Fondos para la instalación de A. Dickinson de VCU apoyaron este trabajo. Los autores desean agradecer a Dan Nacu por su talento artístico en la creación de la ilustración esquemática.

<ol>
	<li>Mossey, P. A., Little, J., Munger, R. G., Dixon, M. J., Shaw, W. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cleft+lip+and+palate.">Cleft lip and palate.</a> Lancet. 374, 1773-1785 (2009).</li><li>Kennedy, A. E., Dickinson, A. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Median+facial+clefts+in+Xenopus+laevis:+roles+of+retinoic+acid+signaling+and+homeobox+genes.">Median facial clefts in Xenopus laevis: roles of retinoic acid signaling and homeobox genes.</a> Dev Biol. 365, 229-240 (2012).</li><li>Kennedy, A. E., Dickinson, A. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Quantitative+Analysis+of+Orofacial+Development+and+Median+Clefts+in+Xenopus+Laevis.">Quantitative Analysis of Orofacial Development and Median Clefts in Xenopus Laevis.</a> Anat Rec (Hoboken). , (2014).</li><li>Dickinson, A., Sive, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Positioning+the+extreme+anterior+in+Xenopus:+cement+gland,+primary+mouth+and+anterior+pituitary.">Positioning the extreme anterior in Xenopus: cement gland, primary mouth and anterior pituitary.</a> Semin Cell Dev Biol. 18, 525-533 (2007).</li><li>Dickinson, A. J., Sive, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+of+the+primary+mouth+in+Xenopus+laevis.">Development of the primary mouth in Xenopus laevis.</a> Dev Biol. 295, 700-713 (2006).</li><li>Dickinson, A. J., Sive, H. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+Wnt+antagonists+Frzb-1+and+Crescent+locally+regulate+basement+membrane+dissolution+in+the+developing+primary+mouth.">The Wnt antagonists Frzb-1 and Crescent locally regulate basement membrane dissolution in the developing primary mouth.</a> Development. 136, 1071-1081 (2009).</li><li>Barnett, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Syndrome+Transcription+Factor+is+critical+for+neural+crest+cell+function+in+Xenopus+laevis.">Syndrome Transcription Factor is critical for neural crest cell function in Xenopus laevis.</a> Mech Dev. 129, 324-338 (2012).</li><li>Gonzales, B., Yang, H., Henning, D., Valdez, B. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cloning+and+functional+characterization+of+the+Xenopus+orthologue+of+the+Treacher+Collins+syndrome+(TCOF1)+gene+product.">Cloning and functional characterization of the Xenopus orthologue of the Treacher Collins syndrome (TCOF1) gene product.</a> Gene. 359, 73-80 (2005).</li><li>Reisoli, E., De Lucchini, S., Nardi, I., Ori, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Serotonin+2B+receptor+signaling+is+required+for+craniofacial+morphogenesis+and+jaw+joint+formation+in+Xenopus.">Serotonin 2B receptor signaling is required for craniofacial morphogenesis and jaw joint formation in Xenopus.</a> Development. 137, 2927-2937 (2010).</li><li>Schuff, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=FoxN3+is+required+for+craniofacial+and+eye+development+of+Xenopus+laevis.">FoxN3 is required for craniofacial and eye development of Xenopus laevis.</a> Dev Dyn. 236, 226-239 (2007).</li><li>Slater, B. J., Liu, K. J., Kwan, M. D., Quarto, N., Longaker, M. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cranial+osteogenesis+and+suture+morphology+in+Xenopus+laevis:+a+unique+model+system+for+studying+craniofacial+development.">Cranial osteogenesis and suture morphology in Xenopus laevis: a unique model system for studying craniofacial development.</a> PLoS One. 4, (2009).