We are grateful to S. Taylor for providing the pLPCX-Histone H2-GFP plasmid. We thank R. Mertelsmann for continuous support. This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.

1. Seeding of U2OS-based Cyclin B-SNAP Reporter Cells (Clone 11 Cells 6) on Microscope Chamber Slides
<ol>
	<li>Trypsinize subconfluent SNAP reporter cells that were allowed to grow asynchronously in log phase for at least 48 hr.</li>
	<li>Working with 8 well microscope chambers (constant distribution of cells).</li>
</ol>
For seeding of cells onto 8 well microscope chambers at a constant distribution across the entire surface of the microscope chamber, centrifuge 10,000 cells and res...

<ol>
	<li>Musacchio, A., Salmon, E. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+spindle-assembly+checkpoint+in+space+and+time.">The spindle-assembly checkpoint in space and time.</a> Nat. Rev. Mol. Cell Biol. 8, 379-393 (2007).</li><li>Nasmyth, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Segregating+sister+genomes:+the+molecular+biology+of+chromosome+separation.">Segregating sister genomes: the molecular biology of chromosome separation.</a> Science. 297, 559-565 (2002).</li><li>Cahill, D. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mutations+of+mitotic+checkpoint+genes+in+human+cancers.">Mutations of mitotic checkpoint genes in human cancers.</a> Nature. 392, 300-303 (1998).</li><li>Lengauer, C., Kinzler, K. W., Vogelstein, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Genetic+instabilities+in+human+cancers.">Genetic instabilities in human cancers.</a> Nature. 396, 643-649 (1998).</li><li>Fletcher, D. A., Mullins, R. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cell+mechanics+and+the+cytoskeleton.">Cell mechanics and the cytoskeleton.</a> Nature. 463, 485-4892 (2010).</li><li>Schnerch, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Monitoring+APC/C+activity+in+the+presence+of+chromosomal+misalignment+in+unperturbed+cell+populations.">Monitoring APC/C activity in the presence of chromosomal misalignment in unperturbed cell populations.</a> Cell Cycle. 11, (2012).</li><li>Keppler, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+general+method+for+the+covalent+labeling+of+fusion+proteins+with+small+molecules+in+vivo.">A general method for the covalent labeling of fusion proteins with small molecules in vivo.</a> Nat. Biotechnol. 21, 86-869 (2003).</li><li>Jansen, L. E., Black, B. E., Foltz, D. R., Cleveland, D. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Propagation+of+centromeric+chromatin+requires+exit+from+mitosis.">Propagation of centromeric chromatin requires exit from mitosis.</a> J. Cell. Biol. 176, 795-805 (2007).</li><li>Malureanu, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cdc20+hypomorphic+mice+fail+to+counteract+de+novo+synthesis+of+cyclin+B1+in+mitosis.">Cdc20 hypomorphic mice fail to counteract de novo synthesis of cyclin B1 in mitosis.</a> J. Cell Biol. 191, 313-329 (2010).</li><li>Mena, A. L., Lam, E. W., Chatterjee, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Sustained+spindle-assembly+checkpoint+response+requires+de+novo+transcription+and+translation+of+cyclin+B1.">Sustained spindle-assembly checkpoint response requires de novo transcription and translation of cyclin B1.</a> PLoS One. 5, (2010).</li><li>Wolthuis, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cdc20+and+Cks+direct+the+spindle+checkpoint-independent+destruction+of+cyclin.">Cdc20 and Cks direct the spindle checkpoint-independent destruction of cyclin.</a> A. Mol. Cell. 30, 290-302 (2008).</li></ol>

We present here a live-cell imaging-based approach facilitating the simultaneous monitoring of cyclin B proteolysis and chromosome alignment. This approach allows the study of mitotic control in unperturbed cell populations at the single cell level. Cyclin B degradation curves facilitate direct insights into the activity of the APC/C and thus indirectly reflect the status of the SAC 6.
This approach, even though established based on the Scan^R software, can easily be reproduced on ...

