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Tutorial on In Situ Hybridization (DVA Course Outline)

The Wilcox Lab is a molecular biology research laboratory in the Division of Hematology/Oncology in the Winship Cancer Institute of the School of Medicine of Emory University.

Our main research goals involve basic research into the molecular nature of atherosclerosis and post-angioplasty restenosis. Through the use of in situ hybridization, we have the ability to investigate distributions and roles of selected mRNAs in normal and atherosclerotic tissues. In addition to mRNA investigations, the Wilcox lab studies protein localization by immunohistochemical staining. These studies complement mRNA studies by demonstrating which possible cell types are expressing the mRNAs resulting from in situ hybridization studies. The techniques involved in studying mRNA and protein localization span a wide range of science disciplines including histology, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, cellular biology, and microscopy.

Developing projects involve an emphasis on quantitation and alternative in situ and immunohistochemical techniques. We currently work towards quantifying positive cell counts through the use of video imaging software and quantifying mRNA amounts in tissues by using reverse transcription and PCR (RT-PCR). Other novel projects involve combined in situ hybridization-immunohistochemistry, double-label immunohistochemistry, paraffin section in situ, and immunohistochemical apoptotic-cell labeling.