The authors would like to acknowledge Patxi Jaso for the production of the video, PEDECIBA and Agencia Nacional de Investigaci&#243;n e Innovaci&#243;n (ANII) for partial funding.

1. Purificación del colorante <ol><li> Preparar una solución acuosa al 4% de verde de metilo disolviendo 0,4 g de polvo de manchas en 10 ml de agua destilada. Mezclar bien hasta que esté completamente disolviéndolo. </li><li> Bajo un humo del capó, se mezcla con al menos 2 partes de cloroformo. Es importante comprobar de antemano si los tubos son resistentes cloroformo. </li><li> Mezclar bien y centrifugar durante 1 min a 2000 xg para acelerar la separación de fases. </li><li> Después de la centrifugación, se obtienen una fase superior acuosa con verde de metilo y una fase orgánica inferior con cloroformo y la habitual cristal violeta contaminante. </li><li> Recuperar la fase superior y repita este paso hasta fase inferior aparece completamente carente de cristal violeta. </li><li> Al final, la fase superior se recuperó y se diluyó en agua hasta una concentración final de 2% de verde de metilo. Esta solución madre es estable en la mesa de trabajo durante meses y no necesita ser protegido de la luz. </li></ol><ol><li> Fijar los embriones durante la noche en 4% de formaldehído (de paraformaldehído) en tampón fosfato salino (PBS). NOTA: Esto puede tardar desde un par de horas para la noche, dependiendo del grosor de los embriones. En el ejemplo, hemos arreglado 48 horas después de la fecundación (HPF) embriones de pez cebra durante la noche. </li><li> Lavar los embriones tres veces en PBS-T (1% Triton X-100 en PBS) durante 5 min. La elevada concentración de detergente permeabiliza la cutícula. </li><li> Preparar una solución 1: 10.000 de verde de metilo (de 2% solución madre) en PBS-T: 5,000-1. La presencia de detergente durante la incubación es útil para muestras gruesas, tales como embriones de pez cebra y larvas. </li><li> Incubar los embriones en la solución durante al menos 6 horas a 4 ° C, con agitación suave. Una vez más, el espesor del embrión es el parámetro de calibración para la longitud de la incubación. </li><li> Lave los embriones 3 times con PBS durante 30 min para eliminar el exceso de detergente. Metil fluorescencia verde sólo es evidente cuando se une al ADN, por lo tanto, el fondo de la molécula no unida es insignificante. </li><li> Montar en una diapositiva excavado o una cámara casera con solución de montaje (75% de glicerol, 0,1 M Tris · HCl pH 8). NOTA: Si la tinción nuclear se va a realizar después de immunolabeling, verde de metilo se puede incorporar a la solución de montaje en la concentración de trabajo, sin necesidad de lavar a la basura. </li><li> Tienda refrigerada o iniciar imágenes inmediatamente. Realizar de imágenes con un confocal de barrido láser (u otro fluorescencia) microscopio con excitación a 633 nm y filtros de emisión establecidos para registrarse en 650-750 nm teniendo en cuenta que el metil emisión verde alcanza su máximo a 677 nm. NOTA: Proporcionamos los datos medidos del perfil de emisión verde de metilo, para ser cargados en el software de adquisición, como material complementario. </li></ol> 3. Fluorescente Nuclear StESP ACIO Plenario polluelo embriones utilizando metil verde <ol><li> Incubar huevos de gallina fertilizados a la etapa de su interés. Fijar los embriones durante la noche en formaldehído al 4% (de paraformaldehído) en PBS a 4 ° C. Lave embriones 3 veces en PBS-T durante 2 horas. </li><li> Preparar una solución 1: 10.000 de verde de metilo (de 2% solución madre) en PBS-T: 5,000-1. Incubar los embriones en la solución de tinción durante la noche a 4 ° C. Lave los embriones 3 veces en PBS, 1 hora cada uno. Monte en la cámara con 75% de glicerol, 0,1 M Tris, pH 8. </li></ol> 4. Imaging marcados con fluorescencia Núcleos de embriones-enteros montada <ol><li> Preparar una cámara de imágenes pegando varias capas de cinta aislante sobre un portaobjetos de microscopio y cuidadosamente cortar un agujero en él con un bisturí para colocar los embriones en su interior. Esto evitará que los embriones de aplastamiento durante la exploración. </li><li> Transferir cuidadosamente los embriones a la cámara de imagen y llenar la cámara a la cima con 75% de glicerol, Tris-HCl 0,1 M, pH = 8 a unla formación de burbujas vacío. </li><li> Cubrir con un # 0 cubreobjetos evitando o eliminando medio desbordante. Selle con esmalte de uñas. </li><li> Adquirir imágenes de la muestra en un microscopio de fluorescencia equipado con un filtro de excitación 633 o línea de láser. NOTA: Los filtros de emisión deben cubrir el máximo 677 emisión de verde de metilo. </li></ol>

