我们感谢配乐录制的视频，伊万Molotkov为CAG - EGFP质粒制备的三维动画和彼得Blaesse博士的帮助，叶卡捷琳娜Karelina。 这项工作是由来自芬兰的国际流动，芬兰文化基金会和芬兰科学院中心的赠款支持。

1。简介转基因动物的创作是一种强大的方法，在动物活体1，解开疾病机制2,3以及操纵细胞的属性4的基因的功能进行调查。但是，该过程是相当费力，非常耗时且昂贵，因此有必要使用替代的基因传递方法，如病毒注射液5， 电 6和新生儿在子宫内电 7,8脑室注射。产后非室注射和电的方法，都有一套独特的优势：使用非病毒基因结构;创建一个本地的表达模式，在感兴趣的领域;非洄游类型的细胞原位转染的可能性，如皮质星形胶质细胞。 在这个视频中，我们展示了鸡β肌动蛋白启动子与CMV增强（pCAG EGFP） 的 9下使用的增强型绿色荧光蛋白的质粒编码的新生大鼠脑产后基因传递的详细程序。我们说明含有质粒注射液的准备，制造薄玻璃移液器和组装一个立体定向仪上的微量。然后，我们谈论anaesthetizing幼鼠与异氟醚，执行手术，大约在注射过程和有关使用的电钳电极，并在体内 porator。最后，我们简要地讨论了预期的结果，观点和这些实验过程中可能出现的困难。 2。质粒制备用于电穿孔<ol><li>我们通常会准备10μL的质粒注射液200μL薄壁管。这个解决方案是足够的几个实验。 </li><li>我们混合1μl的10X PBS（见材料和​​设备）和1μL0.1％的快速绿色水溶液（见材料和​​设备）8μL质粒的解决方案（见材料和​​设备）。 </li><li>质粒在注射液中的终浓度应介于1和3μg/μL的。低浓度的质粒DNA会降低转染效率，而DNA浓度较高，将通过薄薄的玻璃毛细管尖端注射的粘性。 </li></ol> 3。玻璃针准备<ol><li>玻璃吸管的准备，我们使用的最大拉和供热参数灯丝硼硅玻璃毛细管（见材料和​​设备）和垂直电极的玻璃拉马（见材料和​​设备）。 </li><li>然后，我们打破了使用一张纸的吸液管，实现了尖端10-20微米，直径的一角。 </li><li>我们检查在显微镜下目标的尖端直径和形状。 </li></ol> 4。微量组装<ol><li>使用薄的聚合物毛细管（见材料和​​设备）填充矿物油10μL汉密尔顿注射器量的约1 / 3（见材料和​​设备）（见材料和​​设备）。避免气泡！ </li><li>然后我们填补与矿物油的玻璃吸管和汉密尔顿注射器插入吸管。避免气泡！ </li><li>然后固定在连接到控制器的微量注射器与玻璃吸管（见材料和​​设备）。 </li><li>显微注射固定在立体定向仪（见材料和​​设备）的安装，使我们能够安全地沉浸到管与质粒注射液的玻璃吸管的尖端。 </li><li>当针尖触及溶液的表面，浸它进一步的1或2毫米，并填写与注射用微量进样器控制器的混合约1μL移液器。 </li></ol> 5。 Anaesthetizing动物这里介绍的所有的程序进行，根据赫尔辛基法规大学动物实验。 <ol><li>对于每一个实验，我们填补约2毫升的异氟醚的气密注射器（见材料和​​设备）（见材料和​​设备）。 </li><li>比注射器固定麻醉单位（见材料和​​设备）连接到空气的流动源，动物框和面罩固定在立体定向设置。 </li><li>麻醉单元上，我们调整的气流，以约250毫升/分钟和4％的异氟醚的水平。 </li><li>我们把小狗到2-5分钟的动物方块老鼠。 </li><li>当小狗停止移动，放在加热垫（见材料和​​设备）连接的立体设置。 </li><li>放入anaesthetizing面具的小狗的头喙部分。 </li><li>它需要5到10分钟为小狗进入深麻醉。 </li><li>检查一条尾巴捏麻醉深度和异氟醚流入减少约1.5％至2.0％。 </li></ol> 6。外科，显微注射，电穿孔<ol><li>治疗皮肤上的小狗的头与70％的乙醇。 </li><li>使用小剪刀（见材料和​​设备）和薄钳（见材料和​​设备），切开皮肤从额头的小狗颈背。 </li><li>侧身弯曲皮肤件，拉耳朵略成骷髅头和皮肤固定的听觉窍酒吧。 </li><li>使用双目显微镜，我们找到的头骨的前囟点。 </li><li>确定用立体坐标利益的地区。 </li><li>上述本地区的注射针的位置和标记颅骨表面注射液下降到25-50 NL。 </li><li>颅骨钻在标记点使用高速手术钻（见材料和​​设备），在显微镜下轻轻地，仔细地，直到液体出现在钻探面积。 </li><li>修复与当前的导电凝胶头骨两侧electropotation钳电极（见材料和​​设备）（见材料和​​设备），以达到更好的导电性。 </li><li>从钻的孔用小棉球取出液滴（见材料和​​设备），并根据注射部位的坐标的玻璃针DIP孔。 </li><li>注入25至100 NL注射液在5至20 nL /秒的速度。 </li><li>迅速取出吸管，electroporate立即。电穿孔技术是通过申请5个矩形脉冲持续时间50毫秒和振幅在频率为1 Hz，99 V。 </li><li>取下电极和耳朵酒吧。 </li><li>缝合切开的皮肤，使用一个哑（见材料和​​设备）和尖锐的镊子和手术线程（见材料和​​设备）的组合。 </li><li>将温暖到15-30分钟，以帮助其麻醉后恢复室的小狗。 </li><li>然后把小狗回到其母亲的笼子。 </li></ol> 7。代表性的成果在成功转染的细胞基因的表达会出现后约10小时的电，将保持稳定几个星期。 我们注射质粒陷入深深的皮质层或产后的第2天（P2），大鼠幼仔纹状体区，并在体内电穿孔进行如上所述。大脑切片厚度（400微米）被切断后2至6天（P4 - P8）在冷切片介质使用一个vibrotome（HEPES缓冲Earle的平衡盐溶液）10。切片在室温下的介质中使用蔡司Axioplan 2 LSM5帕斯卡尔共聚焦显微镜（德国蔡司）进行图像采集。 深皮质层和纹状体注射部位有许多转染的细胞表达EGFP，约200-300微米直径（图1A，B）在一个紧凑的区域位于。转染的细胞内，EGFP表达水平足够高，让薄细胞过程（图1C），包括与树突棘不同的形状（图1D）和轴突束（图1E）成像。强劲稳定的EGFP以及细胞后，电的可行性允许跟踪远端的轴突（如皮质终端（图1F）从细胞体的1.5-2毫米）。 <img src="/files/ftp_upload/2244/2244fig1.jpg" alt="图1" /> 图1：（一）成功转染细胞在划定质粒注射部位的P4大鼠脑纹状体区域。 （二）转染的细胞在深皮质层P5大鼠脑皮层表面以下（约1000微米）。 （c）在转染细胞P8的大鼠脑纹状体区域。 （四）在P8的大鼠脑纹状体区域的转染细胞的树突状进程;箭头指示不同类型的树突棘和丝状伪足。 （五）转染细胞内抵押品的途径的轴突。 （六）轴突终止P8大鼠皮层（箭头）的软脑膜表面。比例尺是100微米，A，B，E和F，10微米C和D

