In situ Hybridization Approach to Study mRNA Expression and Distribution in Cochlear Frozen Sections

In situ hybridization is well suited to obtaining specific topological information on gene transcripts and thereby to relating such observations to a particular function. In spite of the technical and practical difficulties, the application of molecular biological techniques such as in situ hybridization to the cochlea can provide important insights. However, the rarity of gene products (mRNA and proteins) in the cochlea and its fragile structure require the refinement and adaptation of in situ hybridization methods. The present chapter provides a detailed in situ hybridization protocol adapted to frozen tissue sections collected from adult and neonatal stages of the vertebrate cochlea.