We gratefully acknowledge Dr. Deborah L. Gumucio as our advisor and for her invaluable support in defining the culture and imaging methods. We also thank Dr. Jim Brodie, Dr. Hong-Xiang Lu, Dr. Charlotte Mistretta, and Dr. Ann Grosse for their contributions to the development of the whole intestine organ culture system. Helpful discussions on imaging provided excellent advice from Dr. Chip Montrose, Michael Czerwinski and Sasha Meshinchi. All imaging was performed in the Microscopy and Image Analysis Laboratory at the University of Michigan. Funding support was provided by NIH R01 DK065850.

HINWEIS: Alle Mäuse wurden mit human Protokolle, die von der University of Michigan Medical School Einheit für Labortiermedizin zugelassen und nach den Richtlinien der Universität Ausschuss für Nutzung und Pflege von Tieren behandelt. 1. Vollorgankultursystem <ol><li> Herstellung der Medien und Kulturplatten <ol><li> In einer Gewebekultur Haube, entfernen 5 ml BGJb Medien aus der Flasche und 5 ml Pen / Strep. Bereiten Sie einen Arbeitsvorrat von Medien in einem 50 ml konischen Röhrchen, durch Zugabe von 1 ml 5 mg / ml Ascorbinsäure bis 49 ml BGJb Medien (mit Pen / Strep). </li><li> Bereiten Sie eine 6-Loch-Kulturplatte durch Zugabe von 1 ml unter jedem der Transwells. HINWEIS: Wenn alle 6 Transwells nicht verwendet werden, bewegen zusätzlichen Transwells in eine frische sterile 6-Well-Platte für die spätere Verwendung. 3 ml Arbeits BGJb Medien zu jedem der drei 10 cm sterile Petrischalen. </li></ol></li><li> Vorbereitung für die Präparation <ol><li> Weichen Sie sezieren Tools in 70% Ethanolnol und sicher sein, die Werkzeuge sauber zu halten, während der Arbeit. </li><li> Einrichten der Sektionsbereich mit einem großen Eiskübel und platzieren Sie den 6-Loch-Kulturplatte und 10 cm Petrischalen mit BGJb Medien auf Eis. Arbeiten auf Eis, so viel wie möglich, während sezieren und die Vorbereitung der Darm für die Kultur. </li><li> Betäuben erwachsenen weiblichen Mäusen in einer Kammer mit Isofluran (100 ul) vor der Euthanasie durch Genickbruch für die Ernte der fetalen Darm. </li><li> Nach der Ernte der Föten von ihrer Mutter, zu inszenieren jeder Fötus sorgfältig nach dem Theiler Inszenierung Grafik 13. An den Tagen Verlassen Sie sich nicht nach dem Koitus auf das Alter des Fötus als Variationen von bis zu 24 Stunden in Entwicklungsstufe werden routinemäßig in einem einzigen Wurf beobachtet zu bestimmen. </li></ol></li><li> Dissektion der fetalen Darm <ol><li> Euthanize Föten durch Enthauptung vor der Entfernung der Eingeweide. </li><li> Sezieren jeden Darm in 1x Dulbecco Phosphat-gepufferte Saline (DPBS) und dann place es in eine 10 cm Petrischale mit Arbeits BGJb Medien. </li><li> Die Milz aus dem Magen und die Bauchspeicheldrüse aus dem Magen und Zwölffingerdarm oberen vorsichtig entfernen. </li><li> Trennen Sie vorsichtig das Netz darauf achten, dass die Netz so weit wie möglich und Trenn Verbindungen nur genug befestigt lassen, damit der Darm begradigt werden. HINWEIS: Für Darm älter als E14.5 oder den Personen, die länger als 24 Stunden kultiviert, sanft trennen den Darm in 3 gleich große Segmente zu ermöglichen luminalen Inhalte durch den Darm fließen und von den Schnittenden ausgeschlossen werden. Für Kulturen begannen vor E13.5 warten, bis nach 24 h der Kultivierung vor Abtrennen der 3 Segmente des Darms, damit der Serosa ordnungsgemäß über die Länge des Darms wachsen. </li><li> Verwenden Sie einen Mund pipettieren, um die Darmstücke auf die Transwells von der Kulturplatte (1.1.2) zu übertragen. </li><li> Vorsichtig positionieren den Darm nach Bedarf, so dass sie gerade über die transwell. Hinweis: Wenn der Darm beginnen, sich luminalen Inhalte durch die Röhre, werden alle Knicke im Darm ein Backup und eine Beschädigung des Darmes führen. </li></ol></li><li> Kultur und Behandlung <ol><li> Entfernen Sie die Medien unter dem Transwell, fügen Sie 700 ul der Behandlung Medien (Arbeitsmedien mit Mehr rekombinanten Proteinen oder pharmakologische Inhibitoren) im Rahmen des Transwell. </li><li> Fügen Sie 300 ul Behandlungsmedien tropfenweise auf der Oberseite des Darms und lassen Sie es durch die Transwell einweichen. Positionieren Sie den Darm wie nötig. </li><li> Ändern Behandlungsmedien mindestens einmal täglich oder öfter in Abhängigkeit von der Halbwertszeit des Behandlungs Reagenz. </li></ol></li><li> Herstellung von Protein-Agarose-Kügelchen eingeweicht für eine lokalisierte Quelle der Behandlung Reagenz <ol><li> Resuspendieren der Agarose in ihren Vorratsbehälter und dann 100 ul Agarosekügelchen in ein 1,5 ml Mikrozentrifugenröhrchen. </li><li> Füllen Sie die restliche Volumen des Rohres mit sterilem 1x Phosphate Kochsalzlösung (PBS) und mischen Sie die Perlen, um sie zu waschen. Legen Sie die Mikrozentrifugenröhrchen in einem Rack für ein paar Minuten, damit die Perlen am Boden absetzen und dann pipettieren Sie das PBS von oben auf den Perlen. Füllen Sie den Mikrozentrifugenröhrchen mit sterilem 1x PBS und zweimal wiederholen Sie den Waschprozess. </li><li> Vorbereitung für das Protein von Interesse auf das Zweifache der für die Behandlung gewünschten Konzentration. </li><li> Mischen 5 ul gewaschenen Agarose-Kügelchen mit 5 ul der Protein 2x Lager und sanft schütteln die Perlen in das Protein. Das Röhrchen auf Eis für 1 h, vorsichtiges Mischen alle 10-15 min. </li><li> Spülen Sie die Perlen kurz in sterilem 1x PBS, bevor Sie die Perlen auf den Darm. </li></ol></li><li> Platzierung von Agarose-Beads <ol><li> Sanft legen Sie die Agarose-Kügelchen auf der Oberseite der Darm mit Hilfe eines mit dem Mund pipettieren gezogen Kapillarnadeln. Legen Sie die Perlen mit äußerster Vorsicht als grobe Behandlung wird den Darm beschädigen und zu verhindern villus Entwicklung in den verletzten Bereich. </li><li> Legen Sie doppelt so viele Perlen wie für die Analyse benötigt werden, da der Darm wird peristaltische Bewegungen und etwa die Hälfte der Perlen gelegt wird weg von den Darm über die Kultivierungszeit rollen zu unterziehen. </li></ol></li><li> Fixierung von kultivierten Darm <ol><li> Die Behandlungsmedien vorsichtig aus unterhalb des Transwell und lassen den Darm an der Luft trocknen für 3 min. </li><li> 1 ml Fixativ unter der Transwell für 2 min, dann decken die Spitze der Darm mit 2 ml Fixiermittel für den Rest der Fixierungszeit. Fix mit 4% Paraformaldehyd O / N bei 4 ° C oder für 2 Stunden bei RT. </li></ol></li></ol> 2. Imaging von Fest Darm <ol><li> Wholemount-Bildgebung <ol><li> Stelle sämtliche Darm (mit endogenen Fluoreszenz) auf einem Objektträger mit 100 ul 1x DPBS. Verwenden einer Pinzette vorsichtig arrangieren den Darm. </li><li> Verwenden Sie ein Labor Gewebe vorsichtig die DPBS und sofort 100 l 70% Glycerin, um das Gewebe zu machen mowieder transparent und erhöhen die mögliche Tiefe der Bildgebung. HINWEIS: