We would like to acknowledge Dr. Bradley Schulte for comments on this protocol. This work was supported by National Institutes of Health grant R00 (5R00DC010220). This project was performed in a renovated laboratory space supported by Grant C06RR014516.

HINWEIS: Alle Protokolle mit lebenden Tieren müssen überprüft und durch ein Institutional Animal Care und Verwenden Committee (IACUC) zugelassen worden sein und offiziell anerkannte Methoden für die Pflege und Verwendung von Labortieren folgen. Alle Sektionen sollte mit einer sterilen Technik auf eine saubere Sterilbank werden. Handschuhe und eine Maske, falls erwünscht, sollte bei diesem Verfahren getragen werden. 1. Präparation der embryonalen Maus-Ear- <ol><li> Einrichten für Corti-Organ Explantatkulturen: <ol><li> Sterilisieren der Laminarströmung Gewebekulturhaube durch Einschalten UV-Licht für ungefähr 30 min und desinfiziert die Oberfläche mit 70% igem Ethanol vor der Verwendung. Zusätzlich zu sterilisieren alle Dissektionsinstrumente einschließlich feiner Dissektion Werkzeuge und Sylgard-beschichtete Platten für Embryo Dissektion über Autoklaven oder durch Eintauchen in 70% Ethanol für mindestens 20 Minuten vor dem Gebrauch. Gießen Sie 70% Ethanol und lassen Sie die Speisen und Instrumente an der Luft trocknen in einem sauberen laminare Strömung clean Bank vor der Verwendung. </li><li> Vorbereitung steriler Hanks Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) / (4- (2-Hydroxyethyl) -1-piperazinethansulfonsäure) (HEPES) Mischung durch Zugabe von 10% 10x HBSS und 0,5% HEPES und den pH-Wert auf etwa 7,2 und Filter sterilisieren endgültige Lösung und bei 4 ° C. Führen Sie alle Sektionen in gekühlt HBSS / HEPES-Lösung zu einer besseren Erhaltung der Gewebe während des gesamten Verfahrens. </li><li> Beschichtung von Glasbodenschalen mit Basalmembranmatrix durch Zugabe von 5 ml kaltem (4 ° C) sterile Dulbeccos Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) zu einem 300 &amp; mgr; l Aliquot von Basalmembran-Matrix in einem sterilen 15 ml-Polypropylenröhrchen. Vortexen Inhalt und mit 150 ul der Basalmembranmatrix-DMEM Mischung auf die Mitte jeder Kulturschale, so dass es den in der Mitte der Schale gut vorliegenden gesamte Kultur umfasst. Decken Sie die Speisen und an einem 37 ° C Inkubator für mindestens 45 Minuten vor dem Gebrauch. </li><li> Gießen Sie 4-5 ml gekühlt HBSS umgree sterile Polystyrol-Petrischalen und verlassen in der Haube geschlossen ist. </li><li> Bereiten Kulturmedium in einem sterilen 15 ml-Polypropylenröhrchen durch Zugabe von 9 ml DMEM werden 100 ul N2 Ergänzungen, 10 g / ml Cipro und 1 ml FBS. </li></ol></li><li> Die Isolierung der Embryonen: HINWEIS: In diesem Verfahren zum Kultivieren von Cochlea-Explantate aus embryonalen Mäuse, Ernte Innenohren aus embryonalen Tag (E) 13 Schläfenbeine mit dem Tag nach der Befruchtung als E1 9 berücksichtigt. Das Protokoll kann auch mit embryonalen Maus inneren Ohren beginnend von E12 bis E18 verwendet werden. <ol><li> Euthanize eine zeitgesteuerte schwangeren Maus mit CO 2 und opfern Tier durch Genickbruch oder entsprechend zugelassenen Protokollen. Führen Sie die Euthanasie von Laminar-Flow-Gewebekultur Haube, um die Sterilität in der Gewebekulturraum zu erhalten. </li><li> Zeigen eingeschläfert Maus auf Papiertuch mit Bauch nach oben und desinfizieren Bauch mit 70% Ethanol. </li><li> Öffnen Sie die Bauchhöhle durch Greifen der Hautmit einer gebogenen Pinzette mit einer Hand und schnitt Epidermis und Muskeln entlang der Mittellinie mit einer Schere mit einer anderen Hand. Machen Sie zwei senkrechte Schnitte auf beiden Seiten und ziehen Sie den Uterus sorgfältig durch Anheben bilateralen Gebärmutterhörner mit einer Pinzette und entfernen Sie sie von unten Binde mit Gewebe Schere. </li><li> Setzen Sie den embryonalen Kette in einer Petrischale mit Kalt Dissektion Lösung (HBSS / HEPES-Gemisch) und Transfer zum Laminar-Flow-Sterilbank. </li><li> Embryonen vorsichtig aus Plazenta und legen Sie sie in einem der sterile Petrischalen mit Dissektion Lösung. Wenn die Lösung färbt sich blutig, verschieben Sie sie in eine neue Petrischale. HINWEIS: An