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	<li>Gerlai, R., Clayton, N. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Analyzing+hippocampal+function+in+transgenic+mice:+an+ethological+perspective.+Trends+Neurosci.">Analyzing hippocampal function in transgenic mice: an ethological perspective. Trends Neurosci.</a> 22, 47-51 (1999).</li><li>McGowan, E., Eriksen, J., Hutton, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+decade+of+modeling+Alzheimer's+disease+in+transgenic+mice.">A decade of modeling Alzheimer's disease in transgenic mice.</a> Trends Genet. 2, 281-289 (2006).</li><li>Cryan, J. 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到生活的啮齿类动物的大脑中的基因传递方法是建立在子宫内电7,8,11,12和，最近， 产后电6。然而，这些方法的基础上脑室注射质粒DNA，这可能是多个应用程序的限制。例如，这些方法不容许针对某些脑区如海马，也不等非迁徙作为皮层星形胶质细胞细胞类型的转染的细胞。首先被用于基因运送到13小脑的神经元电耦合的非室注射。我们的协议说明非心室法对大鼠脑...

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		<thead>
		<tr>
		<th>Material Name</th>
		<th>Type</th>
		<th>Company</th>
		<th>Catalogue Number</th>
		<th>Comment</th>
		</tr>
		</thead>
		<tbody>
		