Wenn ein weiteres Eindringen des Darms gewünscht wird, statt die Montage der Darm in 70% Glycerin, genießen den Darm in ein paar Tropfen von Focus Klare Lösung für 10-30 min. Pipettieren Sie den Fokus Klare Lösung und montieren Sie den Darm mit dem Berg Klar. </li><li> Tauchen Sie jede der vier Ecken eines Deckglases in Knetmasse und holen Sie eine kleine Menge von Ton zu als Abstandshalter zwischen dem Schieber und Deckglas zu verwenden, um das Deckglas aus Abflachung der Darm zu halten. </li><li> Deckglas auf den Objektträger mit geschmolzenem VALAP mit einem Wattestäbchen aufgetragen. </li><li> Bild der Darm entweder aufrecht oder invertiert konfokalen Mikroskop. Bitte beachten Sie die Diskussion für weitere Details. </li></ol></li><li> Vibratom Schnitte von Fest Darm (zum Querschnitt der Darmstrukturen) <ol><li> Einbetten Darm in 7% Agarose in kleinen Kunststoffformen (10 x 10 x 15 mm) und damit die Agarose-Blöckeabkühlen und sich verfestigen. </li><li> Entfernen Agarose-Blöcke aus den Kunststoffformen und Leim Agarose-Blöcke auf die Sammlung Vibratom Bühne mit Sekundenkleber. </li><li> Füllen Sie die Sammelphase mit eiskaltem 1x DPBS. </li><li> Zuschnitte mit einer Dicke zwischen 100-150 um. Bei dickeren Abschnitte verwenden Clearing-Lösungen (in Abschnitt 2.1.2 beschrieben) tiefer in den Querschnitt zu visualisieren. </li><li> Pour Vibratom Abschnitte der Sammelstufe in eine Vertiefung einer 6-Well-Platte für die Lagerung bei 4 ° C ist. </li></ol></li><li> Immunfluoreszenzfärbung von festen, Vibratom geschnitten Gewebe <ol><li> Zeigen 5-12 Vibratom Abschnitte pro Vertiefung in eine 24-Well-Platte mit 1x DPBS. </li><li> 1x DPBS entfernen und fügen 500 ul Permeabilisierung Lösung pro Vertiefung. Schaukeln die Proben für 25 min bei RT. </li><li> Nach Permeabilisierung, waschen Sie die Proben 3 mal mit PBS 1x. </li><li> Block die Proben für mindestens 30 min in 500 ul Blockierungslösung. </li><li> Nach dem Blockieren exchange der Blockierungslösung mit 500 ul primäre Antikörper verdünnt in Blockierungslösung und halte die Proben bei 4 ° CO / N. HINWEIS: Die primären Antikörperverdünnungen, die auf gefrorenen und Paraffinschnitten gut funktionieren in der Regel gut auf Vibratom Abschnitte zu, jedoch erfordern Antikörper im Kern Antigen-Retrieval in der Regel nicht gut mit diesem Protokoll (zB BrdU) zu arbeiten. </li><li> Am folgenden Tag, waschen Sie die Proben 3 mal für 15 min mit je Blockierlösung. </li><li> Nach dem Waschen anzuwenden 500 ul des sekundären Antikörpers in Blockierlösung verdünnt. Wickeln Sie die 24-Well-Platte in Alufolie, um die Fluorophore von Licht für 45 min bei RT schützen und rocken die Proben 2 Stunden. </li><li> 3 mal waschen die Proben mit 1x PBS für jeweils 15 min und montieren Sie die Vibratom Abschnitte auf Objektträger, wie in Abschnitt 2.4 beschrieben. </li></ol></li><li> Montage Vibratom Abschnitte <ol><li> Bereiten Sie Folien für Vibratom Montage durch Schneiden von dünnen Scheiben der Doppel-stick Band und indem sie entlang der langen Seiten der Folien. </li><li> Vorsichtig 5-10 Vibratom Abschnitte zwischen dem doppelseitigem Klebeband auf den Folien in einem Tropfen von 100 ul 1x PBS. </li><li> Entfalten alle Abschnitte und breitete sie in einer einzigen Schicht über die Rutsche. </li><li> Entfernen Sie überschüssiges Agarose oder unebenen Bits, die einen Deckglas aus dem Sitzen Flach verhindern würde. </li><li> Sorgfältig einen Labor Gewebe aus der ganzen Vibratom Abschnitte tanken überschüssige 1x PBS. </li><li> Fügen Sie einen Tropfen wässrigen Eindeckmedium auf der Oberseite der Vibratom Abschnitte und dann das Deckglas. </li><li> Verschließen Sie die Deckgläser auf die Objektträger mit zerlassener VALAP angewendet mit einem Wattestäbchen. </li><li> Bild die Vibratom Abschnitte entweder aufrecht oder invertiert konfokalen Mikroskop. Bitte beachten Sie die Diskussion für weitere Details zur Auswahl eines Abbildungssystems beziehen. </li></ol></li></ol> 3. Live-Imaging von Whole Darm Darm von fetuse geerntets nach E12.5, mit dem angeschlossenen Netz intakt gelassen, erfolgreich zu entwickeln Zotten in Kultur unter Verwendung der oben System. Daher ermöglicht diese ex vivo-System die Erfassung von lebenden z-Schnittbilder der Entwicklungs Darm, die eine dreidimensionale Ansicht der Morphogenese im Laufe der Zeit wieder aufgebaut werden kann. <ol><li> Einrichten Live-Bildgebung <ol><li> Sekundenkleber verwenden, eine individuelle Polycarbonatmembran auf ein feinmaschiges Sieb zu halten. Dies bietet eine Unterstützung Gerüst, um den Darm an Ort und Stelle unter dem Eintauchen Linse des konfokalen Mikroskop aufrecht zu halten. Bitte beachten Sie die Diskussion Abschnitt für weitere Details über die Auswahl der Live-Bildgebung Mikroskope beziehen. </li><li> Legen Sie die Mesh-Bildschirm in der Mitte und einer Kulturplatte. </li><li> Legen Sie die seziert Darm auf die Polycarbonatmembran und einen Tropfen Sekundenkleber an jedem Ende. Verwenden Sie nur ausreichend Leim, um den Darm zu befestigen, aber nicht überziehen es! </li><li> Fügen Kulturmedien frei von Phenol-Rot unter dem PolycarbonatMembran in der Mitte und von der Kulturplatte. </li><li> Wasser hinzufügen, um den äußeren Rand der Kulturplatte gegen Feuchtigkeit bieten. </li><li> Da die fötalen Darm erfährt peristaltische artige Kontraktionswellen in der Kultur wird mit 100 ul einer 1: 5-Lösung von Xylazin in 1x PBS bis 3 ml Medium, um die Bewegung des Darmes während Abbildungs ​​steuern. Diese Dosierung wird Darmbewegungen für etwa 8-10 Stunden ohne Kompromisse villus Entwicklung steuern. </li><li> Für eine Queransicht des Darms, die Live-Darm einbetten in einer 3-4% igen Lösung und schneiden dicke Abschnitte (150-500 um) auf einem Vibratom. Entsprechen die Steifigkeit der Agarose mit der Steifigkeit des Darms geschnitten und empirisch ermittelt die Entwicklungsstadium. Im Allgemeinen wird eine 3% Agarose-Lösung eignet sich gut für Darm jünger als E14.5 und eine 4% ige Lösung funktioniert gut für Darm E15-E16. </li><li> Kleben Sie die Vibratom Abschnitte, um eine Polycarbonatmembran mit einem Mesh-Sieb angebracht (wie in Abschnitt 3.1.1) undKultur, wie in Abschnitt 3.1.2-3.1.6 beschrieben. </li><li> Führen die Echtzeit-Bildgebung unter Verwendung einer Zwei-Photonen konfokalen Fluoreszenzmikroskop (Anregungslaser zwischen 690-1,040 nm) an einem aufrechten Ständer mit einem abstimmbaren Tabelle. </li><li> Zwei-Photonen-Laser bis 900 nm tiefe Penetration mit der besten Auflösung für GFP-Signale bietet abgestimmt. Es reduziert Schäden an Geweben während Imaging. Darüber hinaus die Einstellung der Leistung des Lasers auf das geringstmögliche Emissions verringert Gewebeschäden. Typischerweise, um eine gute Anregung von GFP zu erhalten, verwenden 12% der Leistung auf der Zwei-Photonen-Laser. </li></ol></li></ol>