</li><li>Vandenberg, L. N., Adams, D. S., Levin, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Normalized+shape+and+location+of+perturbed+craniofacial+structures+in+the+Xenopus+tadpole+reveal+an+innate+ability+to+achieve+correct+morphology.">Normalized shape and location of perturbed craniofacial structures in the Xenopus tadpole reveal an innate ability to achieve correct morphology.</a> Dev Dyn. 241, 863-878 (2012).</li><li>Bugaighis, I., Mattick, C. R., Tiddeman, B., Hobson, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=3D+Facial+Morphometry+in+Children+with+Oral+Clefts.">3D Facial Morphometry in Children with Oral Clefts.</a> Cleft Palate Craniofac J. , (2013).</li><li>Farkas, L. G., Katic, M. J., Forrest, C. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Surface+anatomy+of+the+face+in+Down's+syndrome:+anthropometric+proportion+indices+in+the+craniofacial+regions.">Surface anatomy of the face in Down's syndrome: anthropometric proportion indices in the craniofacial regions.</a> J Craniofac Surg. 12, 519-524 (2001).</li><li>Scheuer, H. A., Holtje, W. J., Hasund, A., Pfeifer, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Prognosis+of+facial+growth+in+patients+with+unilateral+complete+clefts+of+the+lip,+alveolus+and+palate.">Prognosis of facial growth in patients with unilateral complete clefts of the lip, alveolus and palate.</a> J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 29, 198-204 (2001).</li><li>Parsons, K. J., Andreeva, V., James Cooper, W., Yelick, P. C., Craig Albertson, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Morphogenesis+of+the+zebrafish+jaw:+development+beyond+the+embryo.">Morphogenesis of the zebrafish jaw: development beyond the embryo.</a> Methods Cell Biol. 101, 225-248 (2011).</li><li>Farkas, L. G., Katic, M. J., Forrest, C. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Surface+anatomy+of+the+face+in+Down's+syndrome:+age-related+changes+of+anthropometric+proportion+indices+in+the+craniofacial+regions.">Surface anatomy of the face in Down's syndrome: age-related changes of anthropometric proportion indices in the craniofacial regions.</a> J Craniofac Surg. 13, 368-374 (2002).</li><li>Cooper, W. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Bentho-pelagic+divergence+of+cichlid+feeding+architecture+was+prodigious+and+consistent+during+multiple+adaptive+radiations+within+African+rift-lakes.">Bentho-pelagic divergence of cichlid feeding architecture was prodigious and consistent during multiple adaptive radiations within African rift-lakes.</a> PLoS One. 5, (2010).</li><li>Klingenberg, C. P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Prenatal+alcohol+exposure+alters+the+patterns+of+facial+asymmetry.">Prenatal alcohol exposure alters the patterns of facial asymmetry.</a> Alcohol. 44, 649-657 (2010).</li><li>Zhao, Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Isolated+cleft+palate+in+mice+with+a+targeted+mutation+of+the+LIM+homeobox+gene+lhx8.">Isolated cleft palate in mice with a targeted mutation of the LIM homeobox gene lhx8.</a> Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 96, 15002-15006 (1999).</li><li>Allam, K. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+spectrum+of+median+craniofacial+dysplasia.">The spectrum of median craniofacial dysplasia.</a> Plast Reconstr Surg. , 812-821 (2011).</li><li>Sive, H. L., Grainger, R., Harlard, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Early development of Xenopus laevis: a laboratory manual. , (2000).</li><li>Cross, M. K., Powers, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Obtaining+eggs+from+Xenopus+laevis+females.">Obtaining eggs from Xenopus laevis females.</a> J Vis Exp. , (2008).</li><li>Nieuwkoop, P. 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L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> P. STATISTICS: Methods and Applications. , (2013).</li></ol>