<ol>
	<li>Klonisch, T., Wark, L., Hombach-Klonisch, S., Mai, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Nuclear+imaging+in+three+dimensions:+a+unique+tool+in+cancer+research.">Nuclear imaging in three dimensions: a unique tool in cancer research.</a> Annals of anatomy. 192 (5), 292-301 (2010).</li><li>Kapuscinski, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=DAPI:+a+DNA-specific+fluorescent+probe.">DAPI: a DNA-specific fluorescent probe.</a> Biotechnic. 70 (5), 220-233 (1995).</li><li>Latt, S. A., Stetten, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Spectral+studies+on+33258+Hoechst+and+related+bisbenzimidazole+dyes+useful+for+fluorescent+detection+of+deoxyribonucleic+acid+synthesis.">Spectral studies on 33258 Hoechst and related bisbenzimidazole dyes useful for fluorescent detection of deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis.</a> The journal of histochemistry and cytochemistry. 24 (1), 24-33 (1976).</li><li>Van Hooijdonk, C. A., Glade, C. P., Van Erp, P. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=TO-PRO-3+iodide:+a+novel+HeNe+laser-excitable+DNA+stain+as+an+alternative+for+propidium+iodide+in+multiparameter+flow+cytometry.">TO-PRO-3 iodide: a novel HeNe laser-excitable DNA stain as an alternative for propidium iodide in multiparameter flow cytometry.</a> Cytometry. 17 (2), 185-189 (1994).</li><li>Beumer, T. L., Veenstra, G. J., Hage, W. J., Destr&#233;e, O. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Whole-mount+immunohistochemistry+on+Xenopus+embryos+using+far-red+fluorescent+dyes.">Whole-mount immunohistochemistry on Xenopus embryos using far-red fluorescent dyes.</a> Trends in genetics. 11 (1), 9 (1995).</li><li>Prieto, D., Aparicio, G., Morande, P. E., Zolessi, F. 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+fast,+low+cost,+and+highly+efficient+fluorescent+DNA+labeling+method+using+methyl+green.">A fast, low cost, and highly efficient fluorescent DNA labeling method using methyl green.</a> Histochemistry and cell biology. 142 (3), 335-345 (2014).</li><li>Kim, S. K., Nord&#233;n, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Methyl+green.+A+DNA+major-groove+binding+drug.">Methyl green. A DNA major-groove binding drug.</a> FEBS letters. 315 (1), 61-64 (1993).</li><li>Nord&#233;n, B., Tjerneld, F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Binding+of+methyl+green+to+deoxyribonucleic+acid+analyzed+by+linear+dichroism.">Binding of methyl green to deoxyribonucleic acid analyzed by linear dichroism.</a> Chemical Physics Letters. 50 (3), 508-512 (1977).</li><li>Lyon, H., Jakobsen, P., Andersen, a. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Standardized+methyl+green-pyronin+Y+procedures+using+pure+dyes.">Standardized methyl green-pyronin Y procedures using pure dyes.</a> The Histochemical journal. 18 (2-3), 90-94 (1986).</li><li>Amat, F., Keller, P. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Towards+comprehensive+cell+lineage+reconstructions+in+complex+organisms+using+light-sheet+microscopy.">Towards comprehensive cell lineage reconstructions in complex organisms using light-sheet microscopy.</a> Development, growth &amp; differentiation. 55 (4), 563-578 (2013).</li><li>Chung, K., Deisseroth, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=CLARITY+for+mapping+the+nervous+system.">CLARITY for mapping the nervous system.</a> Nature methods. 10 (6), 508-5013 (2013).</li><li>Lenz, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Fluorescence+measurement+in+thick+tissue+layers+by+linear+or+nonlinear+long-wavelength+excitation.">Fluorescence measurement in thick tissue layers by linear or nonlinear long-wavelength excitation.</a> Applied. 38 (16), 3662-3669 (1999).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

