Exploring RNAscope in Organoids: A Groundbreaking Workshop at TIGEM

We are thrilled to share that Cristina Sorrentino, Head of Advanced Histopathology Facility at Tigem, in collaboration with Advanced Microscopy Facility and Bio-Techne, organized the first Italian workshop dedicated to RNAscope in organoids and thick sections. This event marks a significant milestone for our research community, equipping our scientists with essential expertise in this innovative technique. 

Over the years, the Advanced Histology and Fluorescence (AHF) Facility at TIGEM has gained extensive experience in transcript and protein analysis techniques, primarily in cells and thin tissue sections. However, conventional two-dimensional models have limitations in replicating the complexity of the tissue microenvironment. The emergence of three-dimensional structures such as organoids represents a revolutionary advancement in biomedical research, offering more accurate models to study complex diseases and cellular mechanisms. 

Organoids mimic the architecture and functionality of human tissues, providing a powerful platform for personalized medicine and human model innovation. Given their potential, it is crucial to develop and refine analytical strategies to maximize the insights obtained from these models. 

Thanks to Bio-Techne’s cutting-edge technology, we are now introducing an innovative approach for detecting proteins and transcripts within these advanced systems. This technique enhances our ability to investigate biological processes in greater depth, opening new frontiers for scientific discovery. 

The Role of RNAscope in Organoid Research 

RNAscope is a highly sensitive spatial transcriptomics tool that enables the visualization of gene expression within 3D organoid models, preserving their structure and cellular context. This technique is particularly valuable for organoid-based research, offering unparalleled precision in detecting and localizing RNA molecules at single-cell resolution. At TIGEM, RNAscope is being applied across several key areas to advance our understanding of rare genetic diseases and accelerate therapeutic development: 

Disease Modeling and Pathway Analysis 
By capturing gene expression patterns within organoids derived from patient-specific iPSCs or gene-edited models, RNAscope allows researchers to study disease-associated gene dysregulation and identify molecular pathways driving pathology. This is particularly relevant for rare genetic disorders, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases, where traditional models fail to replicate human disease complexity. 

Drug Response Studies and Biomarker Discovery 
RNAscope enables the visualization of target gene expression before and after treatment, helping to assess drug efficacy and toxicity. This is crucial for identifying predictive biomarkers that can guide personalized medicine and improve treatment outcomes. 

Cell-Cell Interaction and Tissue Organization 
One of the main advantages of organoids is their ability to mimic native tissue architecture. RNAscope helps researchers investigate cellular heterogeneity, differentiation pathways, and microenvironmental interactions, providing a deeper understanding of how cells communicate and respond to stimuli within complex tissues. 

Optimization of Gene and Cell Therapies 
In gene therapy research, RNAscope is used to track vector distribution and transgene expression within organoids, confirming the effectiveness of AAV- and RNA-based therapeutic strategies. This application is critical for the preclinical validation of novel gene-editing and RNA-targeting approaches. 

Toxicology and Safety Assessments 
Organoids are increasingly being used as alternative models for preclinical drug safety testing, supporting the 3R principles by reducing reliance on animal models. RNAscope enhances these studies by allowing precise detection of toxic responses at the transcriptional level, providing early insights into potential adverse effects. 

By integrating RNAscope into organoid research, TIGEM is expanding its capabilities in high-resolution spatial transcriptomics, enabling a more precise and comprehensive analysis of disease mechanisms, therapeutic effects, and drug safety. This approach bridges the gap between molecular research and translational medicine, reinforcing our commitment to developing innovative therapies for rare diseases. 

A Major Step for TIGEM’s Organoid Research 

At TIGEM, organoids have emerged as a key expertise area, enabling us to expand our research capabilities in rare disease modeling and therapeutic development. This workshop represents a critical step in preparing our researchers to harness the full potential of RNAscope in organoid-based studies. By mastering this technique, we strengthen our ability to perform key investigations that drive scientific progress. 

We extend our gratitude to all participants, the Bio-Techne team for their invaluable support, and the Microscopy Facility for their collaboration. Additionally, we are pleased to welcome Mathias Van Bulck, Spatial Biology Innovation and Service Manager, EMEA, whose expertise further enriches our understanding of this cutting-edge technology. 

Through this initiative, TIGEM continues to lead in organoid-based research, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries and innovative therapeutic solutions.