<tr>
<td>2A-sa dumb Tweezers, 115mm</td>
<td>equipment</td>
<td>XYtronic</td>
<td>XY-2A-SA</td>
<td>Treat with 70% ethanol for disinfection before use in surgical manipulations</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Biological Temperature Controller with stainless steel heating pad</td>
<td>equipment</td>
<td>Supertech</td>
<td>TMP-5b</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Borosilicate tube with filament</td>
<td>material</td>
<td>Sutter Instruments</td>
<td>BF120-69-10</td>
<td>Glass needle</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Disposable drills</td>
<td>material</td>
<td>Meisinger</td>
<td>HP 310 104 001 001 008</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Dulbeco's PBS 10X</td>
<td>reagent</td>
<td>Sigma</td>
<td>D1408</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Dumont #5 forceps, 110 mm</td>
<td>equipment</td>
<td>FST</td>
<td>91150-20</td>
<td>Treat with 70% ethanol for disinfection before use in surgical manipulations</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ealing microelectrode puller</td>
<td>equipment</td>
<td>Ealing</td>
<td>50-2013</td>
<td>Vertical electrode glass puller</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ethilon monofil polyamide 6-0 FS-3 16 mm 3/8c</td>
<td>material</td>
<td>Johnson &amp; Johnson Medical</td>
<td>EH7177H</td>
<td>Surgical threads</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Exmire micro syringe 10.0 ml</td>
<td>equipment</td>
<td>Exmire</td>
<td>MS*GLLX00</td>
<td>Gas-tight syringe</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fast Green</td>
<td>reagent</td>
<td>Sigma</td>
<td>F7252</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Forceps electrodes</td>
<td>equipment</td>
<td>BEX</td>
<td>LF650P3</td>
<td>Treat with 70% ethanol for disinfection prior to use</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Foredom drill control</td>
<td>equipment</td>
<td>Foredom </td>
<td>FM3545</td>
<td>Surgical drill power supply and control. Currently available analogue is micromotor kit K.1070 (Foredom) </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Foredom micro motor handpiece</td>
<td>equipment</td>
<td>Foredom</td>
<td>MH-145</td>
<td>Currently available analogue is micromotor kit K.1070 (Foredom)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gas anesthesia platform for mice</td>
<td>equipment</td>
<td>Stoelting</td>
<td>50264</td>
<td>Assembled on stereotaxic instrument</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Isoflurane</td>
<td>reagent</td>
<td>Baxter</td>
<td>FDG9623</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Micro dressing forceps, 105 mm</td>
<td>equipment</td>
<td>Aesculap</td>
<td>BD302R</td>
<td>Treat with 70% ethanol for disinfection before use in surgical manipulations</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Microfil</td>
<td>material</td>
<td>WPI</td>
<td>MF34G-5</td>
<td>Micro syringe filling capillaries</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mineral oil</td>
<td>reagent</td>
<td>Sigma</td>
<td>M8410</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>NanoFil Syringe 10 microliter</td>
<td>equipment</td>
<td>WPI</td>
<td>NANOFIL</td>
<td>Hamilton syringe</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>plasmid CAG-EGFP</td>
<td>reagent</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Extracted and purified with EndoFree Plasmid Maxi Kit (Qiagen) and dissolved in nuclease free water to concentration 1.5 mg/ml</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pulse generator CUY21Vivo-SQ</td>
<td>equipment</td>
<td>BEX</td>
<td>CUY21Vivo-SQ</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Schiller electrode gel</td>
<td>reagent</td>
<td>Schiller AG</td>
<td>2.158000</td>
<td>Conductive gel</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Small animal stereotaxic instrument</td>
<td>equipment</td>
<td>David Kopf Instruments</td>
<td>900</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Stoelting mouse and neonatal rat adaptor</td>
<td>equipment</td>
<td>Stoelting</td>
<td>51625</td>
<td>Assembled on stereotaxic instrument.
Treat earbars with 70% ethanol for disinfection before use in surgical manipulations</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Student iris scissors, straight 11.5 cm</td>
<td>equipment</td>
<td>FST</td>
<td>91460-11</td>
<td>Treat with 70% ethanol for disinfection before use in surgical manipulations</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sugi absorbent swabs 17 x 8 mm</td>
<td>material</td>
<td>Kettenbach</td>
<td>31602</td>
<td>Surgical tampons</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UMP3 microsyringe pump and Micro 4 microsyringe pump controller</td>
<td>equipment</td>
<td>WPI</td>
<td>UMP3-1</td>
<td>Microinjector and controller</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Univentor 400 Anesthesia Unit</td>
<td>equipment</td>
<td>Univentor</td>
<td>8323001</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>		</tbody>
		</table>
		</div>

gene delivery to postnatal rat brain by non-ventricular plasmid injection and electroporation

转基因动物的创作是一种标准的方法，在研究一个基因在体内的兴趣的功能。然而，许多基因敲除或转基因动物是没有生命力的，在这些修改后的基因表达或在整个有机体中删除的情况下。此外，各种补偿机制往往使人们难以解释的结果。补偿效果，无论是定时的基因表达或转染细胞的数量限制，可缓解。 产后非心室显微注射和体内电的方法，可以有针对性地提供基因，siRNA或染料分子直接到一个小区域的新生啮齿动物脑的兴趣。在传统的心室注射技术相比，这种方法允许非洄游类型的细胞转染。这里介绍的方法转染的动物，可用于双光子，例如，在活体成像对急性脑片电生理实验。

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Gene Delivery to Postnatal Rat Brain by Non-ventricular Plasmid Injection and Electroporation at JoVE.com