<ol>
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The authors have no financial conflicts to disclose.

Die Dynamik und komplexe Gewebe-Wechselwirkungen der Entwicklungs Darm erfordert 3D-Visualisierung, um eine volle Anerkennung dieser morphogenetischen Ereignisse. Mit der Entwicklung der Imaging-Technologie, die Fähigkeit villus Morphogenese im Detail entwickelt / verbessert und mit ihr wird das Verständnis der räumlichen Kommunikation und Interaktion während der Organogenese stark verbessert zu prüfen. Alternative Methoden zur Kultivierung ganze Darm wurden auch getestet worden, aber d...

Each intestinal villus is composed of two main tissue compartments: an epithelial surface layer and a mesenchymal core. The mouse small intestine is formed at embryonic day 10 when a sheet of endoderm closes and seals to form a tube of epithelium surrounded by mesenchymal cells3. This flat tube of epithelium undergoes rapid proliferation, growing both in length and girth and undergoes dramatic rearrangements involving dynamic cell shape changes1. At the same time, the surrounding mesenchyme also undergoes many developmental processes including the formation of the vascular plexus, differentiation of smooth muscle and recruitment of enteric neurons4. In the proximal small intestine at embryonic day 14.5, condensations (clusters) of Hedgehog- and PDGF-responsive cells begin to form adjacent to the epithelium2,5. Formation of mesenchymal clusters continues to spread along the length of the intestine so that they cover the entirety of the small intestine by embryonic day 16.52. As mesenchymal clusters form, the epithelial cells closest to the clusters begin to withdraw from the cell cycle, while the other epithelial cells continue to proliferate. Those cells directly above the mesenchymal cluster that have withdrawn from the cell cycle begin to change shape as the emerging villus buckles into the lumen. Further growth of the villus is driven in part by the continued proliferation of the epithelium between the emerging villi. The mesenchymal clusters remain tightly adhered to the epithelium of the growing villus and continue to express a variety of signaling molecules. The wave of villus emergence propagates along the length of the small intestine following the formation of mesenchymal clusters. As the intestine continues to grow and the intervillus region extends between emerging villi, new mesenchymal clusters form adjacent to the intervillus epithelium and further rounds of villus emergence and growth ensue6.
Synchronized development of the epithelium and mesenchyme is essential for villus morphogenesis. Signaling molecules are secreted from one layer to the other where receptors receive and transduce the signal message in order to coordinate development between the epithelium and mesenchyme. Mesenchymal clusters act as signaling centers and express a variety of developmental morphogens7-10. Disruption of cluster formation or pattern results in loss of villus emergence and pattern. Inhibition of PDGF signaling results in fewer clusters and fewer villi and those villi that do form are misshapen following the abnormal clusters11. Loss of Hedgehog signaling results in complete loss of cluster formation and failure of villus emergence2,12. Together, these data demonstrate that clusters coordinate development of the villus epithelium with its mesenchymal core.
Using this whole organ culture system, we are able to alter signaling involved in epithelial-mesenchymal cluster cross-talk to determine the role of those signals in villus morphogenesis. Two-photon confocal optical sectioning and reconstruction afford the ability to visualize cluster formation and villus emergence in three-dimensions and better understand the spatial relationships between the mesenchymal clusters and their overlying epithelium. Extending the culture system to four dimensions, we can capture z-stacks of developing clusters and villi over time and observe these interactions. Ultimately, the ability to follow villus development in this manner and observe changes that occur with altered signaling will revolutionize the understanding of epithelial mesenchymal interactions in villus morphogenesis.

