Comparative framework and adaptation of ACME HS approach to single cell isolation from fresh-frozen endocrine tissue.

Current dissociation methods for scRNA-seq studies of solid tissues do not guarantee intact single-cell isolation from fresh frozen samples, especially for sensitive and heterogeneous endocrine tissues. Here, we adapted the acetic-methanol dissociation method – ACME High Soult (ACME HS) to isolate intact single cells from fresh-frozen endocrine tumor samples. We compared enzymatic, ACME HS, and nuclear isolation methods ability to preserve major cell types and gene expression. We demonstrated that ACME HS dissociates and fixes cells, preserving cell morphology and high RNA integrity. This renders ACME HS a valuable alternative in the scRNA-seq protocols for challenging tissues.