Gene Delivery to Postnatal Rat Brain by Non-ventricular Plasmid Injection and Electroporation

这个协议描述了一种非病毒的基因结构的交付方法的生活啮齿动物脑的某些区域。该方法由质粒制备，微管制造，新生鼠的小狗手术，显微注射的构造，并<em&gt;在体内</em&gt;电。

基因传递到产后大鼠脑非心室质粒注射和电穿孔

Creation of transgenic animals is a standard approach in studying functions of a gene of interest in vivo. However, many knockout or transgenic animals ...

gene-delivery-to-postnatal-rat-brain-non-ventricular-plasmid

Research

JoVE Journal

Neuroscience

15.0K 次观看.  University of Helsinki. 这个协议描述了一种非病毒的基因结构的交付方法的生活啮齿动物脑的某些区域。该方法由质粒制备，微管制造，新生鼠的小狗手术，显微注射的构造，并在体内电。

视频: Gene Delivery to Postnatal Rat Brain by Non-ventricular Plasmid Injection and Electroporation

In utero Electroporation followed by Primary Neuronal Culture for Studying Gene Function in Subset of Cortical Neurons

In vitro study of primary neuronal cultures allows for quantitative analyses of neurite outgrowth. In order to study how genetic alterations affect neuronal process outgrowth, shRNA or cDNA constructs can be introduced into primary neurons via chemical transfection or viral transduction. However, with primary cortical cells, a heterogeneous pool of cell types (glutamatergic neurons from different layers, inhibitory neurons, glial cells) are transfected using these methods. The use of in utero electroporation to introduce DNA constructs in the embryonic rodent cortex allows for certain subsets of cells to be targeted: while electroporation of early embryonic cortex targets deep layers of the cortex, electroporation at late embryonic timepoints targets more superficial layers. Further, differential placement of electrodes across the heads of individual embryos results in the targeting of dorsal-medial versus ventral-lateral regions of the cortex. Following electroporation, transfected cells can be dissected out, dissociated, and plated in vitro for quantitative analysis of neurite outgrowth. Here, we provide a step-by-step method to quantitatively measure neuronal process outgrowth in subsets of cortical cells.
The basic protocol for in utero electroporation has been described in detail in two other JoVE articles from the Kriegstein lab 1, 2. We will provide an overview of our protocol for in utero electroporation, focusing on the most important details, followed by a description of our protocol that applies in utero electroporation to the study of gene function in neuronal process outgrowth.

In utero Electroporation followed by Primary Neuronal Culture for Studying Gene Function in Subset of Cortical Neurons

In utero electroporation is a valuable method for transfecting neuronal progenitor cells in vivo. Depending upon the placement of the electrodes and the developmental timepoint of electroporation, certain subsets of cortical cells can be targeted. Targeted cells can then be analyzed in vivo or in vitro for effects of genetic alteration.

在子宫内的电穿孔其次原发性神经文化为研究基因的功能在皮层神经元的一个子集

In vitro study of primary neuronal cultures allows for quantitative analyses of neurite outgrowth. In order to study how genetic alterations affect ...

科研

神经科学

Mosaic Analysis of Gene Function in Postnatal Mouse Brain Development by Using Virus-based Cre Recombination

Normal brain function relies not only on embryonic development when major neuronal pathways are established, but also on postnatal 
development when neural circuits are matured and refined. Misregulation at this stage may lead to neurological and psychiatric disorders such as autism 
and schizophrenia1,2. Many genes have been studied in the prenatal brain and found crucial to many developmental processes3-5. However, their 
function in the postnatal brain is largely unknown, partly because their deletion in mice often leads to lethality during neonatal development, and partly because their requirement in early development hampers the postnatal analysis. To overcome these obstacles, floxed alleles of these genes are currently being generated in mice 6. When combined with transgenic alleles that express Cre recombinase in specific cell types, conditional deletion can be achieved to study gene function in the postnatal brain. However, this method requires additional alleles and extra time (3-6 months) to generate the mice with appropriate genotypes, thereby limiting the expansion of the genetic analysis to a large scale in the mouse brain.
Here we demonstrate a complementary approach that uses virally-expressed Cre to study these floxed alleles rapidly and 
systematically in postnatal brain development. By injecting recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs)7,8 encoding Cre into the neonatal brain, 
we are able to delete the gene of interest in different regions of the brain. By controlling the viral titer and coexpressing a fluorescent 
protein marker, we can simultaneously achieve mosaic gene inactivation and sparse neuronal labeling. This method bypasses the requirement of 
many genes in early development, and allows us to study their cell autonomous function in many critical processes in postnatal brain development,
 including axonal and dendritic growth, branching, and tiling, as well as synapse formation and refinement. This method has been used successfully 
in our own lab (unpublished results) and others8,9, and can be extended to other viruses, such as lentivirus 9, as well as to the expression of 
shRNA or dominant active proteins 10. Furthermore, by combining this technique with electrophysiology as well as recently-developed optical 
imaging tools 11, this method provides a new strategy to study how genetic pathways influence neural circuit development and function in mice 
and rats.