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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:508px;">Fine dissecting forceps&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:223px;">Fine Science Tools</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">&#160;11254-20</td>
			<td style="width:444px;">2 pairs</td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">70% Ethanol</td>
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		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">1x sterile Dulbecco&#39;s Phosphate-Buffered Saline (DPBS)</td>
			<td>Gibco&#160;</td>
			<td>14040-133</td>
			<td style="width:444px;">500 ml</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">6 well plates</td>
			<td>Costar</td>
			<td>3516</td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">24 well plates</td>
			<td>Costar&#160;</td>
			<td>3524</td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">60 x 15 mm petri dishes</td>
			<td>Falcon</td>
			<td>&#160;451007</td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Transwell plates, 24 mm inserts, 8.0 mm polycarbonate membranes</td>
			<td>Corning Costar&#160;</td>
			<td>3428</td>
			<td style="width:444px;">6 inserts per plate</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">BGJb media</td>
			<td>Invitrogen&#160;</td>
			<td>12591-038</td>
			<td style="width:444px;">500 ml</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">PenStrep (10,000U/ml Penicillin; 10,000 mg/ml Streptomycin)</td>
			<td>Gibco</td>
			<td>&#160;15140</td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Ascorbic Acid</td>
			<td>Sigma&#160;</td>
			<td>A0278</td>
			<td style="width:444px;">make 5 mg/ml stock, filter, aliquot and store at -20 &#176;C</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="63">
			<td height="63" style="height:63px;">Mouth pipet (Drummond 1-15 inch aspirator tube assembly)</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">&#160;21-180-10</td>
			<td style="width:444px;">remove the aspirator assembly and replace it with a 1000 &#181;l pipet tip which acts as an adaptor to plug in a 6 inch glass Pasteur pipet.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">6 inch glass pasteur pipets</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Agarose beads</td>
			<td>BioRad&#160;</td>
			<td>153-7301</td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Capillary Tubes</td>
			<td>World Precision Instruments&#160;</td>
			<td>TW100F-4</td>
			<td style="width:444px;">pull to needles</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;">4% Paraformaldehyde</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td style="width:444px;">made in 1 x PBS, pH to 7.3</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;"></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;"></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Live Imaging Materials</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Name of Material/Equipment</td>
			<td>Company</td>
			<td>Catalog Number</td>
			<td style="width:444px;">Comments/Description</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Culture plates</td>
			<td>Falcon&#160;</td>
			<td>353037</td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Fine mesh stainless steel screen</td>
			<td>purchase at hardware store</td>
			<td></td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;">Polycarbonate membranes</td>
			<td>Thomas scientific&#160;</td>
			<td>4663H25</td>
			<td style="width:444px;">alternatively, cut Corning Costar 3428 membranes off of transwell supports</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;">Instant glue</td>
			<td>purchase at hardware store</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">gel based preferrably</td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">35 x 10 mm plates</td>
			<td>Falcon&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">351008</td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">7% agarose</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>&#160;A9414</td>
			<td style="width:444px;">prepare w/v in 1x DPBS, heating to dissolve in a waterbath</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">minutien pins</td>
			<td>Fine Science Tools&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">26002-20</td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Phenol red free media (DMEM)</td>
			<td>Gibco&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">21063-029</td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Xylazine (100 mg/ml)</td>
			<td>AnaSed&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">139-236</td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;">Matrigel</td>
			<td>BD</td>
			<td style="width:133px;">356231</td>
			<td style="width:444px;">basement membrane matrix, growth factor reduced, phenol red-free</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;">3-4% agarose</td>
			<td>Sigma&#160;</td>
			<td>A9414</td>
			<td style="width:444px;">prepare w/v in 1x DPBS, heating to dissolve in a waterbath</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;"></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Imaging of fixed intestines</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Name of Material/Equipment</td>
			<td>Company</td>
			<td>Catalog Number</td>
			<td style="width:444px;">Comments/Description</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">vaseline</td>
			<td style="width:223px;">purchase at pharmacy</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>used to make VALAP: equal parts vaseline, lanolin, paraffin</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">lanolin</td>
			<td style="width:223px;">Sigma&#160;</td>
			<td>L7387</td>
			<td>used to make VALAP: equal parts vaseline, lanolin, paraffin</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">paraffin</td>
			<td style="width:223px;">Surgipath</td>
			<td>39601006</td>
			<td>used to make VALAP: equal parts vaseline, lanolin, paraffin</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">70% glycerol in 1 x PBS</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Focus clear and Mount Clear</td>
			<td>CelExplorer Labs Co.</td>
			<td>&#160;F101-KIT</td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Modeling clay</td>
			<td>purchase at art supply store</td>
			<td></td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">double stick tape</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">cotton applicator swabs</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">plastic molds, 10mm x 10mm x 5 mm)</td>
			<td>Tissue Tek&#160;</td>
			<td>4565</td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">slides</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">coverslips</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">lab wipe</td>
			<td>Kimberly Clark</td>
			<td>34155</td>
			<td style="width:444px;">lint free delicate task wipe</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;">Theiler staging chart&#160;</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td style="width:444px;"><a href="http://www.emouseatlas.org/emap/ema/theiler_stages/%20downloads/theiler2.pdf">http://www.emouseatlas.org/emap/ema/theiler_stages/ downloads/theiler2.pdf</a></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Leica SP5X confocal microscope&#160;</td>
			<td>Leica</td>
			<td></td>
			<td style="width:444px;">Used to conduct the live imaging&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Leica DMI 6000 stand&#160;</td>
			<td>Leica</td>
			<td></td>
			<td style="width:444px;">Used to conduct the live imaging&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;">Aqueous mounting medium (Prolong Gold)</td>
			<td>Molecular Probes&#160;</td>
			<td>P36930</td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;"></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Materials for Immunofluorescence staining of fixed, vibratome sectioned intestines</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Name of Material/Equipment</td>
			<td>Company</td>
			<td>Catalog Number</td>
			<td style="width:444px;">Comments/Description</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">24 well plate</td>
			<td>Costar</td>
			<td>&#160;3524</td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;">Triton X-100</td>
			<td>Sigma&#160;</td>
			<td>T-8787</td>
			<td style="width:444px;">used to make Permeabilization solution: 0.5% Triton X-100 in 1 x PBS</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;">Goat serum</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td style="width:444px;">used to make Blocking Solution: 4% Goat serum, 0.1% Tween20 in 1x PBS</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;">Tween20&#160;</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>&#160;P9416</td>
			<td style="width:444px;"></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