<table border="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Name of product</td>
			<td>Company</td>
			<td>Catalogue number</td>
			<td>Comments (optional)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Reporter cell line</td>
			<td>generated in-house as described 6</td>
			<td>clone 11 reporter cells 
			(U2Os-based cyclin B-SNAP expressing cells)</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Retroviral cyclin B-SNAP expression vector</td>
			<td>generated in-house as described 6</td>
			<td>pLNCX2-cyclin B mut5-SNAP</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Phenolred-free DMEM</td>
			<td>Gibco</td>
			<td>21063-029</td>
			<td>Supplementation with FCS, sodium pyruvate, penicillin/strepto-mycin required</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SNAP-Cell TMR-Star</td>
			<td>New England Biolabs</td>
			<td>S9105S</td>
			<td>Stock solution 400 &mu;M in DMSO</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Special Opstics Plate, 96 well</td>
			<td>Costar</td>
			<td>3720</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&mu;-Slide 8 well, ibiTreat</td>
			<td>Ibidi</td>
			<td>80826</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microscopy unit</td>
			<td>Olympus</td>
			<td>IX-81 inverse microscope with climate chamber</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Objective</td>
			<td>Olympus</td>
			<td>UPLSAPO 20x objective (N.A. 0.75)</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Acquisition software</td>
			<td>Olympus</td>
			<td>Scan^R Acquisition software (v.2.2.09)</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Analysis software</td>
			<td>Olympus</td>
			<td>Scan^R Analysis software (v.1.2.0.6)</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

studying proteolysis of cyclin b at the single cell level in whole cell populations

Equal distribution of chromosomes between the two daughter cells during cell division is a prerequisite for guaranteeing genetic stability 1. Inaccuracies during chromosome separation are a hallmark of malignancy and associated with progressive disease 2-4. The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) is a mitotic surveillance mechanism that holds back cells at metaphase until every single chromosome has established a stable bipolar attachment to the mitotic spindle1. The SAC exerts its function by interference with the activating APC/C subunit Cdc20 to block proteolysis of securin and cyclin B and thus chromosome separation and mitotic exit. Improper attachment of chromosomes prevents silencing of SAC signaling and causes continued inhibition of APC/CCdc20 until the problem is solved to avoid chromosome missegregation, aneuploidy and malignant growths1.
Most studies that addressed the influence of improper chromosomal attachment on APC/C-dependent proteolysis took advantage of spindle disruption using depolymerizing or microtubule-stabilizing drugs to interfere with chromosomal attachment to microtubules. Since interference with microtubule kinetics can affect the transport and localization of critical regulators, these procedures bear a risk of inducing artificial effects 5.
To study how the SAC interferes with APC/C-dependent proteolysis of cyclin B during mitosis in unperturbed cell populations, we established a histone H2-GFP-based system which allowed the simultaneous monitoring of metaphase alignment of mitotic chromosomes and proteolysis of cyclin B 6.
To depict proteolytic profiles, we generated a chimeric cyclin B reporter molecule with a C-terminal SNAP moiety 6 (Figure 1). In a self-labeling reaction, the SNAP-moiety is able to form covalent bonds with alkylguanine-carriers (SNAP substrate) 7,8 (Figure 1). SNAP substrate molecules are readily available and carry a broad spectrum of different fluorochromes. Chimeric cyclin B-SNAP molecules become labeled upon addition of the membrane-permeable SNAP substrate to the growth medium 7 (Figure 1). Following the labeling reaction, the cyclin B-SNAP fluorescence intensity drops in a pulse-chase reaction-like manner and fluorescence intensities reflect levels of cyclin B degradation 6 (Figure 1). Our system facilitates the monitoring of mitotic APC/C-dependent proteolysis in large numbers of cells (or several cell populations) in parallel. Thereby, the system may be a valuable tool to identify agents/small molecules that are able to interfere with proteolytic activity at the metaphase to anaphase transition. Moreover, as synthesis of cyclin B during mitosis has recently been suggested as an important mechanism in fostering a mitotic block in mice and humans by keeping cyclin B expression levels stable 9,10, this system enabled us to analyze cyclin B proteolysis as one element of a balanced equilibrium 6.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Studying Proteolysis of Cyclin B at the Single Cell Level in Whole Cell Populations at JoVE.com

Studying Proteolysis of Cyclin B at the Single Cell Level in Whole Cell Populations

Metaphase to anaphase transition is triggered through anaphase-promoting complex (APC/C)-dependent ubiquitination and subsequent destruction of cyclin B. Here, we established a system which, following pulse-chase labeling, allows monitoring cyclin B proteolysis in entire cell populations and facilitates the detection of interference by the mitotic checkpoint.