dieser Stelle können Embryonen mit einem Theiler Inszenierung Führung statt. </li><li> Enthaupten Embryonen durch Kneifen im Halsbereich mit einem Paar von sauberen Pinzette oder Schere und legen die Köpfe in einer Petrischale mit frisch gekühlt Sezieren Lösung. </li></ol></li><li> Dissection der inneren Ohren: <ol><li> Ort one Embryokopf in einem sterilen Sylgard Schale mit kaltem Seziertisch </li><li> Lösung. Arbeiten unter einem Binokular mit einer Vergrößerung von ~ 1,6X, immobilisieren den Embryo Kopf, indem Minutien Stifte oder um näher an Augenbereich (1A). </li><li> Mit zwei Paar sterile Pinzette vorsichtig die Haut und die Öffnung des Schädels auf der Rückenseite entlang der Mittellinie (Abbildung 1B). Entfernen Gehirn von Schädelhöhle und Innenohren im Schläfenbeine befindet, kann in diesem Stadium (1C, D) identifiziert werden. Die Auskleidung des Blutgefäßes, die normalerweise um den Innenohren vorhanden ist, kann als Bezugspunkt für die Identifizierung des Innenohrs in dieser Phase (1D) verwendet werden. </li><li> Präparieren Sie die Innenohr von der zeitlichen Knochen, indem die Zange unterhalb des Gewebes und Isolierung des Innenohrs von der Schädelbasis und in ein neues Gericht, das kalt Sezieren Lösung (1E, F). </li></ol></li></ol> 2. Erzeugung von Corti-Organ Explantatkulturen HINWEIS: In diesem Stadium der Entwicklung wird das Gewebe Knorpel und kann mit einer Pinzette leicht präpariert werden. <ol><li> Richten Sie das Innenohr, so dass Bauchseite nach oben zeigt (Abbildung 2A) und Stabilisierung des Innenohrs durch leichtes Einsetzen des scharfen Ende Minutien Stifte durch die vestibulären Teil des Innenohrs (2B). </li><li> Mit ultrafeinen Zange aufgeschnitten das darüber liegende Knorpel durch einen Einschnitt mit einem Ende der Zange in der Nähe von dem ovalen Fenster und entfernen Sie vorsichtig den Knorpel aus der Hörschnecke (2C). Hinweis: Es ist wichtig, sicherzustellen, dass Zange nicht zu tief in den Knorpel einge als darüberliegenden Knorpel wird manchmal mit dem Schneckengang in diesem Fall ist es hilfreich, geschlossener Zange verwenden, um Knorpel von dem darunterliegenden Schneckengang frei durch Abkratzen unter der kondensierte sberfl des Knorpels. In diesem Stadium der Entwicklung, ist die Spirale der Cochlea nur drei Viertel einer Umdrehung in der Länge. </li><li> Als nächstes setzen die Sinnesepithel indem die Zange in dem bevorzugten Bereich der Schneckengang entweder der Basis oder an der Spitze sehr, und sanft herausziehen das Dach der Cochlea (2D). HINWEIS: Das Dach der Cochlea muss vollständig entfernt werden, da es die Sinnesepithel behindern die Analyse maskieren. HINWEIS: Dieses Verfahren muss vorsichtig erfolgen, da es einfach ist, die Sinnesepithel reißen werden. </li><li> Als letzter Schritt, vorsichtig die zugrunde liegenden Bindegewebe von der freiliegenden Sinnesepithel so dass die Basis der Cochlea-Explantat gleichmäßig flach. </li><li> Isolieren Sie die seziert Cochlea von der vestibulären Teil des Innenohrs mit einer Pinzette. Dies kann vor oder nach dem Schritt 2.4 (2E) durchgeführt werden. </li><li> Übertragen Sie die seziert Cochlea Sinnesepithel in einen Keller membrane Matrix-beschichteten Kultur auch mit einem 1,5 mm sterile scooper (2F). </li><li> Richten Sie die Cochlea-Explantat mit der Lumenoberfläche des Epithels nach oben ein und saugen Sie den Basalmembranmatrix-DMEM-Lösung sorgfältig zu glätten das Gewebe und ersetzen Sie es mit 150 ml frisches Kulturmedium durch sanftes Zugabe in die Schale. Ist darauf zu achten, um sicherzustellen, dass jedes Explantat haftet gut auf der beschichteten Glasdeckglas und wird nicht in das Kulturmedium schwimm werden. Stellen Sie sicher, dass die Spitze der Zange wird darauf hingewiesen, während der Anbringung des Glases auch um eine Beschädigung der Cochlea Explantation. </li><li> Die Kulturschale vorsichtig Führung in eine sterile 150 mm Kulturschale und in eine Gewebekultur-Inkubator bei 37 ° C mit 5% CO 2 für eine gewünschte Zeitdauer, in der Regel 3-6 Tage in vitro (DIV). Nach 1 DIV, untersuchen Sie die Kulturen unter einem Binokular, um sicherzustellen, dass die