Reliable Kit for Fluorescent RNAscope Assay

July 14, 2026

BlueskyReddit
State University of New York at Buffalo
Physiology and Biophysics
Postdoctoral Researcher

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Company:

Advanced Cell Diagnostics / Bio-Techne

Product Name:

RNAscope™ Multiplex Fluorescent Detection Kit v2

Catalog Number:

323110

We use this kit for the manual RNAscope assay to measure the expression of mRNAs of interest (e.g., Oprm1, the gene encoding the μ-opioid receptor, and Cnr1, the gene encoding cannabinoid receptor 1) in mouse brain tissue. We combine the RNAscope assay with an immunostaining protocol, allowing us to measure the expression of target mRNAs in a cell type-specific manner.

Experimental Design and Results Summary

Application

RNAscope in situ hybridization

Starting Material

15 μm fixed-frozen mouse brain sections

Tips

We use the Protease-Based Sample Pretreatment workflow because we combine RNAscope in situ hybridization with immunostaining, and some antibodies do not tolerate protease treatment.

Results Summary

We were able to measure cannabinoid receptor 1 (Cnr1 mRNA) expression in mouse dorsal striatum tissue following different environmental exposures, including cannabis exposure. We measured both total expression and cell type-specific expression (e.g., astrocytic expression through colocalization of the Cnr1 probe with the astrocytic marker S100b). In the image: red - Cnr1 probe, green - S100b, blue - DAPI. Scale bar: 15 μm.

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Summary

The Good

The kit is easy to use. The company provides a User Manual (we use UM 323100, Rev. D; Effective Date: 01/29/2026) that describes all the steps in detail.

The Bad

Price: The kit is expensive and can be used for only a limited number of samples, depending on the tissue section size.

The Bottom Line

The kit provides reliable results, is straightforward to use, and has been used in our lab for the past year. The company provides valuable advice and support if certain stages of the protocol need to be modified for use with specific tissues. Highly recommended.

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