MERSCOPE profiling of non-aneurysmal and aneurysmal human ascending aorta

Single-molecule level spatial distribution of MERFISH (Multiplexed error-robust fluorescence in situ hybridization) probes targeting 140 genes were analyzed on two control (non-aneurysmal) samples and three TAA samples with Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA). We examined the spatial distribution of 140 transcripts by single molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization using the Vizgen MERSCOPE platform. MERSCOPE probe library was constructed through Vizgen. Optimal cutting temperature compound (OCT)-embedded ascending aorta samples were processed using an optimized protocol for human aortic tissue. We captured thousands of cells per subject allowing us to identify spatially-distinct gene expression patterns in human TAA samples.