designed to amplify a 280-bp DNA fragment from the coding region of the mature protein of mouse osteonectin (ON) and a 320-bp fragment from the coding region of mouse osteopontin (OP). Initial PCR products were eluted, purified, and reamplified by unidirectional PCR in the presence of the digoxigenin (DIG)-labeled dUTP. ISH was carried out by proteinase K treatment, hybridization, and washing. The unhybridized single-stranded DNA probe was selectively removed by S1 nuclease treatment. Hybridized probes were visualized with the alkaline phosphatase-conjugated anti-DIG antibody. The transcripts of ON and OP were clearly detected on the thin sections of the decalcified bone. Because this protocol does not require cloning or in vitro transcription, reliable and stable ISH can be done in an ordinary laboratory equipped with a thermal cycler.