The progressive development of microscopy techniques in the last decades, with a particular focus in variations of fluorescent microscopy, have led to the possibility of exploring the dynamics and structure of intact tissue samples, including whole embryos10,11. One major limitation has been, however, the availability of good quality fluorophores that can be used to directly and quickly stain subcellular structures. 
The most frequently used fluorescent DNA stains, such as DAPI or H...

Fluorescent staining of DNA is broadly and routinely used both in biological research and in clinical diagnosis, either for the detailed study of nuclear and chromosomal structure, for counterstaining tissues and cells, or for studying cell cycle parameters1. Although several DNA stains are available, the most widely used have been those excited by UV light and emitting in blue, which fit in the usual three-filter systems used in most conventional epifluorescence microscopes when combined with green and orange-red-emitting fluorophores, such as fluorescent proteins or small molecules attached to antibodies. Among these blue-emitting DNA stains, the most common are DAPI and Hoechst minor groove-binding agents2,3. Nonetheless, the incorporation of a wide variety of laser emission lines and spectral detection in laser scanning microscopes, has allowed researchers to choose for the use of far-red-emitting nuclear stains such as propidium iodide (PI) or TO-PRO 34. An advantage of these stains is that they overcome the problem of autofluorescence found in many cells and tissues, particularly in embryos5, but many of them have different problems such as having wide emission profiles or being very sensitive to photobleaching6.
The Swiss researcher Friedrich Miescher discovered DNA in 1869, extracting it from the nuclei of white blood cells found in pus. He called it nuclein, and showed a few years later that it formed precipitates with the relatively new stain methyl green. Methyl green is composed by three aniline rings, with different degrees of methylation, and has two positive charges that allow it to strongly bind to the major groove of DNA7,8. DNA staining by methyl green was very early shown to be specific, leading to the development by Unna and Pappenheim of a combined stain with pyronin, which specifically labels RNA. Methyl green-pyronin has since then been extensively used in routine histological technique9.
Until recently, very little was known about the fluorescent properties of methyl green. Our previous work, however, has uncovered some of methyl green spectral advantages6 such as its excitation at 633 nm, a convenient Stokes shift, its emission on the near-infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, higher photostability than commercially available DNA stains with similar spectral properties and at a very low cost. This is why we decided to test it for being used as a very high affinity and specific fluorescent label for DNA on embryonic tissues and in whole embryos. Furthermore, until now methyl green nuclear staining was performed at low pH, making it difficult to combine with antibody staining. The goal of the method detailed here is to have a protocol for fluorescent nuclear DNA staining which overcomes the aforementioned inconvenience by performing the staining procedure at physiological pH, thus making it a suitable counterstain for immunolabeling on sections and whole tissues.

<table><tbody><tr><td>Glycerol</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>G5516</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Methyl green</td><td>Dr. G. Gr&amp;uuml;bler</td><td></td><td>Also tested Sigma-Aldrich 323829, which is crystal violet-free</td></tr><tr><td>Paraformaldehyde</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>158127</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Laser scanning confocal microscopy Leica TCS-SP5</td><td>Leica Microsystems</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Phalloidin&amp;ndash;Tetramethylrhodamine B isothiocyanate</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>&lt;br/&gt; P1951&amp;nbsp;</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>chloroform</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>372978</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Centrifuge 5810 R</td><td>eppendorf</td><td>5811 000.010&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>microscope slides</td><td>Deltalab</td><td>D100004</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>cover slips</td><td>Esco optics</td><td>R525025</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

application of the dna-specific stain methyl green in the fluorescent labeling of embryos