Cochlea-Explantat wurde auch in die Kulturschale eingehalten werden. </li><li> Nach dem incubation in vitro für die gewünschten Zeitdauern werden die Kulturen für die Immunhistochemie verarbeitet. HINWEIS: Die Explantatkulturen Regel werden 6 DIV das entspricht Entwicklungsstufe, P0 inkubiert. Nach Inkubation in vitro können Kulturen für Downstream-Anwendungen wie die Immunhistochemie (3B) verarbeitet werden, RT-PCR, in situ-Hybridisierung und / oder Western Blot. </li></ol> 3. Elektroporation vermittelte Gentransfer <ol><li> Die Einrichtung für die Elektroporation: <ol><li> Sterilisieren Sie einen 100 mm Sylgard-beschichtete Glasschüssel durch Autoklavieren oder Eintauchen in 70% Ethanol für etwa 20 Minuten und an der Luft trocknen in einer Sterilbank vor der Verwendung. </li><li> Bereiten DNA aus einem Expressionsvektor der Wahl mit geeigneten Maxi- oder Midi-Prep-Kits. Die in diesem Protokoll verwendeten Expressionsvektoren sind pIRES2-Atoh1.EGFP und pCLIG-NeuroD1.EGFP. Die Endkonzentration der DNA sollte mindestens 1 ug / ul in sterilem DNA sein /RNase-freies Wasser. </li></ol></li><li> Elektroporation DNA in embryonale Cochlea Explantate: <ol><li> Fügen Sie 10 ul der Plasmid-DNA-Lösung auf eine frische 100 mm Sylgard beschichtete Schale und übertragen eine komplett zerlegt Cochlea Explantation (aus Schritt 2.5 erhalten) in die DNA-Lösung. </li><li> Mit Lumenoberfläche des Epithels nach oben, kippen Sie das Cochlea leicht, so dass es senkrecht zur Ebene der Schale. </li><li> Die Elektrode Schaufeln auf beiden Seiten der Cochlea mit negativen Paddel (Kathode) in Richtung des sensorischen Epithels und der positiven Paddel (Anode), die benachbart zu der Basis der Cochlea. Hinweis: Da die DNA negativ geladen ist, von negativ nach positiv Elektrode und durch die Plazierung einer Kathode Ende der Sonde angrenzend an das Riechepithel wandert es; die DNA wird vor allem durch die Oberfläche des Sinnesepithel gehen. </li><li> Mit Elektroporator liefern 9-10 Pulse von 24 mV, 30 ms Pulsdauer mit dem Fußschalter auf T-er Elektroporator, und fügen Sie 100 ul von warmem Kulturmedium, um die elektroporierten Cochlea. </li><li> Die Schritte 3.2.1-4 für alle Cochlea Explantate und DNA der Gene von Interesse und übertragen die elektroporierten Cochleae in die Basalmembran-Matrix-beschichtete Schale zum Plattieren (Schritt 2.7). Kultur ganze elektroporiert Cochleae in einem 37 ° C, 5% CO 2 befeuchteten Inkubator für gewünschte Zeitdauern, die dann für Immunzytochemie verarbeitet werden. HINWEIS: Die Schnecke aus einem ganzen Wurf von CD1 Maus (ungefähr 8-12 Welpen) isoliert werden, mikrodissezierten, elektroporiert und in &lt;4 Stunden überzogen. </li></ol></li></ol> 4. Analyse der Cochlear Explantatkulturen HINWEIS: Die Kulturen werden in der Regel für 6 DIV, die äquivalent zu der Entwicklungsstufe, P0 ist, inkubiert. Nach Inkubation in vitro werden die Kulturen fixiert und für Immunzytochemie verarbeitet. <ol><li> Nach gewünschte Länge incubation Entfernen Kulturmedium schnell und gründlich die Cochlea Explantat in phosphatgepufferter Salzlösung (PBS) und Inkubation in 4% Paraformaldehyd (in PBS) für 15 min bei Raumtemperatur. </li><li> 15 min Waschen Sie die Fixiermittel durch Zugabe von PBS und spülen in PBS dreimal. </li><li> Permeabilisieren Verwendung von PBS-T (PBS + 0,5% Tween) für 30 min vor dem Blockieren mit PBS-T, enthaltend 10% Ziegenserum. </li><li> Inkubiere in primären Antikörperlösung, die Primärantikörpers in PBS-T mit 1% Ziegenserum über Nacht bei 4 ° C. </li><li> Dreimal Waschen Sie die Cochlea bei Raumtemperatur mit PBS-T jede 15 Minuten, bevor Sie entsprechende Alexa-konjugierten Sekundärantikörper. </li><li> Da der Cochlea Explantat auf Glasdeckgläschen kultiviert sie können einzeln durch Isolierung des Deckglases von der Schale und die Montage auf einer Folie verarbeitet werden. Dies kann durch Eintauchen der Kulturschale in OS30 Lösungsmittel für mindestens 1 Stunde bei Raumtemperatur erreicht werden. Mit dem sterilen Rasierklinge, nehmen Sie den Deckglas aus der dish und montieren auf einer Folie und sichtbar unter einem Fluoreszenzmikroskop. </li></ol>