Los autores no tienen nada que revelar.

Xenopus laevis se ha convertido en una herramienta útil para la disección de los mecanismos de desarrollo de desarrollo orofacial subyacente; sin embargo, actualmente no existen protocolos que describen los cambios de tamaño y forma de esta región en las ranas. El método aquí descrito contribuirá significativamente a la esfera del desarrollo orofacial al permitir una cuantificación más rigurosa de fenotipos orofaciales en Xenopus y otros vertebrados. El primer aspe...

Entre los tipos más frecuentes y devastadores de defectos de nacimiento en humanos son los que afectan a la boca y la cara, como hendiduras orofaciales 1. Los niños con estructuras orofaciales malformados se someten a múltiples cirugías durante toda su vida y luchan con desfiguraciones faciales, el habla, la audición y problemas de alimentación. Por lo tanto, lo que facilita una nueva investigación en el desarrollo de craneo y orofacial es de suma importancia para la prevención y el tratamiento de estos tipos de defectos de nacimiento en seres humanos. Xenopus laevis ha surgido como una nueva herramienta para la disección de los mecanismos que rigen el desarrollo craneofacial (algunos ejemplos incluyen 2,3,4 -11). Por lo tanto, un método cuantitativo para analizar los cambios de tamaño y forma durante el desarrollo de la cabeza y la cara de esta especie podría ser muy poderosa 3. A continuación, presentamos un método de este tipo; la combinación de mediciones de tamaño tradicional con morfometría geométrica adaptados de un estudio de Xenopus 12 </sup&gt; y una gran cantidad de estudios que analizan la forma facial humana 13-15. El objetivo de este protocolo es permitir a los investigadores para cuantificar el tamaño de la cara y las formas de distinguir entre los diferentes fenotipos orofaciales durante el desarrollo normal y anormal. Este análisis permitirá una mejor diferenciación entre los defectos craneofaciales sutiles tales como las derivadas de los efectos sinérgicos de los genes y / o factores ambientales. Además, este método de cuantificación también podría revelar incluso leve mejora o rescate de un defecto orofacial. Por lo tanto, esto hace que sea una guía útil en el análisis de productos terapéuticos potenciales. La combinación de medidas faciales y morfometría geométrica que aquí presentamos permite un análisis estadístico más exhaustivo del tamaño y forma de la región orofacial que los protocolos actuales que utilizan en gran medida sólo uno o el otro 15-18. Además, se presenta una forma sencilla de evaluar tanto el medial y planos laterales dela cara sin necesidad de equipos de imagen tridimensional sofisticada utilizada en los estudios actuales 13,19. Demostramos este protocolo en Xenopus laevis embriones tratados con un inhibidor del receptor del ácido retinoico que induce el desarrollo orofacial anormal y una mediana de 2,3 paladar hendido. La cuantificación de las dimensiones y la forma de la región orofacial en estos embriones han revelado cambios en el tercio medio facial que es análogo a los seres humanos con hendiduras palatinas similares y modelos de ratón 20,21. Sin embargo, este protocolo puede utilizarse para evaluar los efectos de otros compuestos sobre el desarrollo orofacial tales como sustancias naturales, herbicidas, o proteínas tales como factores de crecimiento. Además, el tamaño y forma cambia orofaciales derivados de la perturbación de la expresión génica a través de la pérdida o ganancia de experimentos de función (utilizando morfolinos antisentido o Crispers / Talens) también pueden ser cuantificados usando este protocolo. Por último, hemos desarrollado este método specificaLLY para evaluar la morfología de Xenopus; sin embargo, se puede modificar fácilmente para el análisis de cualquier vertebrado. Otras aplicaciones también podrían incluir el uso de este protocolo para la comparación de especies estrechamente relacionadas para los estudios evolutivos o ecológicos. Aunque el ejemplo que ofrecemos aquí utiliza este protocolo para describir el análisis de la región orofacial, que fácilmente podría ser modificado para el análisis de otras regiones, órganos o estructuras. Este protocolo cuantificación orofacial se convertirá en un recurso valioso para la comunidad de investigación, así como una excelente herramienta de enseñanza para los estudiantes de pregrado como una demostración en video.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="818">
	<tbody>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:304px;">Name of the reagent</td>
			<td style="width:143px;">Company</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">Catalogue number</td>
			<td style="width:236px;">Comments (optional)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Dissecting microscope</td>
			<td>Zeiss</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>fitted with AxioCamICC1 camera</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Dumont #5 Inox forceps</td>
			<td>Fine Science Tools</td>
			<td>11251-10</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Sterile, disposable scalpel</td>
			<td>Sklar</td>
			<td>06-2015</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:304px;">24-well plate</td>
			<td style="width:143px;">Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">087721</td>
			<td style="width:236px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:304px;">Standard Disposable transfer pipettes</td>
			<td style="width:143px;">Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">13-711-7M</td>
			<td style="width:236px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:304px;">150 mm X 15 mm Petri dishes</td>
			<td style="width:143px;">Falcon</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">351058</td>
			<td style="width:236px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:304px;">Incubators</td>
			<td style="width:143px;">Ectotherm</td>
			<td style="width:136px;"></td>
			<td style="width:236px;">set to 15C or 20C&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="60">
			<td height="60" style="height:60px;width:304px;">Modeling Clay</td>
			<td style="width:143px;">Premo, or other non-toxic modeling clay</td>
			<td style="width:136px;"></td>
			<td style="width:236px;">in black or white</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:304px;">Straight teasing needle</td>
			<td style="width:143px;">Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">19010</td>
			<td style="width:236px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:304px;">Capillary Tubing (for needles)</td>
			<td>FHC</td>
			<td>30-30-1</td>
			<td style="width:236px;">Borosil 1.0mm OD x 0.5mm ID/Fiber, 100 mm each</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="80">
			<td height="80" style="height:80px;width:304px;">Needle Puller, Model P-97&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:143px;">Sutter Instrument Co,&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">Needle Puller: P-97 Flaming/ Bown micropipette puller Filament: FB300B</td>
			<td style="width:236px;">For filaments, use Sutter 3.00mm square box filaments, 3.0mm wide.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="60">
			<td height="60" style="height:60px;width:304px;">Pipettemen</td>
			<td style="width:143px;">Gilson</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">F144802, F123600, F123602</td>
			<td style="width:236px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:304px;">BMS-453</td>
			<td style="width:143px;">Tocris</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">3409</td>
			<td style="width:236px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:304px;">DMSO</td>
			<td style="width:143px;">American Bioanalytical</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">AB00435-01000</td>
			<td style="width:236px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:304px;">Cysteine</td>
			<td style="width:143px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">52-90-4</td>
			<td style="width:236px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:304px;">Paraformaldehyde powder</td>
			<td style="width:143px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">158127</td>
			<td style="width:236px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:304px;">Petri dishes</td>
			<td style="width:143px;">Falcom</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">353003, 351058</td>
			<td style="width:236px;">100 mm diameter and 150 mm in diameter</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:304px;">100% Ethanol</td>
			<td style="width:143px;">VWR</td>
			<td>89125-170</td>
			<td style="width:236px;"></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

