In situ hybridization
What is ISH ?
In situ hybridisation (ISH) is a molecular biology technique that can specifically label nucleic acids (which may be DNA or RNA) on tissue sections.
This technique is based on the use of a probe joined with a marker that can hybridise on a site of interest.
Two main in situ hybridisation techniques exist: Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and Chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH). In the case of FISH, the visualisation is done by fluorescence by using either a fluorescent marker or a marker with an antigenic site recognisable by an antibody coupled to a fluorophore. The observation is made with a fluorescence microscope. On the other hand, CISH uses antibodies coupled with a coloured agent targeting a probe. The observation is made with a bright field microscope.
Applications
Thanks to its high sensitivity, in situ hybridisation can target pathogens as well as genetic or chromosomal abnormalities, going beyond the limitations of protein immunolabeling. ISH is used in particular for prenatal diagnosis or for the screening of cancers and other pathologies.
Critical Control Point
For repeatable and reliable results in ISH technique, each of the stages of sample preparation and tissue staining protocols needs to be perfectly controlled.
At HISTALIM, these protocols are fully automated. This, and our COFRAC accredited quality management system, allows us to guarantee a high level of control over the time/temperature couples for samples and reagents.