N-Ethylmaleimide (NEM) Can Significantly Improve In Situ Hybridization Results Using 35S-labeled Oligodeoxynucleotide or Complementary RNA Probes Journal Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • We predicted that a significant source of background labeling after in situ hybridization (ISH) using 35S-labeled probes is attributable to a chemical reaction between the phosphorothioate moiety of the probe [O3 P=S] and disulfides in tissue. These covalent bonds would immobilize probe in the tissue, thereby increasing background labeling. On the basis of this view, we have explored the use of N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) to irreversibly alkylate the phosphorothioate moiety of the probe and/or to alkylate free sulfhydryls in tissue to block the formation of disulfides as a method of reducing background labeling. We report that NEM can significantly decrease background labeling of 35S-labeled oligodeoxy-nucleotide or cRNA probes but does not affect specific labeling. We conclude that the use of NEM in ISH protocols, as outlined here, may be an additional element researchers may consider to improve the signal-to-noise ratio.

publication date

  • July 1, 1997

has restriction

  • hybrid

Date in CU Experts

  • January 22, 2014 9:37 AM

Full Author List

  • Zoeller RT; Fletcher DL; Butnariu O; Lowry CA; Moore FL

author count

  • 5

Other Profiles

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0022-1554

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1551-5044

Additional Document Info

start page

  • 1035

end page

  • 1041

volume

  • 45

issue

  • 7