Equal distribution of chromosomes between the two daughter cells during cell division is a prerequisite for guaranteeing genetic stability 1. Inaccuracies ...

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Research

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Biology

10.4K vistas.  University Medical Center Freiburg. Metafase anafase transición se activa a través de la promoción de complejos anafase (APC / C)-dependiente de ubiquitinación y posterior destrucción de la ciclina B. En este caso, hemos establecido un sistema que, a raíz de pulso-caza etiquetado, permite monitorizar la proteólisis de ciclina B en poblaciones de células enteras y facilita la detección de interferencia por el puesto de control mitótico.

Video: Studying Proteolysis of Cyclin B at the Single Cell Level in Whole Cell Populations

Metaphase to anaphase transition is triggered through anaphase-promoting complex (APC/C)-dependent ubiquitination and subsequent destruction of cyclin B. Here, we established a system which, following pulse-chase labeling, allows monitoring cyclin B proteolysis in entire cell populations and facilitates the detection of interference by the mitotic...

bacterial cell culture at the single-cell level inside giant vesicles

Bacterial Cell Culture at the Single-cell Level Inside Giant Vesicles

We demonstrate single-cell culture of bacteria inside giant vesicles (GVs). GVs containing bacterial cells were prepared by the droplet transfer method and were immobilized on a supported membrane on a glass substrate for direct observation of bacterial growth. This approach may also be adaptable to other...

analysis of global rna synthesis at the single cell level following hypoxia

Analysis of Global RNA Synthesis at the Single Cell Level following Hypoxia

We describe a technique for analysis of global RNA synthesis in hypoxia using imaging. Click-chemistry labeling of RNA has not previously been performed under hypoxia and allows visualization of global RNA changes at the single cell level. This approach complements the existing averaged RNA techniques, allowing direct visualization of cell-to-cell changes in global RNA...

single-cell screening method for the selection and recovery of antibodies with desired specificities from enriched human memory b cell populations

Single-cell Screening Method for the Selection and Recovery of Antibodies with Desired Specificities from Enriched Human Memory B Cell Populations

The BSelex method to identify and recover individual antigen-specific antibodies from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells combines flow cytometry with single cell PCR and...

an approach to study shape-dependent transcriptomics at a single cell level

An Approach to Study Shape-Dependent Transcriptomics at a Single Cell Level

This paper presents methods for growing cardiac myocytes with different shapes, which represent different pathologies, and sorting these adherent cardiac myocytes based on their morphology at a single cell level. The proposed platform provides a novel approach to high throughput and drug screening for different types of heart...

flow cytometry-based cell sorting for different circulatory b cell populations

In this video, we describe a protocol for the flow cytometry-based sorting of na&#239;ve B cell, memory B cell, and plasmablast plasma cell subpopulations from human peripheral blood B cells. The different B cell subpopulations can be distinguished based on fluorophore-based antibody binding to the CD19, CD27, and CD38 receptors expressed on the B cell surfaces, followed by cell...

Flow Cytometry-Based Cell Sorting for Different Circulatory B Cell Populations

using human intestinal organoids to understand the small intestine epithelium at the single cell transcriptional level

Author Spotlight: Integrating Single-Cell Transcriptomics with Organoid Cultures for Advanced Research and Therapeutic Insights

The protocol combines human intestinal organoid technology with single cell transcriptomic analysis to provide significant insight into previously unexplored intestinal biology.

