Spatially resolved and multiplexed MicroRNA quantification from tissue using nanoliter well arrays
Maxwell B. Nagarajan, Augusto M. Tentori, Wen Cai Zhang, Frank J. Slack, Patrick S. Doyle
Abstract
Abstract Spatially resolved gene expression patterns are emerging as a key component of medical studies, including companion diagnostics, but technologies for quantification and multiplexing are limited. We present a method to perform spatially resolved and multiplexed microRNA (miRNA) measurements from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue. Using nanoliter well arrays to pixelate the tissue section and photopatterned hydrogels to quantify miRNA, we identified differentially expressed miRNAs in tumors from a genetically engineered mouse model for non-small cell lung cancer (K-ras LSL-G12D/+ ; p53 fl/fl ). This technology could be used to quantify heterogeneities in tissue samples and lead to informed, biomarker-based diagnostics.