Tips & Tricks to Multiplexing: How to Choose Chromogen Colors for Multiplex and Detection Systems for Multiplex Assays

 If you have opted for chromogenic multiplex staining, there are additional points to consider: the choice of colors and the order of color application.  While this video won’t tell you exactly what, when, and where to use different chromogens, it will provide you with some tips to consider.

Check out below and learn with Larry from Leica Biosystems about the tips to consider for chromogenic multiplex staining into your tissue-based research.

Chromogenic multiplex staining needs careful planning and consideration to produce a multi-color, multi-target, permanent slide that is resistant to photo-bleaching, and perfect for brightfield imaging and downstream analysis.

Consider using lighter chromogen colors

• Lighter chromogen colors may be easier on the eyes to visualize especially when multiple chromogens are involved.

Optimize the chromogen sequence

• DAB can overstain and occlude previously stained sites. Consider its suitable place in the assay.

Consider your choice of preferred counterstain

• Ensure the counterstain provides appropriate contrast and does not interfere with chromogen interpretation.

Consider the compatibility of your chromogens

• Consider the compatibility of your chosen chromogens with your required mounting media and preferred dehydration methods.

Consider the order of your markers

• Determine which antigens are robust or susceptible to degradation following multiple rounds of antigen retrieval

Test the stability of different chromogens

• Use chromogens with signals that remain strong earlier in the assay, and less robust signals later in the experiment.

Consider selecting the chromogen colors

• Consider selecting the chromogen colors for spatially close targets first and then build the assay further.

Consider the rate of chromogen precipitation

• Faster precipitating chromogens may be better suited for low expressed proteins. Consider slower precipitating chromogens for highly expressed proteins.

Consider high vs low expression

• Consider using a strong color chromogen for low expression, or low in quantity markers. Followed with a weaker color chromogen for high expression, or high in quantity markers.

Consider color combinations

• For colocalized markers, aim to use chromogens that will create a third color when combined.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MULTIPLEX STAINING, CLICK HERE.

There are many decisions that must be made when adopting multiplex staining, such as choosing chromogenic or immunofluorescent multiplex assays, as well as the order and colors of chromogens and fluorophores. However, the decisions don’t stop here as there are different detection systems available for multiplex assays that can increase sensitivity and enhance the signal-to-noise ratio when detecting markers of interest. We will cover a few of these examples in this video.

Unsure of what detection systems are available for multiplex assays? Check out the infographic below that showcases some examples of detection systems available for multiplex assays that can increase sensitivity and enhance the signal-to-noise ratio when detecting markers of interest.

There are several detection systems available to visualize multiplex staining that are: direct primary antibody detection, or indirect detection with ABC, polymer-linked antibodies, with, or without tyramide amplification, and finally, oligonucleotide labelled primary antibodies with complementary probes. Whichever detection system you decide to use in your multiplex assay, optimization is vital.

• Suitable for highly expressed proteins
• Can avoid cross-reactivity by species-specific secondary antibodies

Tyramide Signal Amplification Detection System

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MULTIPLEX STAINING, CLICK HERE.

For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.