Using Human Intestinal Organoids to Understand the Small Intestine Epithelium at the Single Cell Transcriptional Level

cubic protocol visualizes protein expression at single cell resolution in whole mount skin preparations

CUBIC Protocol Visualizes Protein Expression at Single Cell Resolution in Whole Mount Skin Preparations

This report describes a CUBIC protocol to clarify full thickness mouse skin biopsies, and visualize protein expression patterns, proliferating cells, and sebocytes at the single cell resolution in 3D. This method enables accurate assessment of skin anatomy and pathology, and of abnormal epidermal phenotypes in genetically modified mouse...

a microfluidic system with surface patterning for investigating cavitation bubble(s)&#8211;cell interaction and the resultant bioeffects at the single-cell level

A Microfluidic System with Surface Patterning for Investigating Cavitation Bubble(s)&amp;#8211;Cell Interaction and the Resultant Bioeffects at the Single-cell Level

A microfluidic chip was fabricated to produce pairs of gold dots for tandem bubble generation and fibronectin-coated islands for single-cell patterning nearby. The resultant flow field was characterized by particle image velocimetry and was employed to study various bioeffects, including cell membrane poration, membrane deformation, and intracellular calcium...

A Microfluidic System with Surface Patterning for Investigating Cavitation Bubble(s)&#8211;Cell Interaction and the Resultant Bioeffects at the Single-cell Level

Resuspend the pellet in fresh sorting buffer at a 1 to 5 x 107 cells per milliliter concentration, and filter the cells through a 40-micron cell strainer into a new 5-milliliter polystyrene tube. Then, sort the cells by flow cytometry into three 15-milliliter tubes containing 5 milliliters of fresh RPMI medium to collect the naive B cells, memory B cells, and plasmablast plasma...

analysis of line-1 retrotransposition at the single nucleus level

Analysis of LINE-1 Retrotransposition at the Single Nucleus Level

Here we employ FISH methodology to track LINE-1 retrotransposition at the single nuclei level in chromosome spreads of HepG2 cell lines stably expressing synthetic...

quantitative and temporal control of oxygen microenvironment at the single islet level

Quantitative and Temporal Control of Oxygen Microenvironment at the Single Islet Level

Microfluidic oxygen control confers more than just convenience and speed over hypoxic chambers for biological experiments. Especially when implemented via diffusion through a membrane, microfluidic oxygen can provide simultaneous liquid and gas phase modulations at the microscale-level. This technique enables dynamic multi-parametric experiments critical for studying islet...

proteome-wide quantification of labeling homogeneity at the single molecule level

Proteome-wide Quantification of Labeling Homogeneity at the Single Molecule Level

Here, we present a protocol to assess the labeling homogeneity for each protein species in a complex protein sample at the single molecule...

bacterial co-incubation assay: a fluorescence microscopy-based technique to visualize intraspecific bacterial competition at the single-cell level

This video demonstrates a fluorescence microscopy-based method to study bacterial competition at the single-cell level. This method provides insights into the structure and function of bacterial...

Bacterial Co-Incubation Assay: A Fluorescence Microscopy-Based Technique to Visualize Intraspecific Bacterial Competition at the Single-Cell Level

method for measurement of viral fusion kinetics at the single particle level

Method for Measurement of Viral Fusion Kinetics at the Single Particle Level

We present an in vitro, two-color fluorescence assay to visualize the fusion of single virus particles with a fluid target bilayer. By labeling viral particles with fluorophores that differentially stain the viral membrane and its interior, we are able to monitor the kinetics of hemifusion and pore...

live imaging followed by single cell tracking to monitor cell biology and the lineage progression of multiple neural populations

Live Imaging Followed by Single Cell Tracking to Monitor Cell Biology and the Lineage Progression of Multiple Neural Populations

A robust protocol to monitor neural populations by time-lapse video-microscopy followed by software-based post-processing is described. This method represents a powerful tool to identify biological events in a selected population during live imaging...

target cell pre-enrichment and whole genome amplification for single cell downstream characterization

Target Cell Pre-enrichment and Whole Genome Amplification for Single Cell Downstream Characterization

This protocol is to recover and prepare rare target cells from a mixture with non-target background cells for molecular genetic characterization at the single-cell level. DNA quality is equal to non-treated single cells and allows for single-cell application (both screening based and targeted...

studying the excitability of fluorescent neurons using a whole-cell patch clamp

The video demonstrates a method to study the excitability of neuronal cells expressing fluorescent protein using a whole-cell patch current clamp. In the current-clamp mode, action potentials indicative of neuronal excitability are...

