Stockholm, Sweden – Researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, have recently unveiled a groundbreaking microscopy method known as TRISCO. This cutting-edge technique enables detailed three-dimensional RNA analysis in whole, intact mouse brains without the need to slice them into sections.
TRISCO has revolutionized the field of RNA imaging by allowing researchers to study the spatial distribution of RNA molecules in the brain, offering unprecedented insights into its complex structure and function. With the ability to analyze up to 100 RNA molecules simultaneously, this method opens up new possibilities for advancing studies on brain function and disease.
According to the study published in Science, TRISCO has the potential to transform our understanding of brain function in both healthy and diseased states. Professor Per Uhlén, the last author of the study, highlights the significance of this technique in driving forward brain research and studying the intricate anatomical structure of the brain in ways that were previously impossible.
One of the key advantages of TRISCO is its ability to perform three-dimensional RNA imaging in intact mouse brains without the need for slicing them into thin sections, as was previously required. This method not only allows for the simultaneous analysis of multiple RNA molecules but also opens doors for the study of larger brains and various tissues like the heart and kidney.
Moving forward, the researchers aim to expand the number of RNA molecules that can be studied to around a hundred through multiplex RNA analysis. This approach could provide even more detailed information about brain function and disease states, ultimately leading to the development of innovative treatments for neurological disorders.
The collaborative effort between Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital has paved the way for this groundbreaking research. By demonstrating the potential applicability of TRISCO in larger brains and different tissues, the study highlights the versatility and significance of this microscopy method in advancing our understanding of brain biology.
The funding for this study was provided by the Swedish Research Council, Swedish Brain Foundation, and Swedish Cancer Society. The researchers are excited about the future possibilities offered by TRISCO and the potential impact it may have on biomedical research and the development of new treatments for brain diseases.