Methyl green has long been known as a histological stain with a specific affinity for DNA, although its fluorescent properties have remained unexplored until recently. In this article, we illustrate the method for preparing a methyl green aqueous stock solution, that when diluted can be used as a very convenient fluorescent nuclear label for fixed cells and tissues. Easy procedures to label whole zebrafish and chick embryos are detailed, and examples of images obtained shown. Methyl green is maximally excited by red light, at 633 nm, and emits with a relatively sharp spectrum that peaks at 677 nm. It is very inexpensive, non-toxic, highly stable in solution and very resistant to photobleaching when bound to DNA. Its red emission allows for unaltered high resolution scanning confocal imaging of nuclei in thick specimens. Finally, this methyl green staining protocol is compatible with other cell staining procedures, such as antibody labeling, or actin filaments labeling with fluorophore-conjugated phalloidin.

Tinción nuclear de muestras gruesas. El protocolo aquí descrito permite el logro de la tinción homogénea de estructuras profundas en embriones enteros. Lentes en desarrollo forman núcleos 48 HPF embriones de pez cebra son homogéneamente etiquetados (Figura 1). Tinción de ADN verde de metilo permite la discriminación de diferencias morfológicas del ciclo celular dependientes tales como la identificación de figuras mitóticas o núcleos apoptóticos (Figura 2...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Application of the DNA-Specific Stain Methyl Green in the Fluorescent Labeling of Embryos at JoVE.com

Application of the DNA-Specific Stain Methyl Green in the Fluorescent Labeling of Embryos

A method for fluorescent staining of fixed biological material with the specific DNA label methyl green is described. Methyl green is used in a diluted aqueous solution and is very resistant to photobleaching. Its far-red emission allows for deep specimen imaging, making it particularly adequate for whole embryos.

Aplicación del ADN específico de la mancha verde de metilo en el etiquetado fluorescente de embriones

Methyl green has long been known as a histological stain with a specific affinity for DNA, although its fluorescent properties have remained unexplored ...

application-dna-specific-stain-methyl-green-fluorescent-labeling

Research

JoVE Journal

Developmental Biology

14.1K vistas.  Institut Pasteur de Montevideo. A method for fluorescent staining of fixed biological material with the specific DNA label methyl green is described. Methyl green is used in a diluted aqueous solution and is very resistant to photobleaching. Its far-red emission allows for deep specimen imaging, making it particularly adequate for whole embryos.

Video: Application of the DNA-Specific Stain Methyl Green in the Fluorescent Labeling of Embryos

Understanding Early Organogenesis Using a Simplified In Situ Hybridization Protocol in Xenopus

Organogenesis is the study of how organs are specified and then acquire their specific shape and functions during development. The Xenopuslaevis embryo is very useful for studying organogenesis because their large size makes them very suitable for identifying organs at the earliest steps in organogenesis. At this time, the primary method used for identifying a specific organ or primordium is whole mount in situ hybridization with labeled antisense RNA probes specific to a gene that is expressed in the organ of interest. In addition, it is relatively easy to manipulate genes or signaling pathways in Xenopus and in situ hybridization allows one to then assay for changes in the presence or morphology of a target organ. Whole mount in situ hybridization is a multi-day protocol with many steps involved. Here we provide a simplified protocol with reduced numbers of steps and reagents used that works well for routine assays. In situ hybridization robots have greatly facilitated the process and we detail how and when we utilize that technology in the process. Once an in situ hybridization is complete, capturing the best image of the result can be frustrating. We provide advice on how to optimize imaging of in situ hybridization results. Although the protocol describes assessing organogenesis in Xenopus laevis, the same basic protocol can almost certainly be adapted to Xenopus tropicalis and other model systems.

Understanding Early Organogenesis Using a Simplified In Situ Hybridization Protocol in Xenopus

The Xenopus laevis embryo continues to be exceptionally useful in the study of early development due to its large size and ease of manipulation. A simplified protocol for whole mount in situ hybridization protocol is provided that can be used in the identification of specific organs in this model system.

La comprensión temprana Organogenesis Usando una simplificado<em&gt; In Situ</em&gt; Protocolo de hibridación en<em&gt; Xenopus</em

Organogenesis is the study of how organs are specified and then acquire their specific shape and functions during development.  The Xenopuslaevis embryo ...