mouse fetal whole intestine culture system for ex vivo manipulation of signaling pathways and three-dimensional live imaging of villus development

Die meisten morphogenetische Prozesse in der fetalen Darm haben von Dünnschnitten von fixierten Gewebe entnommen worden, die Bereitstellung Schnappschüsse von Veränderungen über die Entwicklungsstadien. Dreidimensionale Informationen aus dünnen Serienschnitten kann eine Herausforderung sein, wegen der Schwierigkeit der Rekonstruktion Serienschnitte perfekt und die Aufrechterhaltung der richtigen Ausrichtung des Gewebes über Serienschnitte zu interpretieren. Jüngsten Erkenntnisse Grosse et al., 2011, die Bedeutung der dreidimensionalen Informationen für das Verständnis der Morphogenese der Entwicklungs Zotten des Darms 1. Dreidimensionale Rekonstruktion des einfach markierten Darmzellen zeigte, dass die Mehrheit der intestinalen Epithelzellen treten sowohl die apikale und basale Oberflächen. Weiterhin dreidimensionale Rekonstruktion des Aktin an der apikalen Oberfläche des Epithels zeigte, dass die Darmlumen kontinuierlich ist und dass die sekundäre Lumen ein Artefakt sectioning. Diese zwei Punkte, zusammen mit dem Nachweis der interkinetic Kernwanderung im Darmepithel, definiert die Entwicklungs Darmepithel als mehrreihigen Epithel und nicht wie bisher angenommen geschichtete 1. Die Fähigkeit, das Epithel dreidimensional beobachten war wegweisend für demonstriert diesen Punkt und die Neudefinition epithelialen Morphogenese in der fetalen Darm. Mit der Entwicklung der Mehrphotonen-Bildgebungstechnik und dreidimensionale Rekonstruktionssoftware, die Fähigkeit zu visualisieren intakt Entwicklungsorgane rasch verbessert. Zwei-Photonen-Anregung ermöglicht weniger schädliches Eindringen tiefer in Gewebe mit hoher Auflösung. Zwei-Photon-Imaging und 3D-Rekonstruktion der gesamten fötalen Mausdarm in Walton et al., 2012, half, das Muster der Zotten Auswuchs 2 definieren. Hier beschreiben wir eine ganze Organkultursystem, das ex vivo Entwicklung der Zotten und Erweiterungen dieser Kultur-System ermöglicht, damitder Darm dreidimensional in ihrer Entwicklung dargestellt werden.

Kultur ganzer fötaler Explantate Darm ermöglicht die Analyse der Lage, die Verteilung, und die Dauer der Signalmoleküle, die Darmentwicklung zu koordinieren, da dieses System ermöglicht die Bearbeitung der Signalisierungs pharmakologische Reagenzien oder rekombinante Proteine. Die Transwell-Kultursystem (1A, von Walton et al wiedergegeben., 2012) 2 stellt ein Luft-Flüssigkeits-Schnittstelle, die es ermöglicht, Wirkstoff-oder Protein getränkt Agarosekügelchen auf das Gewebe zu...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Mouse Fetal Whole Intestine Culture System for Ex Vivo Manipulation of Signaling Pathways and Three-dimensional Live Imaging of Villus Development at JoVE.com

Mouse Fetal Whole Intestine Culture System for Ex Vivo Manipulation of Signaling Pathways and Three-dimensional Live Imaging of Villus Development

Improved imaging technology is allowing three-dimensional imaging of organs during development. Here we describe a whole organ culture system that allows live imaging of the developing villi in the fetal mouse intestine.

Maus Fetal ganze Darm-System für Kultur<em&gt; Ex-vivo-</em&gt; Manipulation von Signalwegen und dreidimensionale Live-Imaging von Zotte Entwicklung

Most morphogenetic processes in the fetal intestine have been inferred from thin sections of fixed tissues, providing snapshots of changes over ...

mouse-fetal-whole-intestine-culture-system-for-ex-vivo-manipulation

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

Mouse Fetal Whole Intestine Culture System for Ex Vivo Manipulation of Signaling Pathways and Three-dimensional Live Imaging of Villus Development

14.8K Aufrufe.  University of Michigan. Improved imaging technology is allowing three-dimensional imaging of organs during development. Here we describe a whole organ culture system that allows live imaging of the developing villi in the fetal mouse intestine. 

Serie: Mouse Fetal Whole Intestine Culture System for Ex Vivo Manipulation of Signaling Pathways and Three-dimensional Live Imaging of Villus Development

Method for Culture of Early Chick Embryos ex vivo (New Culture)

The chick embryo is a valuable tool in the study of early embryonic development. Its transparency, accessibility and ease of manipulation, make it an ideal tool for studying  the formation and patterning of brain, neural tube, somite and heart primordia. Applications of chick embryo culture include electroporation of DNA or RNA constructs in order to analyze gene function, grafts of growth factor coated beads such as FGFs and BMPs , as well as whole mount in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. This video demonstrates the different steps in chick embryo culture; First, the embryo is explanted in saline. Then, the embryo is centered on a glass ring. The membranes surrounding the embryo are lifted along the walls of the ring. The ring is then placed in a culture dish containing a pool of albumine. The culture dish is sealed and placed in a humid chamber, where the embryo is cultured for up to 24 hrs. Finally, the embryo is removed from the ring, fixed and processed for further applications. A troubleshooting guide is also presented.