quantification of orofacial phenotypes in xenopus

Xenopus se ha convertido en una herramienta importante para la disección de los mecanismos que rigen el desarrollo y defectos craneofaciales. Un método para cuantificar el desarrollo orofacial permitirá análisis más riguroso de fenotipos orofaciales en derogación con sustancias que genéticamente o molecularmente pueden manipular la expresión génica o la función de proteínas. El uso de dos imágenes dimensionales de las cabezas de embriones, se miden las dimensiones tradicionales de tamaño-tales como orofacial anchura, altura y zona-. Además, una medida de la redondez de la abertura de la boca embrionario se utiliza para describir la forma de la boca. Morfometría geométrica de estas dos imágenes dimensionales también se realiza para proporcionar una visión más sofisticada de los cambios en la forma de la región orofacial. Puntos de referencia se asignan a puntos específicos en la región orofacial y coordenadas se crean. Un análisis de componentes principio se utiliza para reducir coordenadas señal a los componentes principales que discriminan entonces el tratamientogrupos. Estos resultados se muestran como un gráfico de dispersión en el que los individuos con formas orofaciales similares se agrupan. También es útil para llevar a cabo un análisis de función discriminante, que compara estadísticamente las posiciones de los puntos de referencia entre dos grupos de tratamiento. Este análisis se muestra en una rejilla de transformación donde los cambios en la posición de punto de interés se consideran como vectores. Una rejilla se superpone a estos vectores a fin de que se muestra un patrón de deformación para mostrar dónde posiciones hitos significativos han cambiado. Cambios en la forma en el análisis de la función discriminante se basan en una medida estadística, y por lo tanto pueden ser evaluados por un valor de p. Este análisis es sencillo y accesible, que sólo requiere un estereoscopio y software freeware, y por lo tanto será una investigación y la enseñanza valiosa de recursos.