Investigación

Biología del Desarrollo

Quantitative Analysis of Protein Expression to Study Lineage Specification in Mouse Preimplantation Embryos

This protocol presents a method to perform quantitative, single-cell in situ analyses of protein expression to study lineage specification in mouse preimplantation embryos. The procedures necessary for embryo collection, immunofluorescence, imaging on a confocal microscope, and image segmentation and analysis are described. This method allows quantitation of the expression of multiple nuclear markers and the spatial (XYZ) coordinates of all cells in the embryo. It takes advantage of MINS, an image segmentation software tool specifically developed for the analysis of confocal images of preimplantation embryos and embryonic stem cell (ESC) colonies. MINS carries out unsupervised nuclear segmentation across the X, Y and Z dimensions, and produces information on cell position in three-dimensional space, as well as nuclear fluorescence levels for all channels with minimal user input. While this protocol has been optimized for the analysis of images of preimplantation stage mouse embryos, it can easily be adapted to the analysis of any other samples exhibiting a good signal-to-noise ratio and where high nuclear density poses a hurdle to image segmentation (e.g., expression analysis of embryonic stem cell (ESC) colonies, differentiating cells in culture, embryos of other species or stages, etc.).

This protocol presents a method to perform quantitative, single-cell in situ analysis of protein expression to study lineage specification in mouse preimplantation embryos. The procedures necessary for collection of blastocysts, whole-mount immunofluorescent detection of proteins, imaging of samples on a confocal microscope, and nuclear segmentation and image analysis are described.

Análisis cuantitativo de la expresión de la proteína para el Estudio de la especificación del linaje de ratón de preimplantación de embriones

This protocol presents a method to perform quantitative, single-cell in situ analyses of protein expression to study lineage specification in mouse ...

Multi-target Chromogenic Whole-mount In Situ Hybridization for Comparing Gene Expression Domains in Drosophila Embryos

To analyze gene regulatory networks active during embryonic development and organogenesis it is essential to precisely define how the different genes are expressed in spatial relation to each other in situ. Multi-target chromogenic whole-mount in situ hybridization (MC-WISH) greatly facilitates the instant comparison of gene expression patterns, as it allows distinctive visualization of different mRNA species in contrasting colors in the same sample specimen. This provides the possibility to relate gene expression domains topographically to each other with high accuracy and to define unique and overlapping expression sites. In the presented protocol, we describe a MC-WISH procedure for comparing mRNA expression patterns of different genes in Drosophila embryos. Up to three RNA probes, each specific for another gene and labeled by a different hapten, are simultaneously hybridized to the embryo samples and subsequently detected by alkaline phosphatase-based colorimetric immunohistochemistry. The described procedure is detailed here for Drosophila, but works equally well with zebrafish embryos.

Multi-target Chromogenic Whole-mount In Situ Hybridization for Comparing Gene Expression Domains in Drosophila Embryos

We describe a multi-target chromogenic whole-mount in situ hybridization (MC-WISH) procedure in intact Drosophila embryos allowing simultaneous and specific detection of three different mRNA distribution patterns by contrasting color precipitates.

Multi-objetivo Cromogénico Todo el montaje<em&gt; In Situ</em&gt; La hibridación para comparar dominios de expresión génica en<em&gt; Drosophila</em&gt; Los embriones

To analyze gene regulatory networks active during embryonic development and organogenesis it is essential to precisely define how the different genes are ...

Light Sheet-based Fluorescence Microscopy of Living or Fixed and Stained Tribolium castaneum Embryos