Method for Culture of Early Chick Embryos ex vivo New Culture

This video demonstrates New culture, a method by which chick embryos are cultured outside the egg for up to 24 hr. This method enables one to study early development (primitive streak to 14 som.), a period corresponding to E7-9 in mouse. Applications of this technique include electroporation, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry.

Method for Culture of Early Hühnerembryonen ex vivo (New Culture)

The chick embryo is a valuable tool in the study of early embryonic development. Its transparency, accessibility and ease of manipulation, make it an ...

Forschung

Biologie

In vivo Imaging and Therapeutic Treatments in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Ovarian Cancer

Human cancer and response to therapy is better represented in orthotopic animal models. This paper describes the development of an orthotopic mouse model of ovarian cancer, treatment of cancer via oral delivery of drugs, and monitoring of tumor cell behavior in response to drug treatment in real time using in vivo imaging system. In this orthotopic model, ovarian tumor cells expressing luciferase are applied topically by injecting them directly into the mouse bursa where each ovary is enclosed. Upon injection of D-luciferin, a substrate of firefly luciferase, luciferase-expressing cells generate bioluminescence signals. This signal is detected by the in vivo imaging system and allows for a non-invasive means of monitoring tumor growth, distribution, and regression in individual animals. Drug administration via oral gavage allows for a maximum dosing volume of 10 mL/kg body weight to be delivered directly to the stomach and closely resembles delivery of drugs in clinical treatments. Therefore, techniques described here, development of an orthotopic mouse model of ovarian cancer, oral delivery of drugs, and in vivo imaging, are useful for better understanding of human ovarian cancer and treatment and will improve targeting this disease.

In vivo Imaging and Therapeutic Treatments in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Ovarian Cancer

Orthotopic animal models of ovarian cancer replicate better human disease and therefore enhance our understanding of cancer progression and tumor response to therapy. A mouse model receives an intrabursal injection of luciferase-expressing ovarian tumor cells. Treatment is administered via oral gavage. Tumor growth is monitored by in vivo imaging system.

In-vivo-Imaging und therapeutische Behandlungen in einem orthotopen Mausmodell des Eierstockkrebs

Human cancer and response to therapy is better represented in orthotopic animal models.  This paper describes the development of an orthotopic mouse model ...

An ex-ovo Chicken Embryo Culture System Suitable for Imaging and Microsurgery Applications

Understanding the relationships between genetic and microenvironmental factors that drive normal and malformed embryonic development is fundamental for discovering new therapeutic strategies. Advancements in imaging technology have enabled quantitative investigation of the organization and maturing of the body plan, but later stage embryonic morphogenesis is less clear. Chicken embryos are an attractive vertebrate animal model system for this application because of its ease of culture and surgical manipulation. Early embryos can be cultured for a short time on filter paper rings, which enables complete optical access for cell patterning and fate studies1,2. Studying advanced developmental processes such as cardiac morphogenesis are traditionally performed through a window of the eggshell3-5, but this technique limits optical access due to window size. We previously developed a simple method to culture whole embryos ex-ovo on hexagonal weigh boats for up to 10 days, which enabled high resolution imaging via ultrasonography6,7. These cultures were difficult to transport, limiting the types of imaging tools available for live experiments. We here present an improved shell-less culture system with a cost-effective, portable environmental chamber. Eggs were cracked onto a hammock created by a polyurethane membrane (cling wrap) affixed circumferentially to a plastic cup partially filled with sterile water. The dimensions of the circumference and depth of the hammock were both critical to maintain surface tension, while the mechanics of the hammock and water beneath helped dampen vibrations induced by transportation. A small footprint circulating water bath was also developed to enable continuous temperature control during experimentation. We demonstrate the ability to culture embryos in this way for at least 14 days without morphogenic defect or delay and employ this system in several microsurgical and imaging applications.

An ex-ovo Chicken Embryo Culture System Suitable for Imaging and Microsurgery Applications

In this article, we present a simple methodology to enable long-term ex-ovo avian embryo culture. This technique is ideal for longitudinal experimentation requiring complete optical accessibility and/or sterile transportation in avian embryos.

Ein Ex-ovo Chicken Embryo Culture-System Geeignet für Imaging und Mikrochirurgie Anwendungen

Understanding the relationships between genetic and microenvironmental factors that drive normal and malformed embryonic development is fundamental for ...

The Method of Rodent Whole Embryo Culture using the Rotator-type Bottle Culture System

Whole embryo culture (WEC) technique has been developed in 1950's by New and his colleagues, and applied for developmental biology 1. Although development and growth of mammalian embryos are critically dependent on the function of the placenta, WEC technique allows us to culture mouse and rat embryos ex vivo condition during limited periods corresponding to midgestation stages during embryonic day (E) 6.5-E12.5 in the mouse or E8.5-E14.5 in the rat 2, 3, 4. In WEC, we can directly target desired areas of embryos using fine glass capillaries because embryos can be manipulated under the microscope. Therefore, rodent WEC is very useful technique when we want to study dynamic developmental processes of postimplanted mammalian embryos. Up to date, several types of WEC systems have been developed 1. Among those, the rotator-type bottle culture system is most popular and suitable for long-term culture of embryos at midgestation, i.e., after E9.5 and E11.5 in the mouse and rat, respectively 1. In this video protocol, we demonstrate our standard procedures of rat WEC after E12.5 using a refined model of the original rotator system, which was designed by New and Cockroft 5, 6, and introduce various applications of WEC technique for studies in mammalian developmental biology.

Whole embryo culture technique allows us to culture mouse and rat embryos ex vivo condition during limited periods corresponding to midgestation stages. In this video protocol, we demonstrate our standard procedures of rat whole embryo culture after E12.5 using the rotator-type bottle culture system.

Die Methode der Nager Whole Embryo Culture mit der Rotator-type Bottle Kultur-System

Whole embryo culture (WEC) technique has been developed in 1950's by New and his colleagues, and applied for developmental biology 1. Although development ...

