Fast tracking of co-localization of multiple markers by using the nanozoomer slide scanner and NDPViewer.

The detection of co-localization of immunohistochemical markers in tissues or cells requires the application of the confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) to multiple immunofluorescence (MIF) stainings. CLSM is operationally sophisticated but requires time-consuming procedures of imaging and reconstruction, and a professional operator is required for manipulation of the microscopic system. Therefore, this technique is less suitable for the examination of many samples in a short time. Moreover, the technique only allows imaging of selected areas of a sample at one time and is not practical for fast panoramic mapping and tracking of whole tissue sections. Here we show a powerful high-throughput and operationally simple histological approach using the Hamamatsu NDP slide scanner (Hamamatsu Nanozoomer 2.0HT) and its viewing platform (NDP.Viewer). The approach not only enables fast mapping and tracking of overlapping spots or regions stained with multiple markers, but also offers panoramic screening of whole tissue sections with fully electronic manipulation for the visualization and analysis of any individual regions.