Studying the Excitability of Fluorescent Neurons using a Whole-Cell Patch Clamp

fluorescence-activated cell sorting for the isolation of scleractinian cell populations

Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting for the Isolation of Scleractinian Cell Populations

Corals create biodiverse ecosystems important for both humans and marine organisms. However, we still do not understand the full potential and function of many coral cells. Here, we present a protocol developed for the isolation, labeling, and separation of stony coral cell...

single-cell calcium imaging for studying the activation of calcium ion channels

Author Spotlight: Advancing Calcium-Related Ion Channel Studies Employing Imaging Techniques

This article presents a method for real-time, quantitative monitoring of calcium ion (Ca2+) concentrations in cells using single-cell Ca2+ imaging with the Fura-2/AM dye. This technique enables efficient dye loading and accurate calculation of Ca2+ levels through fluorescence intensity ratios, making it a simple and rapid approach for research...

Single-Cell Calcium Imaging for Studying the Activation of Calcium Ion Channels

Whole-cell Recordings of Light Evoked Excitatory Synaptic Currents in the Retinal Slice

We use the whole-cell patch clamp technique to study the synaptic circuitry that underlies visual information processing in the retina. In this video, we will guide you through the process of performing whole-cell recordings of light evoked currents of individual cells in the retinal slice preparation. We use the aquatic tiger salamander as an animal model. We begin by describing the dissection of the eye and show how slices are mounted for electrophysiological recordings. Once the slice is placed in the recording chamber, we demonstrate how to perform whole-cell voltage clamp recordings. We then project visual stimuli onto the photoreceptors in the slice to elicit light-evoked current responses. During the recording we perfuse the slice with pharmacological agents, whereby an 8-channel perfusion system allows us to quickly switch between different agents.  The retinal slice preparation is widely used for patch clamp recordings in the retina, in particular to study amacrine or bipolar cells, which are not accessible in a whole-mount preparation.

This video shows the process of whole-cell voltage clamp recordings in the retinal slice of the aquatic tiger salamander. We demonstrate the preparation of the slice as well as how to perform patch clamp recordings during visual stimulation of the retina.

We use the whole-cell patch clamp technique to study the synaptic circuitry that underlies visual information processing in the retina. In this video, we ...

Obtaining High Quality RNA from Single Cell Populations in Human Postmortem Brain Tissue

We proposed to investigate the gray matter reduction in the superior temporal gyrus seen in schizophrenia patients, by interrogating gene expression profiles of pyramidal neurons in layer III. It is well known that the cerebral cortex is an exceptionally heterogeneous structure comprising diverse regions, layers and cell types, each of which is characterized by distinct cellular and molecular compositions and therefore differential gene expression profiles. To circumvent the confounding effects of tissue heterogeneity, we used laser-capture microdissection (LCM) in order to isolate our specific cell-type i.e pyramidal neurons.
Approximately 500 pyramidal neurons stained with the Histogene staining solution were captured using the Arcturus XT LCM system. RNA was then isolated from captured cells and underwent two rounds of T7-based linear amplification using Arcturus/Molecular Devices kits. The Experion LabChip (Bio-Rad) gel and electropherogram indicated good quality a(m)RNA, with a transcript length extending past 600nt required for microarrays. The amount of mRNA obtained averaged 51&mu;g, with acceptable mean sample purity as indicated by the A260/280 ratio, of 2.5. Gene expression was profiled using the Human X3P GeneChip probe array from Affymetrix.

We describe a process using laser-capture microdissection to isolate and extract RNA from a homogeneous cell population, pyramidal neurons, in layer III of the superior temporal gyrus in postmortem human brains. We subsequently linearly amplify (T7-based) mRNA, and hybridize the sample to the Affymetrix human X3P microarray.

We proposed to investigate the gray matter reduction in the superior temporal gyrus seen in schizophrenia patients, by interrogating gene expression ...