The red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum has become an important insect model organism in developmental genetics and evolutionary developmental biology. The observation of Tribolium embryos with light sheet-based fluorescence microscopy has multiple advantages over conventional widefield and confocal fluorescence microscopy. Due to the unique properties of a light sheet-based microscope, three dimensional images of living specimens can be recorded with high signal-to-noise ratios and significantly reduced photo-bleaching as well as photo-toxicity along multiple directions over periods that last several days. With more than four years of methodological development and a continuous increase of data, the time seems appropriate to establish standard operating procedures for the usage of light sheet technology in the Tribolium community as well as in the insect community at large. This protocol describes three mounting techniques suitable for different purposes, presents two novel custom-made transgenic Tribolium lines appropriate for long-term live imaging, suggests five fluorescent dyes to label intracellular structures of fixed embryos and provides information on data post-processing for the timely evaluation of the recorded data. Representative results concentrate on long-term live imaging, optical sectioning and the observation of the same embryo along multiple directions. The respective datasets are provided as a downloadable resource. Finally, the protocol discusses quality controls for live imaging assays, current limitations and the applicability of the outlined procedures to other insect species.
This protocol is primarily intended for developmental biologists who seek imaging solutions that outperform standard laboratory equipment. It promotes the continuous attempt to close the gap between the technically orientated laboratories/communities, which develop and refine microscopy methodologically, and the life science laboratories/communities, which require 'plug-and-play' solutions to technical challenges. Furthermore, it supports an axiomatic approach that moves the biological questions into the center of attention.

Light Sheet-based Fluorescence Microscopy of Living or Fixed and Stained Tribolium castaneum Embryos

Imaging the morphogenesis of insect embryos with light sheet-based fluorescence microscopy has become state of the art. This protocol outlines and compares three mounting techniques appropriate for Tribolium castaneum embryos, introduces two novel custom-made transgenic lines well suited for live imaging, discusses essential quality controls and indicates current experimental limitations.

Microscopía de fluorescencia de vida o fijadas y teñidas a base de hoja de luz<em&gt; Tribolium castaneum</em&gt; Los embriones

The red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum has become an important insect model organism in developmental genetics and evolutionary developmental biology. ...

Labeling of Single Cells in the Central Nervous System of Drosophila melanogaster

In this article we describe how to individually label neurons in the embryonic CNS of Drosophila melanogaster by juxtacellular injection of the lipophilic fluorescent membrane marker DiI. This method allows the visualization of neuronal cell morphology in great detail. It is possible to label any cell in the CNS: cell bodies of target neurons are visualized under DIC optics or by expression of a fluorescent genetic marker such as GFP. After labeling, the DiI can be transformed into a permanent brown stain by photoconversion to allow visualization of cell morphology with transmitted light and DIC optics. Alternatively, the DiI-labeled cells can be observed directly with confocal microscopy, enabling genetically introduced fluorescent reporter proteins to be colocalised. The technique can be used in any animal, irrespective of genotype, making it possible to analyze mutant phenotypes at single cell resolution.

Labeling of Single Cells in the Central Nervous System of Drosophila melanogaster

We present a technique for labeling single neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) of Drosophila embryos, which allows the analysis of neuronal morphology by either transmitted light or confocal microscopy.

El marcaje de células individuales en el Sistema Nervioso Central de<em&gt; Drosophila melanogaster</em

In this  article we describe how to individually label neurons in the embryonic CNS of Drosophila melanogaster by juxtacellular injection of the ...

Neurociencias

Two-Photon-Based Photoactivation in Live Zebrafish Embryos

Photoactivation of target compounds in a living organism has proven a valuable approach to investigate various biological processes such as embryonic development, cellular signaling and adult physiology. In this respect, the use of multi-photon microscopy enables quantitative photoactivation of a given light responsive agent in deep tissues at a single cell resolution. As zebrafish embryos are optically transparent, their development can be monitored in vivo. These traits make the zebrafish a perfect model organism for controlling the activity of a variety of chemical agents and proteins by focused light. Here we describe the use of two-photon microscopy to induce the activation of chemically caged fluorescein, which in turn allows us to follow cell's destiny in live zebrafish embryos. We use embryos expressing a live genetic landmark (GFP) to locate and precisely target any cells of interest. This procedure can be similarly used for precise light induced activation of proteins, hormones, small molecules and other caged compounds.

Multiphoton microscopy allows control of low energy photons with deep optical penetration and reduced phototoxicity. We describe the use of this technology for live cell labeling in zebrafish embryos. This protocol can be readily adapted for photo-induction of various light-responsive molecules.

De dos fotones basado en fotoactivación en vivo embriones de pez cebra

Photoactivation of target compounds in a living organism has proven a valuable approach to investigate various biological processes such as embryonic ...