Aquí, se demostró un análisis cuantitativo de tamaño y forma orofacial para comparar los embriones tratados con un inhibidor de receptor de ácido retinoico (RAR inhibidor) a los controles no tratados. Los embriones se trataron con una concentración 1 M de este inhibidor químico de la etapa 24 a 30 (26-35 HPF), eliminado, y se fijaron en la etapa 42 (82 HPF). Luego fueron procesados ​​y analizados como se describe en el protocolo. Los resultados son los datos originales, pero consistente con las observaciones ...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Quantification of Orofacial Phenotypes in Xenopus at JoVE.com

Quantification of Orofacial Phenotypes in Xenopus

Un método para cuantificar el tamaño orofacial y la forma de los embriones de Xenopus laevis ha sido desarrollado. En este protocolo, las mediciones de tamaño tradicionales se combinan con morfometría geométrica para permitir análisis más sofisticados de desarrollo y defectos orofacial.

La cuantificación de fenotipos en Orofacial<em&gt; Xenopus</em

Xenopus has become an important tool for dissecting the mechanisms governing craniofacial development and defects. A method to quantify orofacial ...

quantification-of-orofacial-phenotypes-in-xenopus

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JoVE Journal

Biology

Quantification of Orofacial Phenotypes in Xenopus

9.7K vistas.  Virginia Commonwealth University.  Un método para cuantificar el tamaño orofacial y la forma de los embriones de Xenopus laevis ha sido desarrollado. En este protocolo, las mediciones de tamaño tradicionales se combinan con morfometría geométrica para permitir análisis más sofisticados de desarrollo y defectos orofacial. 

Video: Quantification of Orofacial Phenotypes in Xenopus

Microinjection of Xenopus Laevis Oocytes

Microinjection of Xenopus laevis oocytes followed by thin-sectioning electron microscopy (EM) is an excellent system for studying nucleocytoplasmic transport. Because of its large nucleus and high density of nuclear pore complexes (NPCs), nuclear transport can be easily visualized in the Xenopus oocyte. Much insight into the mechanisms of nuclear import and export has been gained through use of this system (reviewed by Pant&eacute;, 2006). In addition, we have used microinjection of Xenopus oocytes to dissect the nuclear import pathways of several viruses that replicate in the host nucleus. 
Here we demonstrate the cytoplasmic microinjection of Xenopus oocytes with a nuclear import substrate. We also show preparation of the injected oocytes for visualization by thin-sectioning EM, including dissection, dehydration, and embedding of the oocytes into an epoxy embedding resin. Finally, we provide representative results for oocytes that have been microinjected with the capsid of the baculovirus Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) or the parvovirus Minute Virus of Mice (MVM), and discuss potential applications of the technique.

Here we demonstrate cytoplasmic microinjection of Xenopus laevis oocytes with a nuclear import substrate, as well as preparation of the injected oocytes for visualization by thin-sectioning electron microscopy.

Microinyección de oocitos de Xenopus laevis

Microinjection of Xenopus laevis oocytes followed by thin-sectioning electron microscopy (EM) is an excellent system for studying nucleocytoplasmic ...

Investigación

Biología

Visualizing RNA Localization in Xenopus Oocytes

RNA localization is a conserved mechanism of establishing cell polarity. Vg1 mRNA localizes to the vegetal pole of Xenopus laevis oocytes and acts to spatially restrict gene expression of Vg1 protein. Tight control of Vg1 distribution in this manner is required for proper germ layer specification in the developing embryo. RNA sequence elements in the 3' UTR of the mRNA, the Vg1 localization element (VLE) are required and sufficient to direct transport. To study the recognition and transport of Vg1 mRNA in vivo, we have developed an imaging technique that allows extensive analysis of trans-factor directed transport mechanisms via a simple visual readout. 
To visualize RNA localization, we synthesize fluorescently labeled VLE RNA and microinject this transcript into individual oocytes. After oocyte culture to allow transport of the injected RNA, oocytes are fixed and dehydrated prior to imaging by confocal microscopy. Visualization of mRNA localization patterns provides a readout for monitoring the complete pathway of RNA transport and for identifying roles in directing RNA transport for cis-acting elements within the transcript and trans-acting factors that bind to the VLE (Lewis et al., 2008, Messitt et al., 2008). We have extended this technique through co-localization with additional RNAs and proteins (Gagnon and Mowry, 2009, Messitt et al., 2008), and in combination with disruption of motor proteins and the cytoskeleton (Messitt et al., 2008) to probe mechanisms underlying mRNA localization.