A System for ex vivo Culturing of Embryonic Pancreas

The pancreas controls vital functions of our body, including the production of digestive enzymes and regulation of blood sugar levels1. Although in the past decade many studies have contributed to a solid foundation for understanding pancreatic organogenesis, important gaps persist in our knowledge of early pancreas formation2. A complete understanding of these early events will provide insight into the development of this organ, but also into incurable diseases that target the pancreas, such as diabetes or pancreatic cancer. Finally, this information will generate a blueprint for developing cell-replacement therapies in the context of diabetes.
 During embryogenesis, the pancreas originates from distinct embryonic outgrowths of the dorsal and ventral foregut endoderm at embryonic day (E) 9.5 in the mouse embryo3,4. Both outgrowths evaginate into the surrounding mesenchyme as solid epithelial buds, which undergo proliferation, branching and differentiation to generate a fully mature organ2,5,6. Recent evidences have suggested that growth and differentiation of pancreatic cell lineages, including the insulin-producing &beta;-cells, depends on proper tissue-architecture, epithelial remodeling and cell positioning within the branching pancreatic epithelium7,8. However, how branching morphogenesis occurs and is coordinated with proliferation and differentiation in the pancreas is largely unknown. This is in part due to the fact that current knowledge about these developmental processes has relied almost exclusively on analysis of fixed specimens, while morphogenetic events are highly dynamic.
 Here, we report a method for dissecting and culturing mouse embryonic pancreatic buds ex vivo on glass bottom dishes, which allow direct visualization of the developing pancreas (Figure 1). This culture system is ideally devised for confocal laser scanning microscopy and, in particular, live-cell imaging. Pancreatic explants can be prepared not only from wild-type mouse embryos, but also from genetically engineered mouse strains (e.g. transgenic or knockout), allowing real-time studies of mutant phenotypes. Moreover, this ex vivo culture system is valuable to study the effects of chemical compounds on pancreatic development, enabling to obtain quantitative data about proliferation and growth, elongation, branching, tubulogenesis and differentiation. In conclusion, the development of an ex vivo pancreatic explant culture method combined with high-resolution imaging provides a strong platform for observing morphogenetic and differentiation events as they occur within the developing mouse embryo.

A System for ex vivo Culturing of Embryonic Pancreas

Here, we describe a method for isolation, culture and manipulation of mouse embryonic pancreas. This represents an excellent ex vivo system for studying various aspects of pancreatic development, including morphogenesis, differentiation and growth. Pancreatic bud explants can be cultured for several days and used in a range of different applications, including whole-mount immunofluorescence and live imaging.

Ein System für<em&gt; Ex vivo</em&gt; Kultivierung von embryonalen Pankreas

The pancreas controls vital functions of our body,  including the production of digestive enzymes and regulation of blood sugar  levels1. Although in the ...

Two- and Three-Dimensional Live Cell Imaging of DNA Damage Response Proteins

Double-strand breaks (DSBs) are the most deleterious DNA lesions a cell can encounter. If left unrepaired, DSBs harbor great potential to generate mutations and chromosomal aberrations1. To prevent this trauma from catalyzing genomic instability, it is crucial for cells to detect DSBs, activate the DNA damage response (DDR), and repair the DNA. When stimulated, the DDR works to preserve genomic integrity by triggering cell cycle arrest to allow for repair to take place or force the cell to undergo apoptosis. The predominant mechanisms of DSB repair occur through nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination repair (HRR) (reviewed in2). There are many proteins whose activities must be precisely orchestrated for the DDR to function properly. Herein, we describe a method for 2- and 3-dimensional (D) visualization of one of these proteins, 53BP1.
The p53-binding protein 1 (53BP1) localizes to areas of DSBs by binding to modified histones3,4, forming foci within 5-15 minutes5. The histone modifications and recruitment of 53BP1 and other DDR proteins to DSB sites are believed to facilitate the structural rearrangement of chromatin around areas of damage and contribute to DNA repair6. Beyond direct participation in repair, additional roles have been described for 53BP1 in the DDR, such as regulating an intra-S checkpoint, a G2/M checkpoint, and activating downstream DDR proteins7-9. Recently, it was discovered that 53BP1 does not form foci in response to DNA damage induced during mitosis, instead waiting for cells to enter G1 before localizing to the vicinity of DSBs6. DDR proteins such as 53BP1 have been found to associate with mitotic structures (such as kinetochores) during the progression through mitosis10.
In this protocol we describe the use of 2- and 3-D live cell imaging to visualize the formation of 53BP1 foci in response to the DNA damaging agent camptothecin (CPT), as well as 53BP1's behavior during mitosis. Camptothecin is a topoisomerase I inhibitor that primarily causes DSBs during DNA replication. To accomplish this, we used a previously described 53BP1-mCherry fluorescent fusion protein construct consisting of a 53BP1 protein domain able to bind DSBs11. In addition, we used a histone H2B-GFP fluorescent fusion protein construct able to monitor chromatin dynamics throughout the cell cycle but in particular during mitosis12. Live cell imaging in multiple dimensions is an excellent tool to deepen our understanding of the function of DDR proteins in eukaryotic cells.

This protocol describes a method for visualizing a DNA double-strand break signaling protein activated in response to DNA damage as well as its localization during mitosis.

Zwei-und dreidimensionale Live Cell Imaging der DNA-Reparatur-Proteine

Double-strand breaks (DSBs) are the most deleterious DNA lesions a cell can encounter. If left unrepaired, DSBs harbor great potential to generate ...

Mouse Embryonic Development in a Serum-free Whole Embryo Culture System

Mid-gestation stage mouse embryos were cultured utilizing a serum-free culture medium prepared from commercially available stem cell media supplements in an oxygenated rolling bottle culture system. Mouse embryos at E10.5 were carefully isolated from the uterus with intact yolk sac and in a process involving precise surgical maneuver the embryos were gently exteriorized from the yolk sac while maintaining the vascular continuity of the embryo with the yolk sac. Compared to embryos prepared with intact yolk sac or with the yolk sac removed, these embryos exhibited superior survival rate and developmental progression when cultured under similar conditions. We show that these mouse embryos, when cultured in a defined medium in an atmosphere of 95% O2 / 5% CO2 in a rolling bottle culture apparatus at 37 &#176;&#8203;C for 16-40 hr, exhibit morphological growth and development comparable to the embryos developing in utero. We believe this method will be useful for investigators needing to utilize whole embryo culture to study signaling interactions important in embryonic organogenesis.