Biología

Visualizing Cytoskeleton-Dependent Trafficking of Lipid-Containing Organelles in Drosophila Embryos

Early Drosophila embryos are large cells containing a vast array of conventional and embryo-specific organelles. During the first three hours of embryogenesis, these organelles undergo dramatic movements powered by actin-based cytoplasmic streaming and motor-driven trafficking along microtubules. The development of a multitude of small, organelle-specific fluorescent probes (FPs) makes it possible to visualize a wide range of different lipid-containing structures in any genotype, allowing live imaging without requiring a genetically encoded fluorophore. This protocol shows how to inject vital dyes and molecular probes into Drosophila embryos to monitor the trafficking of specific organelles by live imaging. This approach is demonstrated by labeling lipid droplets (LDs) and following their bulk movement by particle image velocimetry (PIV). This protocol provides a strategy amenable to the study of other organelles, including lysosomes, mitochondria, yolk vesicles, and the ER, and for tracking the motion of individual LDs along microtubules. Using commercially available dyes brings the benefits of separation into the violet/blue and far-red regions of the spectrum. By multiplex co-labeling of organelles and/or cytoskeletal elements via microinjection, all the genetic resources in Drosophila are available for trafficking studies without the need to introduce fluorescently tagged proteins. Unlike genetically encoded fluorophores, which have low quantum yields and bleach easily, many of the available dyes allow for rapid and simultaneous capture of several channels with high photon yields.

Visualizing Cytoskeleton-Dependent Trafficking of Lipid-Containing Organelles in Drosophila Embryos

In the early Drosophila embryo, many organelles are motile. In principle, they can be imaged live via specific fluorescent probes, but the eggshell prevents direct application to the embryo. This protocol describes how to introduce such probes via microinjection, and then analyze bulk organelle motion via particle image velocimetry.

Visualización del tráfico dependiente de citoesqueletos de orgánulos que contienen lípidos en embriones de Drosophila

Early Drosophila embryos are large cells containing a vast array of conventional and embryo-specific organelles. During the first three hours of ...

Using Whole Mount in situ Hybridization to Link Molecular and Organismal Biology

Whole mount in situ hybridization (WISH) is a common technique in molecular biology laboratories used to study gene expression through the localization of specific mRNA transcripts within whole mount specimen. This technique (adapted from Albertson and Yelick, 2005) was used in an upper level undergraduate Comparative Vertebrate Biology laboratory classroom at Syracuse University. The first two thirds of the Comparative Vertebrate Biology lab course gave students the opportunity to study the embryology and gross anatomy of several organisms representing various chordate taxa primarily via traditional dissections and the use of models. The final portion of the course involved an innovative approach to teaching anatomy through observation of vertebrate development employing molecular techniques in which WISH was performed on zebrafish embryos. A heterozygous fibroblast growth factor 8 a (fgf8a) mutant line, ace, was used. Due to Mendelian inheritance, ace intercrosses produced wild type, heterozygous, and homozygous ace/fgf8a mutants in a 1:2:1 ratio. RNA probes with known expression patterns in the midline and in developing anatomical structures such as the heart, somites, tailbud, myotome, and brain were used. WISH was performed using zebrafish at the 13 somite and prim-6 stages, with students performing the staining reaction in class. The study of zebrafish embryos at different stages of development gave students the ability to observe how these anatomical structures changed over ontogeny. In addition, some ace/fgf8a mutants displayed improper heart looping, and defects in somite and brain development. The students in this lab observed the normal development of various organ systems using both external anatomy as well as gene expression patterns. They also identified and described embryos displaying improper anatomical development and gene expression (i.e., putative mutants).
For instructors at institutions that do not already own the necessary equipment or where funds for lab and curricular innovation are limited, the financial cost of the reagents and apparatus may be a factor to consider, as will the time and effort required on the part of the instructor regardless of the setting. Nevertheless, we contend that the use of WISH in this type of classroom laboratory setting can provide an important link between developmental genetics and anatomy. As technology advances and the ability to study organismal development at the molecular level becomes easier, cheaper, and increasingly popular, many evolutionary biologists, ecologists, and physiologists are turning to research strategies in the field of molecular biology. Using WISH in a Comparative Vertebrate Biology laboratory classroom is one example of how molecules and anatomy can converge within a single course. This gives upper level college students the opportunity to practice modern biological research techniques, leading to a more diversified education and the promotion of future interdisciplinary scientific research.