Visualizing RNA Localization in Xenopus Oocytes

Visualization of in vivo RNA transport is accomplished by microinjection of fluorescently labeled RNA transcripts into Xenopus oocytes, followed by confocal microscopy.

Visualizar la localización del ARN en Xenopus Los ovocitos

RNA localization is a conserved mechanism of establishing cell polarity.  Vg1 mRNA localizes to the vegetal pole of Xenopus laevis oocytes and acts to ...

Patch Clamp and Perfusion Techniques for Studying Ion Channels Expressed in Xenopus oocytes

The protocol presented here is designed to study the activation of the large conductance, voltage- and Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels. The protocol may also be used to study the structure-function relationship for other ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors1. BK channels are widely expressed in different tissues and have been implicated in many physiological functions, including regulation of smooth muscle contraction, frequency tuning of inner hair cells and regulation of neurotransmitter release2-6. BK channels are activated by membrane depolarization and by intracellular Ca2+ and Mg2+ 6-9. Therefore, the protocol is designed to control both the membrane voltage and the intracellular solution. In this protocol, messenger RNA of BK channels is injected into Xenopus laevis oocytes (stage V-VI) followed by 2-5 days of incubation at 18&deg;C10-13. Membrane patches that contain single or multiple BK channels are excised with the inside-out configuration using patch clamp techniques10-13. The intracellular side of the patch is perfused with desired solutions during recording so that the channel activation under different conditions can be examined. To summarize, the mRNA of BK channels is injected into Xenopus laevis oocytes to express channel proteins on the oocyte membrane; patch clamp techniques are used to record currents flowing through the channels under controlled voltage and intracellular solutions.

Patch Clamp and Perfusion Techniques for Studying Ion Channels Expressed in Xenopus oocytes

Ionic current of BK channels is recorded using patch clamp techniques. BK channels are expressed in Xenopus oocytes by injecting messenger RNA. The intracellular solution during patch clamp recordings is controlled by a perfusion system.

Patch clamp y técnicas de perfusión para el estudio de los canales iónicos expresados ​​en Xenopus Ovocitos

The protocol presented here is designed to study the activation of the large conductance, voltage- and Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels. The protocol may ...

RNAi Screening to Identify Postembryonic Phenotypes in C. elegans

C. elegans has proven to be a valuable model system for the discovery and functional characterization of many genes and gene pathways1. More sophisticated tools and resources for studies in this system are facilitating continued discovery of genes with more subtle phenotypes or roles. 
Here we present a generalized protocol we adapted for identifying C. elegans genes with postembryonic phenotypes of interest using RNAi2. This procedure is easily modified to assay the phenotype of choice, whether by light or fluorescence optics on a dissecting or compound microscope. This screening protocol capitalizes on the physical assets of the organism and molecular tools the C. elegans research community has produced. As an example, we demonstrate the use of an integrated transgene that expresses a fluorescent product in an RNAi screen to identify genes required for the normal localization of this product in late stage larvae and adults. First, we used a commercially available genomic RNAi library with full-length cDNA inserts. This library facilitates the rapid identification of multiple candidates by RNAi reduction of the candidate gene product. Second, we generated an integrated transgene that expresses our fluorecently tagged protein of interest in an RNAi-sensitive background. Third, by exposing hatched animals to RNAi, this screen permits identification of gene products that have a vital embryonic role that would otherwise mask a post-embryonic role in regulating the protein of interest. Lastly, this screen uses a compound microscope equipped for single cell resolution.

RNAi Screening to Identify Postembryonic Phenotypes in C. elegans

We describe a sensitized method to identify postembryonic regulators of protein expression and localization in C. elegans using an RNAi-based genomic screen and an integrated transgene that expresses a functional, fluorescently tagged protein.