Membrane fusion is an essential step during entry of enveloped viruses into cells. Conventional fusion assays typically report on a large number of fusion events, making it difficult to quantitatively analyze the sequence of the molecular steps involved. We have developed an in vitro, two-color fluorescence assay to monitor kinetics of single virus particles fusing with a target bilayer on an essentially fluid support.
Influenza viral particles are incubated with a green lipophilic fluorophore to stain the membrane and a red hydrophilic fluorophore to stain the viral interior. We deposit a ganglioside-containing lipid bilayer on the dextran-functionilized glass surface of a flow cell, incubate the viral particles on the planar bilayer and image the fluorescence of a 100 x 100 &mu;m2 area, containing several hundreds of particles, on a CCD camera. By imaging both the red and green fluorescence, we can simultaneously monitor the behavior of the membrane dye (green) and the aqueous content (red) of the particles.
Upon lowering the pH to a value below the fusion pH, the particles will fuse with the membrane. Hemifusion, the merging of the outer leaflet of the viral membrane with the outer leaflet of the target membrane, will be visible as a sudden change in the green fluorescence of a particle. Upon the subsequent fusion of the two remaining distal leaflets a pore will be formed and the red-emitting fluorophore in the viral particle will be released under the target membrane. This event will give rise to a decrease of the red fluorescence of individual particles. Finally, the integrated fluorescence from a pH-sensitive fluorophore that is embedded in the target membrane reports on the exact time of the pH drop.
From the three fluorescence-time traces, all the important events (pH drop, lipid mixing upon hemifusion, content mixing upon pore formation) can now be extracted in a straightforward manner and for every particle individually. By collecting the elapsed times for the various transitions for many individual particles in histograms, we can determine the lifetimes of the corresponding intermediates. Even hidden intermediates that do not have a direct fluorescent observable can be visualized directly from these histograms.

We present an in vitro, two-color fluorescence assay to visualize the fusion of single virus particles with a fluid target bilayer. By labeling viral particles with fluorophores that differentially stain the viral membrane and its interior, we are able to monitor the kinetics of hemifusion and pore formation.

Membrane fusion is an essential step during entry of enveloped viruses into cells. Conventional fusion assays typically report on a large number of fusion ...

Quantitative Measurement of Invadopodia-mediated Extracellular Matrix Proteolysis in Single and Multicellular Contexts

Cellular invasion into local tissues is a process important in development and homeostasis. Malregulated invasion and subsequent cell movement is characteristic of multiple pathological processes, including inflammation, cardiovascular disease and tumor cell metastasis1. Focalized proteolytic degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components in the epithelial or endothelial basement membrane is a critical step in initiating cellular invasion. In tumor cells, extensive in vitro analysis has determined that ECM degradation is accomplished by ventral actin-rich membrane protrusive structures termed invadopodia2,3. Invadopodia form in close apposition to the ECM, where they moderate ECM breakdown through the action of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The ability of tumor cells to form invadopodia directly correlates with the ability to invade into local stroma and associated vascular components3. 
Visualization of invadopodia-mediated ECM degradation of cells by fluorescent microscopy using dye-labeled matrix proteins coated onto glass coverslips has emerged as the most prevalent technique for evaluating the degree of matrix proteolysis and cellular invasive potential4,5. Here we describe a version of the standard method for generating fluorescently-labeled glass coverslips utilizing a commercially available Oregon Green-488 gelatin conjugate. This method is easily scaled to rapidly produce large numbers of coated coverslips. We show some of the common microscopic artifacts that are often encountered during this procedure and how these can be avoided. Finally, we describe standardized methods using readily available computer software to allow quantification of labeled gelatin matrix degradation mediated by individual cells and by entire cellular populations. The described procedures provide the ability to accurately and reproducibly monitor invadopodia activity, and can also serve as a platform for evaluating the efficacy of modulating protein expression or testing of anti-invasive compounds on extracellular matrix degradation in single and multicellular settings.

We describe the prototypical method for producing microscope coverslips coated with fluorescent gelatin for visualizing invadopodia-mediated matrix degradation. Computational techniques using available software are presented for quantifying the resultant levels of matrix proteolysis by single cells within a mixed population and for multicellular groups encompassing entire microscopic fields.