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No conflicts of interest declared.

Alle Zellen innerhalb des membranösen Labyrinth des Maus Innenohres einschließlich sensorischer, nonsensory und die Spiralganglienneuronen sind alle aus placodally abgeleiteten otocyst benachbart zu dem Hinterhirn des Ektoderms rund E8 10-14 abgeleitet ist. Bei E11 ventralen Bereich des otocyst erstreckt, um den Schneckengang zu bilden, und die Entwicklung geht weiter, eine Gruppe von Epithelzellen in der Cochlea als auch in anderen Bereichen des otocyst, werden als prosensory Patches, anschließend Hieraus...

The mammalian organ of Corti is comprised of a mosaic of specialized cell types, including two types of mechanosensory hair cells as well as at least four types of nonsensory supporting cells making it an ideal model system to study normal cellular processes like proliferation, fate specification, differentiation and patterning. In addition, the normal development of these different cell types is essential for normal hearing function. Hence, it is crucial to understand the factors, both molecular and cellular, that regulate their development. However, the small size of the mouse cochlea as well as its inaccessibility poses a particular challenge for gene expression studies. Moreover, most of the cell fate specification and patterning events occur during embryonic time periods and are mostly completed before birth. Therefore, identification and characterization of signaling events during embryonic time periods is essential to gain insight into the molecular basis of cochlear morphogenesis. 
Here, we demonstrate a method to culture intact cochlea in vitro from embryonic mouse inner ears. The rationale behind the use of this technique is that cultured cochleae maintain their molecular and morphological characteristics thereby providing a valuable model for investigating potential candidate genes and exploring the mechanisms involved in cochlear morphogenesis. Although transgenic mice can be used for gene expression studies, an in vitro system is often needed for monitoring specific gene functions. Moreover, cochlear cultures can be established from transgenic mouse embryos so that their in vitro development and response to various soluble factors and antagonists can be studied. Although embryos at day 13 (E13) are used in this protocol, cultures from E12 or E14 to early postnatal inner ears can give similar results. 
We also present a gene transfer technique in cultured embryonic cochlear explants using square wave electroporation. Following the isolation of the cochlear explants, electroporation can be used to express DNA plasmids of gene(s) of interest in individual cells within the cochlear duct. This technique serves as a complementary approach to studies utilizing transgenic mice to gain insight into the molecular pathways underlying cellular phenotype. Using this method of gene transfer, a variety of epithelial cell types within the embryonic cochlea are transfected, thereby enabling loss-and gain-of-function analyses at the single-cell level. In addition, electrophysiological studies can also be performed in cochlear explant cultures8. This method of in vitro electroporation is relatively simple and straightforward, combined with minimal damage to the tissue, has resulted in a rapid expansion of this technique.

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			<td height="43" style="height:43px;width:316px;">HEPES</td>
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			<td></td>
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			<td dir="LTR" height="43" style="height:43px;width:316px;">Dulbecco&#8217;s Modified Medium</td>
			<td dir="LTR" style="width:192px;">Gibco</td>
			<td dir="LTR" style="width:161px;">12430-054</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td dir="LTR" height="43" style="height:43px;width:316px;">Fetal Bovine Serum</td>
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			<td dir="LTR" style="width:161px;">10082</td>
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			<td dir="LTR" height="43" style="height:43px;width:316px;">N-2 Supplement (100X)</td>
			<td dir="LTR" style="width:192px;">Gibco</td>
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			<td dir="LTR" height="43" style="height:43px;width:316px;">Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride</td>
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			<td dir="LTR" height="43" style="height:43px;width:316px;">Glass Dish 60mm</td>
			<td dir="LTR" style="width:192px;">Kimble Chase</td>
			<td dir="LTR" style="width:161px;">23062-6015/23064-6015</td>
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		<tr height="43">
			<td height="43" style="height:43px;width:316px;">Glass Dish 100 mm</td>
			<td dir="LTR">Kimble Chase</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">23064-10015/23062-10015</td>
			<td></td>
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		<tr height="43">
			<td height="43" style="height:43px;width:316px;">Minutien Pins</td>
			<td dir="LTR" style="width:192px;">Fine Science Tools</td>
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			<td dir="LTR" height="43" style="height:43px;width:316px;">Dumont # 5 Forceps</td>
			<td dir="LTR" style="width:192px;">Fine Science Tools</td>
			<td dir="LTR" style="width:161px;">11251-10</td>
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			<td dir="LTR">Protech International Inc</td>
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			<td dir="LTR" height="43" style="height:43px;width:316px;">Matrigel Matrix</td>
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			<td dir="LTR" style="width:192px;">Southern Biotech</td>
			<td dir="LTR" style="width:161px;">0100-01</td>
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			<td style="width:192px;">Proteus Biosciences Inc</td>
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culture of embryonic mouse cochlear explants and gene transfer by electroporation

Auditory hair cells located within the mouse organ of Corti detect and transmit sound information to the central nervous system. The mechanosensory hair cells are aligned in one row of inner hair cells and three rows of outer hair cells that extend along the basal to apical axis of the cochlea. The explant culture technique described here provides an efficient method to isolate and maintain cochlear explants from the embryonic mouse inner ear. Also, the morphology and molecular characteristics of sensory hair cells and nonsensory supporting cells within the cochlear explant cultures resemble those observed in vivo and can be studied within its intrinsic cellular environment. The cochlear explants can serve as important experimental tools for the identification and characterization of molecular and genetic pathways that are involved in cellular specification and patterning. Although transgenic mouse models provide an effective approach for gene expression studies, a considerable number of mouse mutants die during embryonic development thereby hindering the analysis and interpretation of developmental phenotypes. The organ of Corti from mutant mice that die before birth can be cultured so that their in vitro development and responses to different factors can be analyzed. Additionally, we describe a technique for electroporating embryonic cochlear explants ex vivo which can be used to downregulate or overexpress specific gene(s) and analyze their potential endogenous function and test whether specific gene product is necessary or sufficient in a given context to influence mammalian cochlear development1-8.