An in vivo method to test gene function in postnatal brain is described. Recombinant AAVs expressing Cre and/or a fluorescent protein are injected into neonatal mouse brain. Mosaic gene inactivation and sparse neuronal labeling are achieved, allowing rapid analysis of gene function in processes critical to neural circuit development.

利用基于病毒的Cre重组马赛克产后小鼠脑开发基因功能分析

Normal brain function relies not only on embryonic development when major neuronal pathways are established, but also on postnatal 
development when ...

Efficient Gene Delivery into Multiple CNS Territories Using In Utero Electroporation

The ability to manipulate gene expression is the cornerstone of modern day experimental embryology, leading to the elucidation of multiple developmental pathways. Several powerful and well established transgenic technologies are available to manipulate gene expression levels in mouse, allowing for the generation of both loss- and gain-of-function models. However, the generation of mouse transgenics is both costly and time consuming. Alternative methods of gene manipulation have therefore been widely sought. In utero electroporation is a method of gene delivery into live mouse embryos1,2 that we have successfully adapted3,4. It is largely based on the success of in ovo electroporation technologies that are commonly used in chick5. Briefly, DNA is injected into the open ventricles of the developing brain and the application of an electrical current causes the formation of transient pores in cell membranes, allowing for the uptake of DNA into the cell. In our hands, embryos can be efficiently electroporated as early as embryonic day (E) 11.5, while the targeting of younger embryos would require an ultrasound-guided microinjection protocol, as previously described6. Conversely, E15.5 is the latest stage we can easily electroporate, due to the onset of parietal and frontal bone differentiation, which hampers microinjection into the brain. In contrast, the retina is accessible through the end of embryogenesis. Embryos can be collected at any time point throughout the embryonic or early postnatal period. Injection of a reporter construct facilitates the identification of transfected cells.
To date, in utero electroporation has been most widely used for the analysis of neocortical development1,2,3,4. More recent studies have targeted the embryonic retina7,8,9 and thalamus10,11,12. Here, we present a modified in utero electroporation protocol that can be easily adapted to target different domains of the embryonic CNS. We provide evidence that by using this technique, we can target the embryonic telencephalon, diencephalon and retina. Representative results are presented, first showing the use of this technique to introduce DNA expression constructs into the lateral ventricles, allowing us to monitor progenitor maturation, differentiation and migration in the embryonic telencephalon. We also show that this technique can be used to target DNA to the diencephalic territories surrounding the 3rd ventricle, allowing the migratory routes of differentiating neurons into diencephalic nuclei to be monitored. Finally, we show that the use of micromanipulators allows us to accurately introduce DNA constructs into small target areas, including the subretinal space, allowing us to analyse the effects of manipulating gene expression on retinal development.

Efficient Gene Delivery into Multiple CNS Territories Using In Utero Electroporation

In utero electroporation allows for rapid gene delivery in a spatially- and temporally-controlled manner in the developing central nervous system (CNS). Here we describe a highly adaptable in utero electroporation protocol that can be used to deliver expression constructs into multiple embryonic CNS domains, including the telencephalon, diencephalon and retina.

高效的基因传递到多个中枢神经系统使用新界在子宫内电穿孔

The ability to manipulate gene expression is the cornerstone of modern day experimental embryology, leading to the elucidation of multiple developmental ...

Mouse in Utero Electroporation: Controlled Spatiotemporal Gene Transfection

In order to understand the function of genes expressed in specific region of the developing brain, including signaling molecules and axon guidance molecules, local gene transfer or knock- out is required. Gene targeting knock-in or knock-out into local regions is possible to perform with combination with a specific CRE line, which is laborious, costly, and time consuming. Therefore, a simple transfection method, an in utero electroporation technique, which can be performed with short time, will be handy to test the possible function of candidate genes prior to the generation of transgenic animals 1,2. In addition to this, in utero electroporation targets areas of the brain where no specific CRE line exists, and will limit embryonic lethality 3,4. Here, we present a method of in utero electroporation combining two different types of electrodes for simple and convenient gene transfer into target areas of the developing brain. First, a unique holding method of embryos using an optic fiber optic light cable will make small embryos (from E9.5) visible for targeted DNA solution injection into ventricles and needle type electrodes insertion to the targeted brain area 5,6. The patterning of the brain such as cortical area occur at early embryonic stage, therefore, these early electroporation from E9.5 make a big contribution to understand entire area patterning event. Second, the precise shape of a capillary prevents uterine damage by making holes by insertion of the capillary. Furthermore, the precise shape of the needle electrodes are created with tungsten and platinum wire and sharpened using sand paper and insulated with nail polish 7, a method which is described in great detail in this protocol. This unique technique allows transfection of plasmid DNA into restricted areas of the brain and will enable small embryos to be electroporated. This will help to, open a new window for many scientists who are working on cell differentiation, cell migration, axon guidance in very early embryonic stage. Moreover, this technique will allow scientists to transfect plasmid DNA into deep parts of the developing brain such as thalamus and hypothalamus, where not many region-specific CRE lines exist for gain of function (GOF) or loss of function (LOF) analyses.

