Classical histochemical stains are instrumental in the initial analysis of possible aberrations in tissues. More in depth analysis is provided by a variety of histological labelling techniques that allow researchers to visually examine DNA synthesis, RNA/microRNA expression, and protein translation in tissues and cells. These methods can be combined with endogenous cell markers to help identify relevant cells and sub-cellular compartments. Finally, an area of rapid development in histology is the staining and imaging of thick tissues by whole mount, expansion, and/or clearing methods.

What we do

The Histology Facility provides assistance to research scientists in processing tissue samples for routine histochemical and immunostaining procedures as well as trouble-shooting support for more advanced staining and labelling techniques. We commonly train new users in sample preparation and sectioning with the available equipment in the facility. We routinely perform whole-mount or on-section in situ hybridisation and thick-section immunohistochemistry, and we are available to work with the researcher to develop new histological approaches. While our main expertise is with laboratory mouse tissue, the facility is open to consult on a wide range of samples. Recent examples of newly adapted techniques include fluorescent detection of ligand binding in tissue sections, visualisation of single mRNA molecules by smFISH, and the application of tissue-clearing protocols to adult and embryonic tissues.

Histology Facility

EMBL Rome
Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit
Adriano Buzzati-Traverso Campus, Via Ramarini 32
00015 Monterotondo (RM), Italy

Telephone: +39 06 90091 272
E-mail: histology@embl.it