Using Whole Mount in situ Hybridization to Link Molecular and Organismal Biology

Whole mount in situ hybridization (WISH) was used in an upper level undergraduate Comparative Vertebrate Biology course in addition to vertebrate dissections. This gave students the opportunity to study gene expression patterns as well as gross anatomy, linking the study of molecular and organismal biology within one course.

Todo el montaje utilizando In situ La hibridación de Enlace de Organismos y Biología Molecular

Whole mount in situ hybridization (WISH) is a common technique in molecular biology laboratories used to study gene expression through the localization of ...

Whole Mount in Situ Hybridization of E8.5 to E11.5 Mouse Embryos

Whole mount in situ hybridization is a very informative approach for defining gene expression patterns in embryos. The in situ hybridization procedures are lengthy and technically demanding with multiple important steps that collectively contribute to the quality of the final result. This protocol describes in detail several key quality control steps for optimizing probe labeling and performance. Overall, our protocol provides a detailed description of the critical steps necessary to reproducibly obtain high quality results. First, we describe the generation of digoxygenin (DIG) labeled RNA probes via in vitro transcription of DNA templates generated by PCR. We describe three critical quality control assays to determine the amount, integrity and specific activity of the DIG-labeled probes. These steps are important for generating a probe of sufficient sensitivity to detect endogenous mRNAs in a whole mouse embryo. In addition, we describe methods for the fixation and storage of E8.5-E11.5 day old mouse embryos for in situ hybridization. Then, we describe detailed methods for limited proteinase K digestion of the rehydrated embryos followed by the details of the hybridization conditions, post-hybridization washes and RNase treatment to remove non-specific probe hybridization. An AP-conjugated antibody is used to visualize the labeled probe and reveal the expression pattern of the endogenous transcript. Representative results are shown from successful experiments and typical suboptimal experiments.

Whole Mount in Situ Hybridization of E8.5 to E11.5 Mouse Embryos

This whole mount in situ hybridization protocol discusses critical steps that ensure reproducible high quality results for gene expression studies in E8.5-E11.5 day old mouse embryos.

Todo el monte In Situ La hibridación de E8.5 a E11.5 embriones de ratón

Whole mount in situ hybridization is a very informative approach for defining gene expression patterns in embryos. The in situ hybridization procedures ...

Cell Labeling and Injection in Developing Embryonic Mouse Hearts

Testing the fate of embryonic or pluripotent stem cell-derivatives in in vitro protocols has led to controversial outcomes that do not necessarily reflect their in vivo potential. Preferably, these cells should be placed in a proper embryonic environment in order to acquire their definite phenotype. Furthermore, cell lineage tracing studies in the mouse after labeling cells with dyes or retroviral vectors has remained mostly limited to early stage mouse embryos with still poorly developed organs. To overcome these limitations, we designed standard and ultrasound-mediated microinjection protocols to inject various agents in targeted regions of the heart in mouse embryos at E9.5 and later stages of development. &#160;Embryonic explant or embryos are then cultured or left to further develop in utero. These agents include fluorescent dyes, virus, shRNAs, or stem cell-derived progenitor cells. Our approaches allow for preservation of the function of the organ while monitoring migration and fate of labeled and/or injected cells. These technologies can be extended to other organs and will be very helpful to address key biological questions in biology of development.

We describe a series of methods to inject dyes, DNA vectors, virus, and cells in order to monitor both cell fate and phenotype of endogenous and grafted cells derived from embryonic or pluripotent cells within mouse embryos at embryonic day (E)9.5 and later stages of development.

Etiquetado de la célula y de inyección en Desarrollo de embriones de ratón Corazones

Testing the fate of embryonic or pluripotent stem cell-derivatives in in vitro protocols has led to controversial outcomes that do not necessarily reflect ...

Aplicación del ADN específico de la mancha verde de metilo en el etiquetado fluorescente de embriones

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