Cellular invasion into local tissues is a process important in development and homeostasis.  Malregulated invasion and subsequent cell movement is ...

Generation of Dispersed Presomitic Mesoderm Cell Cultures for Imaging of the Zebrafish Segmentation Clock in Single Cells

Segmentation is a periodic and sequential morphogenetic process in vertebrates. This rhythmic formation of blocks of tissue called somites along the body axis is evidence of a genetic oscillator patterning the developing embryo. In zebrafish, the intracellular clock driving segmentation is comprised of members of the Her/Hes transcription factor family organized into negative feedback loops. We have recently generated transgenic fluorescent reporter lines for the cyclic gene her1 that recapitulate the spatio-temporal pattern of oscillations in the presomitic mesoderm (PSM). Using these lines, we developed an in vitro culture system that allows real-time analysis of segmentation clock oscillations within single, isolated PSM cells. By removing PSM tissue from transgenic embryos and then dispersing cells from oscillating regions onto glass-bottom dishes, we generated cultures suitable for time-lapse imaging of fluorescence signal from individual clock cells. This approach provides an experimental and conceptual framework for direct manipulation of the segmentation clock with unprecedented single-cell resolution, allowing its cell-autonomous and tissue-level properties to be distinguished and dissected.

Somitogenesis is a rhythmic developmental process that spatially patterns the body axis of vertebrate embryos. Previously, we developed transgenic zebrafish lines that use fluorescent reporters to observe the cyclic genes that drive this process. Here, we culture dispersed cells from these lines and image their oscillations over time in vitro.

Segmentation is a  periodic and sequential morphogenetic process in vertebrates. This rhythmic  formation of blocks of tissue called somites along the ...

Hypoxia or lowering of the oxygen availability is involved in many physiological and pathological processes. At the molecular level, cells initiate a particular transcriptional program in order to mount an appropriate and coordinated cellular response. The cell possesses several oxygen sensor enzymes that require molecular oxygen as cofactor for their activity. These range from prolyl-hydroxylases to histone demethylases. The majority of studies analyzing cellular responses to hypoxia are based on cellular populations and average studies, and as such single cell analysis of hypoxic cells are seldom performed. Here we describe a method of analysis of global RNA synthesis at the single cell level in hypoxia by using Click-iT RNA imaging kits in an oxygen controlled workstation, followed by microscopy analysis and quantification.&nbsp; Using cancer cells exposed to hypoxia for different lengths of time, RNA is labeled and measured in each cell. This analysis allows the visualization of temporal and cell-to-cell changes in global RNA synthesis following hypoxic stress.

We describe a technique for analysis of global RNA synthesis in hypoxia using imaging. Click-chemistry labeling of RNA has not previously been performed under hypoxia and allows visualization of global RNA changes at the single cell level. This approach complements the existing averaged RNA techniques, allowing direct visualization of cell-to-cell changes in global RNA synthesis.

Hypoxia or lowering of the oxygen availability is involved in many physiological and pathological processes. At the molecular level, cells initiate a ...

One-channel Cell-attached Patch-clamp Recording

Ion channel proteins are universal devices for fast communication across biological membranes. The temporal signature of the ionic flux they generate depends on properties intrinsic to each channel protein as well as the mechanism by which it is generated and controlled and represents an important area of current research. Information about the operational dynamics of ion channel proteins can be obtained by observing long stretches of current produced by a single molecule. Described here is a protocol for obtaining one-channel cell-attached patch-clamp current recordings for a ligand gated ion channel, the NMDA receptor, expressed heterologously in HEK293 cells or natively in cortical neurons. Also provided are instructions on how to adapt the method to other ion channels of interest by presenting the example of the mechano-sensitive channel PIEZO1. This method can provide data regarding the channel&#8217;s conductance properties and the temporal sequence of open-closed conformations that make up the channel&#8217;s activation mechanism, thus helping to understand their functions in health and disease.

Described here is a procedure for obtaining long stretches of current recording from one ion channel with the cell-attached patch-clamp technique. This method allows for observing, in real time, the pattern of open-close channel conformations that underlie the biological signal. These data inform about channel properties in undisturbed biological membranes.