Serum utilized in embryo cultures contains unknown components that can affect the outcome of experiments especially in studies involving signaling interactions. Here we utilized a serum-free oxygenated culture system and show that mid-gestation mouse embryos cultured for 16-40 hr&#160;exhibit morphological development comparable to embryos developing in utero.

Maus embryonalen Entwicklung in einem Serum-freien Whole Embryo Culture-System

Mid-gestation stage mouse embryos were cultured utilizing a serum-free culture medium prepared from commercially available stem cell media supplements in ...

Ex vivo Culture of Mouse Embryonic Skin and Live-imaging of Melanoblast Migration

Melanoblasts are the neural crest derived precursors of melanocytes; the cells responsible for producing the pigment in skin and hair. Melanoblasts migrate through the epidermis of the embryo where they subsequently colonize the developing hair follicles1,2. Neural crest cell migration is extensively studied in vitro but in vivo methods are still not well developed, especially in mammalian systems. One alternative is to use ex vivo organotypic culture3-6. Culture of mouse embryonic skin requires the maintenance of an air-liquid interface (ALI) across the surface of the tissue3,6. High resolution live-imaging of mouse embryonic skin has been hampered by the lack of a good method that not only maintains this ALI but also allows the culture to be inverted and therefore compatible with short working distance objective lenses and most confocal microscopes. This article describes recent improvements to a method that uses a gas permeable membrane to overcome these problems and allow high-resolution confocal imaging of embryonic skin in ex vivo culture6. By using a melanoblast specific Cre-recombinase expressing mouse line combined with the R26YFPR reporter line we are able to fluorescently label the melanoblast population within these skin cultures. The technique allows live-imaging of melanoblasts and observation of their behavior and interactions with the tissue in which they develop. Representative results are included to demonstrate the capability to live-image 6&#160;cultures in parallel.

Ex vivo Culture of Mouse Embryonic Skin and Live-imaging of Melanoblast Migration

We describe the dissection and ex vivo culture of mouse embryonic skin. The culture system maintains an air-liquid interface across the tissue surface and allows imaging on an inverted microscope. Melanoblasts, a component of the developing skin, are fluorescently labeled allowing their behavior to be observed using confocal microscopy.

Ex-vivo-Kultur von embryonalen Maus-Haut-und-Live-Darstellung von Migration Melanoblasten

Melanoblasts are the neural crest derived precursors of melanocytes; the cells responsible for producing the pigment in skin and hair. Melanoblasts ...

An Ex vivo Culture System to Study Thyroid Development

The thyroid is a bilobated endocrine gland localized at the base of the neck, producing the thyroid hormones T3, T4, and calcitonin. T3 and T4 are produced by differentiated thyrocytes, organized in closed spheres called follicles, while calcitonin is synthesized by C-cells, interspersed in between the follicles and a dense network of blood capillaries. Although adult thyroid architecture and functions have been extensively described and studied, the formation of the &#8220;angio-follicular&#8221; units, the distribution of C-cells in the parenchyma and the paracrine communications between epithelial and endothelial cells is far from being understood.
This method describes the sequential steps of mouse embryonic thyroid anlagen dissection and its culture on semiporous filters or on microscopy plastic slides. Within a period of four days, this culture system faithfully recapitulates in vivo thyroid development. Indeed, (i) bilobation of the organ occurs (for e12.5 explants), (ii) thyrocytes precursors organize into follicles and polarize, (iii) thyrocytes and C-cells differentiate, and (iv) endothelial cells present in the microdissected tissue proliferate, migrate into the thyroid lobes, and closely associate with the epithelial cells, as they do in vivo.
Thyroid tissues can be obtained from wild type, knockout or fluorescent transgenic embryos. Moreover, explants culture can be manipulated by addition of inhibitors, blocking antibodies, growth factors, or even cells or conditioned medium. Ex vivo development can be analyzed in real-time, or at any time of the culture by immunostaining and RT-qPCR.
In conclusion, thyroid explant culture combined with downstream whole-mount or on sections imaging and gene expression profiling provides a powerful system for manipulating and studying morphogenetic and differentiation events of thyroid organogenesis.

An Ex vivo Culture System to Study Thyroid Development

This protocol describes dissection of mouse embryonic thyroid anlagen and the culture of explants on semiporous filters or on microscopy plastic slides. This system is ideal to study morphogenetic or differentiation events occurring during thyroid development of wild type or knockout embryos, and is amenable to gain- and loss-of-function experiments.

Ein<em&gt; Ex-vivo-</em&gt; Kultur-System, um Schilddrüsenentwicklungsstudie

The thyroid is a bilobated endocrine gland localized at the base of the neck, producing the thyroid hormones T3, T4, and calcitonin. T3 and T4 are ...

FRET Imaging in Three-dimensional Hydrogels

Imaging of F&#246;rster resonance energy transfer (FRET)&#160;is a powerful tool for examining cell biology in real-time. Studies utilizing FRET commonly employ two-dimensional (2D) culture, which does not mimic the three-dimensional (3D) cellular microenvironment. A method to perform quenched emission FRET imaging using conventional widefield epifluorescence microscopy of cells within a 3D hydrogel environment is presented. Here an analysis method for ratiometric FRET probes that yields linear ratios over the probe activation range is described. Measurement of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels is demonstrated in chondrocytes under forskolin stimulation using a probe for EPAC1 activation (ICUE1) and the ability to detect differences in cAMP signaling dependent on hydrogel material type, herein a photocrosslinking hydrogel (PC-gel, polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate) and a thermoresponsive hydrogel (TR-gel). Compared with 2D FRET methods, this method requires little additional work. Laboratories already utilizing FRET imaging in 2D can easily adopt this method to perform cellular studies in a 3D microenvironment. It can further be applied to high throughput drug screening in engineered 3D microtissues. Additionally, it is compatible with other forms of FRET imaging, such as anisotropy measurement and fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), and with advanced microscopy platforms using confocal, pulsed, or modulated illumination.

F&#246;rster resonance energy transfer (FRET) imaging is a powerful tool for real-time cell biology studies. Here a method for FRET imaging cells in physiologic three-dimensional (3D) hydrogel microenvironments using conventional epifluorescence microscopy is presented. An analysis for ratiometric FRET probes that yields linear ratios over the activation range is described.

FRET-Imaging im dreidimensionalen Hydrogelen

Imaging of F&#246;rster resonance energy transfer (FRET)&#160;is a powerful tool for examining cell biology in real-time. Studies utilizing FRET commonly ...