Mouse in Utero Electroporation: Controlled Spatiotemporal Gene Transfection

A gene transfer method into the developing mouse brain is described by using a unique surgical method and special shape of electrodes. This unique technique allows transfection of plasmid DNA temporally and spatially, which will aid many neuroscientists in studying brain development.

在子宫内电穿孔：鼠标控制时空基因Transefection

In order to understand the function of genes expressed in specific region of the developing brain, including signaling molecules and axon guidance ...

Gene Transfer to the Developing Mouse Inner Ear by In Vivo Electroporation

The mammalian inner ear has 6 distinct sensory epithelia: 3 cristae in the ampullae of the semicircular canals; maculae in the utricle and saccule; and the organ of Corti in the coiled cochlea. The cristae and maculae contain vestibular hair cells that transduce mechanical stimuli to subserve the special sense of balance, while auditory hair cells in the organ of Corti are the primary transducers for hearing 1. Cell fate specification in these sensory epithelia and morphogenesis of the semicircular canals and cochlea take place during the second week of gestation in the mouse and are largely completed before birth 2,3. Developmental studies of the mouse inner ear are routinely conducted by harvesting transgenic embryos at different embryonic or postnatal stages to gain insight into the molecular basis of cellular and/or morphological phenotypes 4,5. We hypothesize that gene transfer to the developing mouse inner ear in utero in the context of gain- and loss-of-function studies represents a complimentary approach to traditional mouse transgenesis for the interrogation of the genetic mechanisms underlying mammalian inner ear development6.
The experimental paradigm to conduct gene misexpression studies in the developing mouse inner ear demonstrated here resolves into three general steps: 1) ventral laparotomy; 2) transuterine microinjection; and 3) in vivo electroporation. Ventral laparotomy is a mouse survival surgical technique that permits externalization of the uterus to gain experimental access to the implanted embryos7. Transuterine microinjection is the use of beveled, glass capillary micropipettes to introduce expression plasmid into the lumen of the otic vesicle or otocyst. In vivo electroporation is the application of square wave, direct current pulses to drive expression plasmid into progenitor cells8-10. 
We previously described this electroporation-based gene transfer technique and included detailed notes on each step of the protocol11. Mouse experimental embryological techniques can be difficult to learn from prose and still images alone. In the present work, we demonstrate the 3 steps in the gene transfer procedure. Most critically, we deploy digital video microscopy to show precisely how to: 1) identify embryo orientation in utero; 2) reorient embryos for targeting injections to the otocyst; 3) microinject DNA mixed with tracer dye solution into the otocyst at embryonic days 11.5 and 12.5; 4) electroporate the injected otocyst; and 5) label electroporated embryos for postnatal selection at birth. We provide representative examples of successfully transfected inner ears; a pictorial guide to the most common causes of otocyst mistargeting; discuss how to avoid common methodological errors; and present guidelines for writing an in utero gene transfer animal care protocol.

Gene Transfer to the Developing Mouse Inner Ear by In Vivo Electroporation

The mouse inner ear is a placode-derived sensory organ whose developmental program is elaborated during gestation. We define an in utero gene transfer technique consisting of three steps: mouse ventral laparotomy, transuterine microinjection, and in vivo electroporation. We use digital video microscopy to demonstrate the critical experimental embryological techniques.

转基因小鼠内耳的发展<em&gt;在体内</em&gt;电穿孔

The mammalian inner ear has 6 distinct sensory epithelia: 3 cristae in the ampullae of the semicircular canals; maculae in the utricle and saccule; and ...