We describe a method to isolate cochlea from embryonic inner ears and micro-dissect to expose the sensory epithelium. Once dissected, it may be plated and cultured as an intact cochlear duct (Figure 3) and analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The cultured cochlear explants provide a useful assay to examine the effect of variety of soluble factors and pharmacological drugs on cochlear development. Following dissection of cochlear explants, electroporation technique can be used to misexpress genes of interest...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Culture of Embryonic Mouse Cochlear Explants and Gene Transfer by Electroporation at JoVE.com

Culture of Embryonic Mouse Cochlear Explants and Gene Transfer by Electroporation

We present a method that describes isolation and culture of cochlear explants from embryonic mouse inner ear. We also demonstrate a method for gene transfer into cochlear explants via square-wave electroporation. The in vitro explant culture coupled with gene transfer technique enables researchers to study the effects of altering gene expression during development.

Kultur von embryonalen Maus Cochlear Explantate und Gentransfer durch Elektroporation

Auditory hair cells located within the mouse organ of Corti detect and transmit sound information to the central nervous system. The mechanosensory hair ...

culture-embryonic-mouse-cochlear-explants-gene-transfer

Research

JoVE Journal

Developmental Biology

12.8K Aufrufe.  Medical University of South Carolina, College of Medicine. We present a method that describes isolation and culture of cochlear explants from embryonic mouse inner ear. We also demonstrate a method for gene transfer into cochlear explants via square-wave electroporation. The in vitro explant culture coupled with gene transfer technique enables researchers to study the effects of altering gene expression during development. 

Serie: Culture of Embryonic Mouse Cochlear Explants and Gene Transfer by Electroporation

Efficient Gene Transfer in Chick Retinas for Primary Cell Culture Studies: An Ex-ovo Electroporation Approach

The cone photoreceptor-enriched cultures derived from embryonic chick retinas have become an indispensable tool for researchers around the world studying the biology of retinal neurons, particularly photoreceptors. The applications of this system go beyond basic research, as they can easily be adapted to high throughput technologies for drug development. However, genetic manipulation of retinal photoreceptors in these cultures has proven to be very challenging, posing an important limitation to the usefulness of the system. We have recently developed and validated an ex&#160;ovo plasmid electroporation technique that increases the rate of transfection of retinal cells in these cultures by five-fold compared to other currently available protocols1. In this method embryonic chick eyes are enucleated at stage 27, the RPE is removed, and the retinal cup is placed in a plasmid-containing solution and electroporated using easily constructed custom-made electrodes. The retinas are then dissociated and cultured using standard procedures. This technique can be applied to overexpression studies as well as to the downregulation of gene expression, for example via the use of plasmid-driven RNAi technology, commonly achieving transgene expression in 25% of the photoreceptor population. The video format of the present publication will make this technology easily accessible to researchers in the field, enabling the study of gene function in primary retinal cultures. We have also included detailed explanations of the critical steps of this procedure for a successful outcome and reproducibility.

Efficient Gene Transfer in Chick Retinas for Primary Cell Culture Studies: An Ex-ovo Electroporation Approach

Embryonic chick retinal cell cultures constitute valuable tools for the study of photoreceptor biology. We have developed an efficient gene transfer technique based on ex&#160;ovo plasmid electroporation of the retinas prior to culture. This technique considerably increases transfection efficiencies over currently available protocols, making genetic manipulation feasible for this system.

Effizienten Gentransfer in Küken Netzhäute für primäre Zellkulturstudien: Eine<em&gt; Ex-ovo</em&gt; Elektroporation Ansatz

The cone photoreceptor-enriched cultures derived from embryonic chick retinas have become an indispensable tool for researchers around the world studying ...

Forschung

Entwicklungsbiologie

Ex Utero Electroporation and Organotypic Slice Culture of Mouse Hippocampal Tissue

Mouse genetics offers a powerful tool determining the role of specific genes during development. Analyzing the resulting phenotypes by immunohistochemical and molecular methods provides information of potential target genes and signaling pathways. To further elucidate specific regulatory mechanisms requires a system allowing the manipulation of only a small number of cells of a specific tissue by either overexpression, ablation or re-introduction of specific genes and follow their fate during development. To achieve this ex utero electroporation of hippocampal structures, especially the dentate gyrus, followed by organotypic slice culture provides such a tool. Using this system to generate mosaic deletions allows determining whether the gene of interest regulates cell-autonomously developmental processes like progenitor cell proliferation or neuronal differentiation. Furthermore it facilitates the rescue of phenotypes by re-introducing the deleted gene or its target genes. In contrast to in utero electroporation the ex utero approach improves the rate of successfully targeting deeper layers of the brain like the dentate gyrus. Overall ex utero electroporation and organotypic slice culture provide a potent tool to study regulatory mechanisms in a semi-native environment mirroring endogenous conditions.

