Resolving the bone - optimizing decalcification in spatial transcriptomics and molecular pathology.

Journal of histotechnology
Authors
Keywords
Abstract

Bone tissue poses critical roadblocks for spatial transcriptomics and molecular pathology due to a combination of its dense, calcified matrix and inadequate preservation of biomolecules in conventional decalcification. Decalcification is a complex and nuanced histological process to concomitantly preserve nucleic acids, proteins, and tissue architecture, ensuring molecular integrity for downstream assays. However, commonly used agents like formic and hydrochloric acids, while efficient, can degrade biomolecules to varying extents, complicating assays such as PCR, sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and hybridization. Advances in spatial transcriptomics, both sequencing- and imaging-based, emphasize the importance of optimizing decalcification protocols to improve research outcomes. This synoptic and perspective article explores traditional and modern decalcification methods, offering recommendations on technical and methodological refinements for achieving molecularly robust processing of bone and calcified tissues in spatial transcriptomics and molecular pathology.

Year of Publication
2024
Journal
Journal of histotechnology
Pages
1-10
Date Published
12/2024
ISSN
2046-0236
DOI
10.1080/01478885.2024.2446038
PubMed ID
39723974
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