Expansion of Embryonic and Adult Neural Stem Cells by In Utero Electroporation or Viral Stereotaxic Injection

Somatic stem cells can divide to generate additional stem cells (expansion) or more differentiated cell types (differentiation), which is fundamental for tissue formation during embryonic development and tissue homeostasis during adulthood 1. Currently, great efforts are invested towards controlling the switch of somatic stem cells from expansion to differentiation because this is thought to be fundamental for developing novel strategies for regenerative medicine 1,2. However, a major challenge in the study and use of somatic stem cell is that their expansion has been proven very difficult to control.
Here we describe a system that allows the control of neural stem/progenitor cell (altogether referred to as NSC) expansion in the mouse embryonic cortex or the adult hippocampus by manipulating the expression of the cdk4/cyclinD1 complex, a major regulator of the G1 phase of the cell cycle and somatic stem cell differentiation 3,4. Specifically, two different approaches are described by which the cdk4/cyclinD1 complex is overexpressed in NSC in vivo. By the first approach, overexpression of the cell cycle regulators is obtained by injecting plasmids encoding for cdk4/cyclinD1 in the lumen of the mouse telencephalon followed by in utero electroporation to deliver them to NSC of the lateral cortex, thus, triggering episomal expression of the transgenes 5-8. By the second approach, highly concentrated HIV-derived viruses are stereotaxically injected in the dentate gyrus of the adult mouse hippocampus, thus, triggering constitutive expression of the cell cycle regulators after integration of the viral construct in the genome of infected cells 9. Both approaches, whose basic principles were already described by other video protocols 10-14, were here optimized to i) reduce tissue damage, ii) target wide portions of very specific brain regions, iii) obtain high numbers of manipulated cells within each region, and iv) trigger high expression levels of the transgenes within each cell. Transient overexpression of the transgenes using the two approaches is obtained by different means i.e. by natural dilution of the electroporated plasmids due to cell division or tamoxifen administration in Cre-expressing NSC infected with viruses carrying cdk4/cyclinD1 flanked by loxP sites, respectively 9,15.
These methods provide a very powerful platform to acutely and tissue-specifically manipulate the expression of any gene in the mouse brain. In particular, by manipulating the expression of the cdk4/cyclinD1 complex, our system allows the temporal control of NSC expansion and their switch to differentiation, thus, ultimately increasing the number of neurons generated in the mammalian brain. Our approach may be critically important for basic research and using somatic stem cells for therapy of the mammalian central nervous system while providing a better understanding of i) stem cell contribution to tissue formation during development, ii) tissue homeostasis during adulthood, iii) the role of adult neurogenesis in cognitive functions, and perhaps, iv) better using somatic stem cells in models of neurodegenerative diseases.

Expansion of Embryonic and Adult Neural Stem Cells by In Utero Electroporation or Viral Stereotaxic Injection

Controlling the expansion of somatic stem cells is a major factor hampering their study and use in therapy. Here we describe a system to temporally control neural stem cells expansion during development and adulthood, which can be used to increase the number of neurons generated in the mouse brain.

扩展胚胎及成体神经干细胞<em&gt;在子宫内</em电穿孔或病毒立体定向注射

Somatic stem cells can divide to generate additional stem cells (expansion) or more differentiated cell types (differentiation), which is fundamental for ...

In vivo Postnatal Electroporation and Time-lapse Imaging of Neuroblast Migration in Mouse Acute Brain Slices

The subventricular zone (SVZ) is one of the main neurogenic niches in the postnatal brain. Here, neural progenitors proliferate and give rise to neuroblasts able to move along the rostral migratory stream (RMS) towards the olfactory bulb (OB). This long-distance migration is required for the subsequent maturation of newborn neurons in the OB, but the molecular mechanisms regulating this process are still unclear. Investigating the signaling pathways controlling neuroblast motility may not only help understand a fundamental step in neurogenesis, but also have therapeutic regenerative potential, given the ability of these neuroblasts to target brain sites affected by injury, stroke, or degeneration.
In this manuscript we describe a detailed protocol for in vivo postnatal electroporation and subsequent time-lapse imaging of neuroblast migration in the mouse RMS. Postnatal electroporation can efficiently transfect SVZ progenitor cells, which in turn generate neuroblasts migrating along the RMS. Using confocal spinning disk time-lapse microscopy on acute brain slice cultures, neuroblast migration can be monitored in an environment closely resembling the in vivo condition. Moreover, neuroblast motility can be tracked and quantitatively analyzed. As an example, we describe how to use in vivo postnatal electroporation of a GFP-expressing plasmid to label and visualize neuroblasts migrating along the RMS. Electroporation of shRNA or CRE recombinase-expressing plasmids in conditional knockout mice employing the LoxP system can also be used to target genes of interest. Pharmacological manipulation of acute brain slice cultures can be performed to investigate the role of different signaling molecules in neuroblast migration. By coupling in vivo electroporation with time-lapse imaging, we hope to understand the molecular mechanisms controlling neuroblast motility and contribute to the development of novel approaches to promote brain repair.

In vivo Postnatal Electroporation and Time-lapse Imaging of Neuroblast Migration in Mouse Acute Brain Slices

Neuroblast migration is a fundamental event in postnatal neurogenesis. We describe a protocol for efficient labeling of neuroblasts by in vivo postnatal electroporation and subsequent visualization of their migration using time-lapse imaging of acute brain slices. We include a description for the quantitative analysis of neuroblast dynamics by video tracking.

