miRNAscope Assay - Sensitive Small RNA Detection
miRNAscope Assay
The miRNAscope Assay is designed to detect small RNAs, including antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), microRNAs (miRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and other short RNAs ranging from 17–50 bases.
Key Benefits
Unlike microarrays or PCR, which provide molecular profiles but lose important tissue and cellular context, miRNAscope preserves spatial information, enabling researchers to visualize gene expression patterns within intact tissues. This makes it ideal for:
Identifying cellular subtypes- Visualising gene regulation alongside tissue morphology
- Validating miRNA biomarkers in situ
- Assessing delivery mechanisms for small RNA therapeutics
- Evaluating biodistribution and efficacy of therapies
Applications in Cancer Research
miRNAs play a key role in cancer initiation and progression by regulating tumor suppressors and oncogenes. For example, miR-205 and miR-21 are upregulated in cervical and ovarian cancers, promoting tumor invasion, migration, angiogenesis, and disruption of programmed cell death pathways. Other oncogenic miRNAs such as miR-155, miR-223, and miR-126 are also elevated in solid tumors. The miRNAscope assay enables highly specific detection of these miRNAs and can distinguish between closely related family members (e.g., let-7), making it a powerful tool in cancer research.
Applications in Developmental Biology
miRNAs are also critical in development. MiR-140 regulates cartilage formation and tissue homeostasis, while miR-124 supports neuronal differentiation in the developing nervous system. The miRNAscope assay allows simultaneous detection of miRNA and protein targets through ISH-IHC workflows, supporting cell-specific expression studies.
Technical Capabilities
The assay is compatible with fresh frozen samples, FFPE tissues, and cultured cells, and can be performed manually or on automated platforms. It includes universal positive control probes and scramble negative controls to ensure RNA quality and signal specificity. Custom miRNA probes can be developed and delivered within approximately three weeks.
Assess Biodistribution and Functional Effects of Small RNA Therapeutics
miRNAscope Chromogenic Assays
miRNAscope HD Assay Red – Manual chromogenic workflow for detecting miRNAs, siRNAs, and ASOs.
miRNAscope LS Reagent Kit Red – Automated chromogenic detection on the Leica Biosystems BOND RX research staining platform.
RNAscope Plus smRNA-RNA Assays
The RNAscope Plus smRNA-RNA Assays use a proprietary in situ hybridization (ISH) method to simultaneously detect one small RNA target (miRNA, siRNA, piRNA, or ASO) along with up to three RNA targets, enabling comprehensive spatial analysis in tissues.
RNAscope Plus smRNA-RNA Assay – Manual fluorescent workflow for detection of miRNAs, siRNAs, and ASOs.
RNAscope Plus smRNA-RNA LS Assay – Automated fluorescent detection on the Leica Biosystems BOND RX research staining platform.
Downloads
RNA ISH Assay to Detect ASO, miRNA
or siRNA Brochure
Download Brochure
Sensitive Assay for ASO and
SiRNA Detection Flyer
Download Flyer
App Note: Introducing miRNA scope
in situ hybridization assay
Download App Note