RNAi de detección para identificar fenotipos postembrionarios en C. elegans</em

C. elegans has proven to be a valuable model system for the discovery and functional characterization of many genes and gene pathways1. More sophisticated ...

Facial Transplants in Xenopus laevis Embryos

Craniofacial birth defects occur in 1 out of every 700 live births, but etiology is rarely known due to limited understanding of craniofacial development. To identify where signaling pathways and tissues act during patterning of the developing face, a 'face transplant' technique has been developed in embryos of the frog Xenopus laevis. A region of presumptive facial tissue (the "Extreme Anterior Domain" (EAD)) is removed from a donor embryo at tailbud stage, and transplanted to a host embryo of the same stage, from which the equivalent region has been removed. This can be used to generate a chimeric face where the host or donor tissue has a loss or gain of function in a gene, and/or includes a lineage label. After healing, the outcome of development is monitored, and indicates roles of the signaling pathway within the donor or surrounding host tissues. Xenopus is a valuable model for face development, as the facial region is large and readily accessible for micromanipulation. Many embryos can be assayed, over a short time period since development occurs rapidly. Findings in the frog are relevant to human development, since craniofacial processes appear conserved between Xenopus and mammals.

Facial Transplants in Xenopus laevis Embryos

A technique for transplanting "Extreme Anterior Domain" facial tissue between Xenopus laevis embryos has been developed. Tissue can be moved from one gene expression background into another, allowing the study of local requirements for craniofacial development and for signaling interactions between facial regions.

Los trasplantes faciales en<em&gt; Xenopus laevis</em&gt; Los embriones

Craniofacial birth defects occur in 1 out of every 700 live births, but etiology is rarely known due to limited understanding of craniofacial development. ...

The Xenopus Oocyte Cut-open Vaseline Gap Voltage-clamp Technique With Fluorometry

The cut-open oocyte Vaseline gap (COVG) voltage clamp technique allows for analysis of electrophysiological and kinetic properties of heterologous ion channels in oocytes. Recordings from the cut-open setup are particularly useful for resolving low magnitude gating currents, rapid ionic current activation, and deactivation. The main benefits over the two-electrode voltage clamp (TEVC) technique include increased clamp speed, improved signal-to-noise ratio, and the ability to modulate the intracellular and extracellular milieu.
Here, we employ the human cardiac sodium channel (hNaV1.5), expressed in Xenopus oocytes, to demonstrate the cut-open setup and protocol as well as modifications that are required to add voltage clamp fluorometry capability.
The properties of fast activating ion channels, such as hNaV1.5, cannot be fully resolved near room temperature using TEVC, in which the entirety of the oocyte membrane is clamped, making voltage control difficult. However, in the cut-open technique, isolation of only a small portion of the cell membrane allows for the rapid clamping required to accurately record fast kinetics while preventing channel run-down associated with patch clamp techniques.
In conjunction with the COVG technique, ion channel kinetics and electrophysiological properties can be further assayed by using voltage clamp fluorometry, where protein motion is tracked via cysteine conjugation of extracellularly applied fluorophores, insertion of genetically encoded fluorescent proteins, or the incorporation of unnatural amino acids into the region of interest1. This additional data yields kinetic information about voltage-dependent conformational rearrangements of the protein via changes in the microenvironment surrounding the fluorescent molecule.

The Xenopus Oocyte Cut-open Vaseline Gap Voltage-clamp Technique With Fluorometry

The cut-open Vaseline gap approach is used to obtain low noise recordings of ionic and gating currents from voltage-dependent ion channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes with high resolution of fast channel kinetics. With minor modification, voltage clamp fluorometry can be coupled to the cut-open oocyte protocol.

La<em&gt; Xenopus</em&gt; Ovocitos-Cut abierta vaselina Gap Técnica Voltage-clamp Con Fluorometría

The cut-open oocyte Vaseline gap (COVG) voltage clamp technique allows for analysis of electrophysiological and kinetic properties of heterologous ion ...

