MERSCOPE, manufactured by Vizgen, is based on Multiplexed Error Robust Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (MERFISH) technology to map and quantify the spatial distribution of RNAs and proteins in the tissue samples. The 100-nm resolution allows subcellular resolution of transcriptional analysis. Up to 500 genes can be multiplexed, and probes can be developed for any transcript. The Iowa NeuroBank Core can offer hands-on training and fee-for-services for your MERSCOPE slides.

Service Workflow:

• Schedule a consultation meeting with us
• Design the gene panel and protein co0detection strategy through the Vizgen portal
• Submit your frozen tissue samples for QC (RIN >7) or FFPE for QC (DV200 >50%) 
• Schedule a time to submit your MERSCOPE slides to the Iowa NeuroBank Core
• Section your tissue block on one MERSCOPE slide for sample and/or protein vertification 
• For your cleared MERSCOPE slides, our NeuroBank core staff will spatially profile the genes and protein expression.
• Once the Core completes these tasks, including Photobleaching, Staining, Imaging, Data Preprocessing, we'll transfer preprocessed MERFISH data through the Cloud for your team to analyze.  

How do I get started?

Please email Queena Lin at li-chun-lin@uiowa.edu for more information.