Ex Utero Electroporation and Organotypic Slice Culture of Mouse Hippocampal Tissue

Here we present a protocol providing a tool to examine regulatory mechanisms of specific genes during hippocampal development. Employing ex utero electroporation and organotypic slice culture allows the up- and down-regulation of the expression of genes of interest in single cells and follow their fate during development.

Ex Utero Elektroporation und Organotypischen Kultur der Maus Hippocampus-Gewebe

Mouse genetics offers a powerful tool determining the role of specific genes during development. Analyzing the resulting phenotypes by immunohistochemical ...

Neural Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells in Serum-free Monolayer Culture

The ability to differentiate mouse embryonic stem cells (ESC) to neural progenitors allows the study of the mechanisms controlling neural specification as well as the generation of mature neural cell types for further study. In this protocol we describe a method for the differentiation of ESC to neural progenitors using serum-free, monolayer culture. The method is scalable, efficient and results in production of ~70% neural progenitor cells within 4 - 6 days. It can be applied to ESC from various strains grown under a variety of conditions. Neural progenitors can be allowed to differentiate further into functional neurons and glia or analyzed by microscopy, flow cytometry or molecular techniques. The differentiation process is amenable to time-lapse microscopy and can be combined with the use of reporter lines to monitor the neural specification process. We provide detailed instructions on media preparation and cell density optimization to allow the process to be applied to most ESC lines and a variety of cell culture vessels.

This protocol describes in detail the method for generating neural progenitors from embryonic stem cells using a serum-free monolayer method. These progenitors can be used to derive mature neural cell types or to study the process of neural specification and is amenable to multiwell format scaling for compound screening.

Neuronale Differenzierung von embryonalen Stammzellen der Maus in Serum-freiem Monolayer-Kultur

The ability to differentiate mouse embryonic stem cells (ESC) to neural progenitors allows the study of the mechanisms controlling neural specification as ...

Whole Retinal Explants from Chicken Embryos for Electroporation and Chemical Reagent Treatments

The retina is a good model for the developing central nervous system. The large size of the eye and most importantly the accessibility for experimental manipulations in ovo/in vivo makes the chicken embryonic retina a versatile and very efficient experimental model. Although the chicken retina is easy to target in ovo by intraocular injections or electroporation, the effective and exact concentration of the reagents within the retina may be difficult to fully control. This may be due to variations of the exact injection site, leakage from the eye or uneven diffusion of the substances. Furthermore, the frequency of malformations and mortality after invasive manipulations such as electroporation is rather high.
This protocol describes an ex ovo technique for culturing whole retinal explants from chicken embryos and provides a method for controlled exposure of the retina to reagents. The protocol describes how to dissect, experimentally manipulate, and culture whole retinal explants from chicken embryos. The explants can be cultured for approximately 24 hr and be subjected to different manipulations such as electroporation. The major advantages are that the experiment is not dependent on the survival of the embryo and that the concentration of the introduced reagent can be varied and controlled in order to determine and optimize the effective concentration. Furthermore, the technique is rapid, cheap and together with its high experimental success rate, it ensures reproducible results. It should be emphasized that it serves as an excellent complement to experiments performed in ovo.

This protocol describes a method to dissect, experimentally manipulate and culture whole retinal explants from chicken embryos. The explant cultures are useful when high success rate, efficacy and reproducibility are needed to test the effects of plasmids for electroporation and/or reagent substances, i.e., enzymatic inhibitors.

Whole Retinal Explantaten aus Hühnerembryonen für die Elektroporation und Reagens-Behandlungen

The retina is a good model for the developing central nervous system. The large size of the eye and most importantly the accessibility for experimental ...

Gene Transfer into the Chicken Auditory Organ by In Ovo Micro-electroporation

Chicken embryos are ideal model systems for studying embryonic development as manipulations of gene function can be conducted with relative ease in ovo. The inner ear auditory sensory organ is critical for our ability to hear. It houses a highly specialized sensory epithelium that consists of mechano-transducing hair cells (HCs) and surrounding glial-like supporting cells (SCs). Despite structural differences in the auditory organs, molecular mechanisms regulating the development of the auditory organ are evolutionarily conserved between mammals and aves. In ovo electroporation is largely limited to early stages at E1 - E3. Due to the relative late development of the auditory organ at E5, manipulations of the auditory organ by in ovo electroporation past E3 are difficult due to the advanced development of the chicken embryo at later stages. The method presented here is a transient gene transfer method for targeting genes of interest at stage E4 - E4.5 in the developing chicken auditory sensory organ via in ovo micro-electroporation. This method is applicable for gain- and loss-of-functions with conventional plasmid DNA-based expression vectors and can be combined with in ovo cell proliferation assay by adding EdU (5-ethynyl-2&#180;-deoxyuridine) to the whole embryo at the time of electroporation. The use of green or red fluorescent protein (GFP or RFP) expression plasmids allows the experimenter to quickly determine whether the electroporation successfully targeted the auditory portion of the developing inner ear. In this method paper, representative examples of GFP electroporated specimens are illustrated; embryos were harvested 18 - 96 hr&#160;after electroporation and targeting of GFP to the pro-sensory area of the auditory organ was confirmed by RNA in situ hybridization. The method paper also provides an optimized protocol for the use of the thymidine analog EdU to analyze cell proliferation; an example of an EdU based cell proliferation assay that combines immuno-labeling and click EdU chemistry is provided.

