Protocol for mechanical nuclei dissociation and isolation from frozen tissue and organoids for single-nucleus RNA sequencing

Preserving RNA integrity in complex tissues such as the brain is challenging. Here, we present a protocol for isolating intact nuclei from frozen tissue and organoids for single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq). We describe steps for mechanical dissociation, using the GentleMACS Dissociator, serial filtration, and magnetic bead-based nuclei isolation. We then detail nuclei quality control and counting. This approach yields pure single-nucleus suspensions suitable for downstream fixation, cryopreservation, or library preparation across diverse tissue types. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Guillon et al. 1

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
STAR Protocols
Published
2026-09-28
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xpro.2026.104855
Primary Topic
RNA Research and Splicing
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
article

Protocol for mechanical nuclei dissociation and isolation from frozen tissue and organoids for single-nucleus RNA sequencing

Lætitia Laurent, Anthony Flamier, Marion Guillon, Margaux Brin
STAR Protocols
RNA Research and Splicing
article

Protocol for mechanical nuclei dissociation and isolation from frozen tissue and organoids for single-nucleus RNA sequencing

Lætitia Laurent, Anthony Flamier, Marion Guillon, Margaux Brin
article en

Abstract

Preserving RNA integrity in complex tissues such as the brain is challenging. Here, we present a protocol for isolating intact nuclei from frozen tissue and organoids for single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq). We describe steps for mechanical dissociation, using the GentleMACS Dissociator, serial filtration, and magnetic bead-based nuclei isolation. We then detail nuclei quality control and counting. This approach yields pure single-nucleus suspensions suitable for downstream fixation, cryopreservation, or library preparation across diverse tissue types. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Guillon et al. 1

STAR ProtocolsVol. 7(4)
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine (CA), Université de Montréal (CA)
Openalex Percentile: Top 19%
RNA Research and Splicing
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.