Ion channel proteins are universal devices for fast communication across biological membranes. The temporal signature of the ionic flux they generate ...

Long interspersed nuclear element-1 (Line-1 or L1) accounts for approximately 17% of the DNA present in the human genome. While the majority of L1s are inactive due to 5' truncations, ~80-100 of these elements remain retrotransposition competent and propagate to different locations throughout the genome via RNA intermediates. While older L1s are believed to target AT rich regions of the genome, the chromosomal targets of newer, more active L1s remain poorly defined. Here we describe fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) methodology that can be used to track patterns of L1 insertion and rates of ectopic L1 incorporation at the single nucleus level. In these experiments, fluorescein isothiocyanate/cyanine-3 (FITC/CY3) labeled neomycin probes were employed to track L1 retrotransposition in vitro in HepG2 cells stably expressing ectopic L1. This methodology prevents errors in the estimation of rates of retrotransposition posed by toxicity and account for the occurrence of multiple insertions into a single nucleus.

Here we employ FISH methodology to track LINE-1 retrotransposition at the single nuclei level in chromosome spreads of HepG2 cell lines stably expressing synthetic LINE-1.

Long interspersed nuclear element-1 (Line-1 or L1) accounts for approximately 17% of the DNA present in the human genome. While the majority of L1s are ...

The skin is essential for our survival. The outer epidermal layer consists of the interfollicular epidermis, which is a stratified squamous epithelium covering most of our body, and epidermal appendages such as the hair follicles and sweat glands. The epidermis undergoes regeneration throughout life and in response to injury. This is enabled by K14-expressing basal epidermal stem/progenitor cell populations that are tightly regulated by multiple regulatory mechanisms active within the epidermis and between epidermis and dermis. This article describes a simple method to clarify full thickness mouse skin biopsies, and visualize K14 protein expression patterns, Ki67 labeled proliferating cells, Nile Red labeled sebocytes, and DAPI nuclear labeling at single cell resolution in 3D. This method enables accurate assessment and quantification of skin anatomy and pathology, and of abnormal epidermal phenotypes in genetically modified mouse lines. The CUBIC protocol is the best method available to date to investigate molecular and cellular interactions in full thickness skin biopsies at single cell resolution.

This report describes a CUBIC protocol to clarify full thickness mouse skin biopsies, and visualize protein expression patterns, proliferating cells, and sebocytes at the single cell resolution in 3D. This method enables accurate assessment of skin anatomy and pathology, and of abnormal epidermal phenotypes in genetically modified mouse lines.

The skin is essential for our survival. The outer epidermal layer consists of the interfollicular epidermis, which is a stratified squamous epithelium ...

Analysis of Beta-cell Function Using Single-cell Resolution Calcium Imaging in Zebrafish Islets

Pancreatic beta-cells respond to increasing blood glucose concentrations by secreting the hormone insulin. The dysfunction of beta-cells leads to hyperglycemia and severe, life-threatening consequences. Understanding how the beta-cells operate under physiological conditions and what genetic and environmental factors might cause their dysfunction could lead to better treatment options for diabetic patients. The ability to measure calcium levels in beta-cells serves as an important indicator of beta-cell function, as the influx of calcium ions triggers insulin release. Here we describe a protocol for monitoring the glucose-stimulated calcium influx in zebrafish beta-cells by using GCaMP6s, a genetically encoded sensor of calcium. The method allows monitoring the intracellular calcium dynamics with single-cell resolution in ex vivo mounted islets. The glucose-responsiveness of beta-cells within the same islet can be captured simultaneously under different glucose concentrations, which suggests the presence of functional heterogeneity among zebrafish beta-cells. Furthermore, the technique provides high temporal and spatial resolution, which reveals the oscillatory nature of the calcium influx upon glucose stimulation. Our approach opens the doors to use the zebrafish as a model to investigate the contribution of genetic and environmental factors to beta-cell function and dysfunction.

Beta-cell functionality is important for blood-glucose homeostasis, which is evaluated at single-cell resolution using a genetically encoded reporter for calcium influx.