College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University

2 ARTICLES PUBLISHED IN JoVE

Developmental Biology

Stimulation of Notch Signaling in Mouse Osteoclast Precursors

Gurpreet Kaur^1,2, Jaimo Ahn¹, Kurt D. Hankenson^1,3, Jason W. Ashley^1,4

¹Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, ²Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Sciences, ³The Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, ⁴Department of Biology, College of Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics, Eastern Washington University

Notch signaling is a form of cellular communication that relies upon direct contact between cells. To properly induce Notch signaling in vitro, Notch ligands must be presented to cells in an immobilized state. This protocol describes methods for in vitro stimulation of Notch signaling in mouse osteoclast precursors.

Medicine

Fracture Apparatus Design and Protocol Optimization for Closed-stabilized Fractures in Rodents

Robert L Zondervan^1,2, Mitch Vorce³, Nick Servadio⁴, Kurt D. Hankenson²

¹College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, ²Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, ³Lymann Briggs College, Michigan State University, ⁴College of Engineering, Michigan State University

The goal of the protocol is to optimize the fracture generation parameters to yield consistent fractures. This protocol accounts for the variations in bone size and morphology that may exist between animals. Additionally, a cost-effective, adjustable fracture apparatus is described.