Gene Transfer into the Chicken Auditory Organ by In Ovo Micro-electroporation

The auditory organ mediates hearing. Here we present a modified in ovo micro-electroporation method optimized for studying auditory progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation in the developing chicken auditory organ.

Gentransfer in das Huhn Hörorgan von<em&gt; In Ovo</em&gt; Micro-Elektroporation

Chicken embryos are ideal model systems for studying embryonic development as manipulations of gene function can be conducted with relative ease in ovo. ...

Culture of Adult Transgenic Zebrafish Retinal Explants for Live-cell Imaging by Multiphoton Microscopy

An endogenous regeneration program is initiated by M&#252;ller glia in the adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) retina following neuronal damage and death. The M&#252;ller glia re-enter the cell cycle and produce neuronal progenitor cells that undergo subsequent rounds of cell divisions and differentiate into the lost neuronal cell types. Both M&#252;ller glia and neuronal progenitor cell nuclei replicate their DNA and undergo mitosis in distinct locations of the retina, i.e. they migrate between the basal Inner Nuclear Layer (INL) and the Outer Nuclear Layer (ONL), respectively, in a process described as Interkinetic Nuclear Migration (INM). INM has predominantly been studied in the developing retina. To examine the dynamics of INM in the adult regenerating zebrafish retina in detail, live-cell imaging of fluorescently-labeled M&#252;ller glia/neuronal progenitor cells is required. Here, we provide the conditions to isolate and culture dorsal retinas from Tg[gfap:nGFP]mi2004 zebrafish that were exposed to constant intense light for 35 h. We also show that these retinal cultures are viable to perform live-cell imaging experiments, continuously acquiring z-stack images throughout the thickness of the retinal explant for up to 8 h using multiphoton microscopy to monitor the migratory behavior of gfap:nGFP-positive cells. In addition, we describe the details to perform post-imaging analysis to determine the velocity of apical and basal INM. To summarize, we established conditions to study the dynamics of INM in an adult model of neuronal regeneration. This will advance our understanding of this crucial cellular process and allow us to determine the mechanisms that control INM.

Zebrafish retinal regeneration has mostly been studied using fixed retinas. However, dynamic processes such as interkinetic nuclear migration occur during the regenerative response and require live-cell imaging to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Here, we describe culture and imaging conditions to monitor Interkinetic Nuclear Migration (INM) in real-time using multiphoton microscopy.

Kultur von Adult transgener Zebrafische Retinal Explantate für das Live-Cell-Imaging von Multiphotonen-Mikroskopie

An endogenous regeneration program is initiated by M&#252;ller glia in the adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) retina following neuronal damage and death. The ...

Dissection and Culture of Mouse Embryonic Kidney

The goal of this protocol is to describe a method for the dissection, isolation, and culture of mouse metanephric rudiments. 
During mammalian kidney development, the two progenitor tissues, the ureteric bud and the metanephric mesenchyme, communicate and reciprocally induce cellular mechanisms to eventually form the collecting system and the nephrons of the kidney. As mammalian embryos grow intrauterine and therefore are inaccessible to the observer, an organ culture has been developed. With this method, it is possible to study epithelial-mesenchymal interactions and cellular behavior during kidney organogenesis. Furthermore, the origin of congenital kidney and urogenital tract malformations can be investigated. After careful dissection, the metanephric rudiments are transferred onto a filter that floats on culture medium and can be kept in a cell culture incubator for several days. However, one must be aware that the conditions are artificial and could influence the metabolism in the tissue. Also, the penetration of test substances could be limited due to the extracellular matrix and basal membrane present in the explant.
One main advantage of organ culture is that the experimenter can gain direct access to the organ. This technology is cheap, simple, and allows a large number of modifications, such as the addition of biologically active substances, the study of genetic variants, and the application of advanced imaging techniques.

This protocol describes a method for isolating and culturing metanephric rudiments from mouse embryos.

Dissektion und Kultur der Maus Embryonale Niere

The goal of this protocol is to describe a method for the dissection, isolation, and culture of mouse metanephric rudiments. 
During mammalian kidney ...