Reconstitution Of &#946;-catenin Degradation In Xenopus Egg Extract

Xenopus laevis egg extract is a well-characterized, robust system for studying the biochemistry of diverse cellular processes. Xenopus egg extract has been used to study protein turnover in many cellular contexts, including the cell cycle and signal transduction pathways1-3. Herein, a method is described for isolating Xenopus egg extract that has been optimized to promote the degradation of the critical Wnt pathway component, &beta;-catenin. Two different methods are described to assess &beta;-catenin protein degradation in Xenopus egg extract. One method is visually informative ([35S]-radiolabeled proteins), while the other is more readily scaled for high-throughput assays (firefly luciferase-tagged fusion proteins). The techniques described can be used to, but are not limited to, assess &beta;-catenin protein turnover and identify molecular components contributing to its turnover. Additionally, the ability to purify large volumes of homogenous Xenopus egg extract combined with the quantitative and facile readout of luciferase-tagged proteins allows this system to be easily adapted for high-throughput screening for modulators of &beta;-catenin degradation.

Reconstitution Of &amp;#946;-catenin Degradation In Xenopus Egg Extract

A method is described for analyzing protein degradation using radiolabeled and luciferase-fusion proteins in Xenopus egg extract and its adaptation for high-throughput screening for small molecule modulators of protein degradation.

La reconstitución de la degradación de β-catenina en<em&gt; Xenopus</em&gt; Extracto de Huevo

Xenopus laevis egg extract is a well-characterized, robust system for studying the biochemistry of diverse cellular processes. Xenopus egg extract has ...

Spinal Cord Transection In Xenopus laevis Tadpoles

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a permanent affliction, which affects the central nervous system (CNS) motor and sensory nerves, resulting in paralysis beneath the injury site. To date, there is no functional recovery therapy for SCI, and there is a lack of clarity regarding the many complexes and dynamic events occurring after SCI. Many non-mammalian organisms can regenerate after severe SCI, such as teleost fishes, urodele amphibians, and larval stages of anuran amphibians, including Xenopus laevis tadpoles. These are bona fide model organisms to study and understand the response to SCI and the mechanisms underlying successful regenerative processes. This type of research can lead to the identification of potential targets for SCI therapeutic intervention. This article describes how to perform Xenopus laevis tadpole spinal cord transection, including husbandry, surgery, postsurgery care, and functional test evaluation. This injury method can be applied for elucidating the different steps of spinal cord regeneration by studying the cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms, as well as histological and functional evolution after SCI and during spinal cord regeneration.

Spinal Cord Transection In Xenopus laevis Tadpoles

Xenopus laevis tadpole spinal cord transection is a relevant injury method to study spinal cord injury and regeneration by making a transverse cut that completely severs the spinal cord at the thoracic level.

Transección de la médula espinal en renacuajos Xenopus laevis

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a permanent affliction, which affects the central nervous system (CNS) motor and sensory nerves, resulting in paralysis ...

Perfusión sanguínea en ranas de uñas africanas para transcriptómica y proteómica

Effective Rapid Blood Perfusion in Xenopus

Xenopus have been powerful model organisms for understanding vertebrate development and disease for over 100 years. Here, a rapid blood perfusion protocol in Xenopus, aimed at a consistent and drastic reduction of blood within all tissues, is defined. Perfusion is carried out by inserting a needle directly into the ventricle of the heart and pumping heparinized phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) through the vascular system. The procedure can be completed in approximately 10 min per animal. The blood is dominated by a few highly abundant proteins and cell types, creating numerous issues as these proteins mask most other molecules and cell types of interest. The reproducible characterization of adult Xenopus tissues with quantitative proteomics and single-cell transcriptomics will benefit from applying this protocol prior to organ sampling. The protocols for tissue sampling are defined in companion papers. These procedures are aimed at the standardization of practices across Xenopus of different sex, age, and health status, specifically X. laevis and X. tropicalis.

Autor destacado: Perfusión sanguínea rápida y eficaz en Xenopus  

Presented here is an effective rapid blood perfusion protocol to prepare tissue samples from African clawed frogs for transcriptomics and proteomics studies.

Perfusión sanguínea rápida y efectiva en Xenopus

Xenopus have been powerful model organisms for understanding vertebrate development and disease for over 100 years. Here, a rapid blood perfusion protocol ...