Hi Emma Su

Hippocampus is relatively easy to isolate from the brain but somatosensory cortex isolation needs some practice and needs to be performed under a surgical microscope.

• Quantitative PCR (qPCR) with region-specific primers: This technique allows amplification and quantification of specific mRNA transcripts unique to the desired brain region. If the primers amplify the expected regions, it can indicate successful RNA extraction from that area. However, negative results might not always definitively rule out the presence of RNA from the target area.
• Drop-seq or single-cell RNA sequencing: These advanced techniques analyze RNA from individual cells, enabling researchers to directly assess the cell types and their spatial distribution within the extracted RNA sample. This provides confirmation not only of RNA origin but also information on cellular composition.
• Immunofluorescence with specific markers.

Thanks,