Université catholique de Louvain

Measuring the osmotic water permeability coefficient (P_f) of cells can help understand the regulatory mechanisms of aquaporins (AQPs). P_f determination in spherical plant cell protoplasts presented here involves protoplasts isolation and numerical analysis of their initial rate of volume change as a result of an osmotic challenge during constant bath perfusion.

Here, we present a protocol to measure nasal potential difference in mice. The test quantifies the function of transmembrane ion transporters such as the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator and the epithelial sodium channel. It is valuable to evaluate the efficacy of novel therapies for cystic fibrosis.

Increasing evidence indicates that excessive infiltration of lipids inside skeletal muscle results in lipotoxicity and diabetes. Here, we present a complete protocol, including tissue processing, staining with Bodipy, image acquisition, and analysis, to quantify the size, density, and subcellular distribution of lipid droplets in a fiber-type specific manner.