CRISPR-mediated Loss of Function Analysis in Cerebellar Granule Cells Using In Utero Electroporation-based Gene Transfer

Brain malformation is often caused by genetic mutations. Deciphering the mutations in patient-derived tissues has identified potential causative factors of the diseases. To validate the contribution of a dysfunction of the mutated genes to disease development, the generation of animal models carrying the mutations is one obvious approach. While germline genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) are popular biological tools and exhibit reproducible results, it is restricted by time and costs. Meanwhile, non-germline GEMMs often enable exploring gene function in a more feasible manner. Since some brain diseases (e.g., brain tumors) appear to result from somatic but not germline mutations, non-germline chimeric mouse models, in which normal and abnormal cells coexist, could be helpful for disease-relevant analysis. In this study, we report a method for the induction of CRISPR-mediated somatic mutations in the cerebellum. Specifically, we utilized conditional knock-in mice, in which Cas9 and GFP are chronically activated by the CAG (CMV enhancer/chicken &#223;-actin) promoter after Cre-mediated recombination of the genome. The self-designed single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) and the Cre recombinase sequence, both encoded in a single plasmid construct, were delivered into cerebellar stem/progenitor cells at an embryonic stage using in utero electroporation. Consequently, transfected cells and their daughter cells were labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP), thus facilitating further phenotypic analyses. Hence, this method is not only showing electroporation-based gene delivery into embryonic cerebellar cells but also proposing a novel quantitative approach to assess CRISPR-mediated loss-of-function phenotypes.

CRISPR-mediated Loss of Function Analysis in Cerebellar Granule Cells Using In Utero Electroporation-based Gene Transfer

Conventional loss-of-function studies of genes using knockout animals have often been costly and time-consuming. Electroporation-based CRISPR-mediated somatic mutagenesis is a powerful tool to understand gene functions in vivo. Here, we report a method to analyze knockout phenotypes in proliferating cells of the cerebellum.

CRISPR-vermittelten Verlust der Funktionsanalyse in zerebelläre Untermodul Zellen mit In Utero Elektroporation-basierte Gentransfer

Brain malformation is often caused by genetic mutations. Deciphering the mutations in patient-derived tissues has identified potential causative factors ...

Direct Lineage Reprogramming of Adult Mouse Fibroblast to Erythroid Progenitors

Erythroid cell commitment and differentiation proceed through activation of a lineage-restricted transcriptional network orchestrated by a group of cell fate determining and maturing factors. We previously set out to define the minimal set of factors necessary for instructing red blood cell development using direct lineage reprogramming of fibroblasts into induced erythroid progenitors/precursors (iEPs). We showed that overexpression of Gata1, Tal1, Lmo2, and c-Myc (GTLM) can rapidly convert murine and human fibroblasts directly to iEPs that resemble bona fide erythroid cells in terms of morphology, phenotype, and gene expression. We intend that iEPs will provide an invaluable tool to study erythropoiesis and cell fate regulation. Here we describe the stepwise process of converting murine tail tip fibroblasts into iEPs via transcription factor-driven direct lineage reprogramming (DLR). In this example, we perform the reprogramming in fibroblasts from erythroid lineage-tracing mice that express the yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) under the control of the erythropoietin receptor gene (EpoR) promoter, enabling visualization of erythroid cell fate induction upon reprogramming. Following this protocol, fibroblasts can be reprogrammed into iEPs within five to eight days. 
While improvements can still be made to the process, we show that GTLM-mediated reprogramming is a rapid and direct process, yielding cells with properties of bona fide erythroid progenitor and precursor cells.

Here we present our protocol for producing induced erythroid progenitors (iEPs) from mouse adult fibroblasts using transcription factor-driven direct lineage reprogramming (DLR).

Direkte Linie Reprogrammierung von adulten Maus-Fibroblasten zu erythroiden Vorläuferzellen

Erythroid cell commitment and differentiation proceed through activation of a lineage-restricted transcriptional network orchestrated by a group of cell ...

Isolation and Differentiation of Primary Myoblasts from Mouse Skeletal Muscle Explants

Primary myoblasts are undifferentiated proliferating precursors of skeletal muscle. They can be cultured and studied as muscle precursors or induced to differentiate into later stages of muscle development. The protocol provided here describes a robust method for the isolation and culture of a highly proliferative population of myoblast cells from young adult mouse skeletal muscle explants. These cells are useful for the study of the metabolic properties of skeletal muscle of different mouse models, as well as in other downstream applications such as transfection with exogenous DNA or transduction with viral expression vectors. The level of differentiation and metabolic profile of these cells depends on the length of exposure, and composition of the media used to induce myoblast differentiation. These methods provide a robust system for the study of mouse muscle cell metabolism ex vivo. Importantly, unlike in vivo models, the methods described here provide a cell population that can be expanded and studied with high levels of reproducibility.

Myoblasts are proliferating precursor cells that differentiate to form polynucleated myotubes and eventually skeletal muscle myofibers. Here, we present a protocol for efficient isolation and culture of primary myoblasts from young adult mouse skeletal muscles. The method enables molecular, genetic, and metabolic studies of muscle cells in culture.

Isolierung und Differenzierung von primären Myoblasten von Mausskelettmuskelexplants

Primary myoblasts are undifferentiated proliferating precursors of skeletal muscle. They can be cultured and studied as muscle precursors or induced to ...

Kultur von embryonalen Maus Cochlear Explantate und Gentransfer durch Elektroporation

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Effizienten Gentransfer in Küken Netzhäute für primäre Zellkulturstudien: Eine