成神经细胞迁移的小鼠急性脑片在体内电穿孔产后和时间推移成像

The subventricular zone (SVZ) is one of the main neurogenic niches in the postnatal brain. Here, neural progenitors proliferate and give rise to ...

Subtype-selective Electroporation of Cortical Interneurons

The study of central nervous system (CNS) maturation relies on genetic targeting of neuronal populations. However, the task of restricting the expression of genes of interest to specific neuronal subtypes has proven remarkably challenging due to the relative scarcity of specific promoter elements. GABAergic interneurons constitute a neuronal population with extensive genetic and morphological diversity. Indeed, more than 11 different subtypes of GABAergic interneurons have been characterized in the mouse cortex1. Here we present an adapted protocol for selective targeting of GABAergic populations. We achieved subtype selective targeting of GABAergic interneurons by using the enhancer element of the homeobox transcription factors Dlx5 and Dlx6, homologues of the Drosophila distal-less (Dll) gene2,3, to drive the expression of specific genes through in utero electroporation.

This procedure shows how to target interneurons in the developing mouse forebrain by means of in utero electroporation. This technique was particularly efficient to achieve selective gene expression in interneuron subtypes destined to the superficial layers of the cortex.

皮质的interneurons的亚型选择性电穿孔

The study of central nervous system (CNS) maturation relies on genetic targeting of neuronal populations. However, the task of restricting the expression ...

Analysis of Gene Expression Changes in the Rat Hippocampus After Deep Brain Stimulation of the Anterior Thalamic Nucleus

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, targeting various regions of the brain such as the basal ganglia, thalamus, and subthalamic regions, is an effective treatment for several movement disorders that have failed to respond to medication. Recent progress in the field of DBS surgery has begun to extend the application of this surgical technique to other conditions as diverse as morbid obesity, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. Despite these expanding indications, little is known about the underlying physiological mechanisms that facilitate the beneficial effects of DBS surgery. One approach to this question is to perform gene expression analysis in neurons that receive the electrical stimulation. Previous studies have shown that neurogenesis in the rat dentate gyrus is elicited in DBS targeting of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus1. DBS surgery targeting the ATN is used widely for treatment refractory epilepsy. It is thus of much interest for us to explore the transcriptional changes induced by electrically stimulating the ATN. In this manuscript, we describe our methodologies for stereotactically-guided DBS surgery targeting the ATN in adult male Wistar rats. We also discuss the subsequent steps for tissue dissection, RNA isolation, cDNA preparation and quantitative RT-PCR for measuring gene expression changes. This method could be applied and modified for stimulating the basal ganglia and other regions of the brain commonly clinically targeted. The gene expression study described here assumes a candidate target gene approach for discovering molecular players that could be directing the mechanism for DBS.

The mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery needs investigation. The methods presented in this manuscript describe an experimental approach to examine the cellular events triggered by DBS by analyzing the gene expression profile of candidate genes that can facilitate neurogenesis post DBS surgery.

基因表达的变化大鼠海马后，前丘脑核脑深部刺激分析

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, targeting various regions of the brain such as the basal ganglia, thalamus, and subthalamic regions, is an effective ...

Using Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting to Examine Cell-Type-Specific Gene Expression in Rat Brain Tissue

The brain is comprised of four primary cell types including neurons, astrocytes, microglia and oligodendrocytes. Though they are not the most abundant cell type in the brain, neurons are the most widely studied of these cell types given their direct role in impacting behaviors. Other cell types in the brain also impact neuronal function and behavior via the signaling molecules they produce. Neuroscientists must understand the interactions between the cell types in the brain to better understand how these interactions impact neural function and disease. To date, the most common method of analyzing protein or gene expression utilizes the homogenization of whole tissue samples, usually with blood, and without regard for cell type. This approach is an informative approach for examining general changes in gene or protein expression that may influence neural function and behavior; however, this method of analysis does not lend itself to a greater understanding of cell-type-specific gene expression and the effect of cell-to-cell communication on neural function. Analysis of behavioral epigenetics has been an area of growing focus which examines how modifications of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) structure impact long-term gene expression and behavior; however, this information may only be relevant if analyzed in a cell-type-specific manner given the differential lineage and thus epigenetic markers that may be present on certain genes of individual neural cell types. The Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) technique described below provides a simple and effective way to isolate individual neural cells for the subsequent analysis of gene expression, protein expression, or epigenetic modifications of DNA. This technique can also be modified to isolate more specific neural cell types in the brain for subsequent cell-type-specific analysis.

The goal of this protocol is to use the fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) technique to sort specific types of neural cells for subsequent analysis of cell-type-specific gene expression, epigenetic markers, and or protein expression.

在大鼠脑组织用荧光活化细胞分选，以检查细胞类型特异性基因表达

The brain is comprised of four primary cell types including neurons, astrocytes, microglia and oligodendrocytes. Though they are not the most abundant ...