Name: laser-assisted microdissection (lam) as a tool for transcriptional profiling of individual cell types
Uploaded: 2016-05-10T14:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Laser-assisted Microdissection LAM as a Tool for Transcriptional Profiling of Individual Cell Types at JoVE.com

We thank Timothy F. Sharbel (IPK Gatersleben) for providing Boechera divaricarpa seeds and Sharon Kessler (University of Oklahoma) for critical reading and proofreading. Work on cell type-specific transcriptome analyses to study gametophyte development and apomixis in UG&#180;s laboratory is supported by the University of Z&#252;rich, by a fellowship of the "Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft" and the Marie Curie project IDEAGENA to AS, by grants from the "Staatssekretariat f&#252;r Bildung und Forschung" in the framework of COST action FA0903 (to UG and AS) and the Swiss National Foundation (to UG).

Note: This protocol describes tissue preparation, laser assisted microdissection, and RNA extraction for transcriptional profiling. Always use gloves throughout all steps of the protocol. Study and consider the safety instructions for each chemical used. In particular, keep in mind that Xylol is harmful and can penetrate gloves and that methanol is toxic. For all instruments used, please refer to user manuals accordingly.
1. Removal of RNAse Activity from Glassware and Other Equipment
<ol>
	<li>Prior to use, wra...

<ol>
	<li>Maheshwari, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> An Introduction to the Embryology of Angiosperms. , (1950).</li><li>Willemse, M. T. M., Van Went, J. L., Johri, B. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+female+gametophyte.">The female gametophyte.</a> Embryology of Angiosperms. , 159-196 (1984).</li><li>Koltunow, A. M., Bicknell, R. A., Chaudhury, A. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Apomixis:+Molecular+strategies+for+the+generation+of+genetically+identical+seeds+without+fertilization.">Apomixis: Molecular strategies for the generation of genetically identical seeds without fertilization.</a> Plant Physiol. 108, 1345-1352 (1995).</li><li>Vielle-Calzada, J. P., Crane, C., Stelly, D. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Apomixis+-+the+asexual+revolution.">Apomixis - the asexual revolution.</a> Science. 274, 1322-1323 (1996).</li><li>Grossniklaus, U., Koltunow, A., van Lookeren Campagne, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+bright+future+for+apomixis.">A bright future for apomixis.</a> Trends Plant Sci. 3, 415-416 (1998).</li><li>Schmidt, A., Schmid, M. W., Grossniklaus, U. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Plant+germline+formation:+molecular+insights+define+common+concepts+and+illustrate+developmental+flexibility+in+apomictic+and+sexual+reproduction.">Plant germline formation: molecular insights define common concepts and illustrate developmental flexibility in apomictic and sexual reproduction.</a> Development. 142, 229-241 (2015).</li><li>Schmidt, 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=Apomictic+and+sexual+germline+development+differ+with+respect+to+cell+cycle,+transcriptional,+hormonal+and+epigenetic+regulation.">Apomictic and sexual germline development differ with respect to cell cycle, transcriptional, hormonal and epigenetic regulation.</a> PLOS GENET. 10, e1004476 (2014).</li><li>Okada, T., 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=Enlarging+cells+initiating+apomixis+in+Hieractium+praealtum+transition+to+an+embryo+sac+program+prior+to+entering+mitosis.">Enlarging cells initiating apomixis in Hieractium praealtum transition to an embryo sac program prior to entering mitosis.</a> Plant Physiol. 163, 216-231 (2013).</li><li>Wuest, S. E., Grossniklaus, U. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Laser-assisted+microdissection+applied+to+floral+tissues.">Laser-assisted microdissection applied to floral tissues.</a> Methods Mol Biol. 1110, 329-344 (2014).</li><li>Wuest, S. E., Schmid, M. W., Grossniklaus, U. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cell-specific+expression+profiling+of+rare+cell+types+as+exemplified+by+its+impact+on+our+understanding+of+female+gametophyte+development.">Cell-specific expression profiling of rare cell types as exemplified by its impact on our understanding of female gametophyte development.</a> Curr Opin Plant Biol. 16 (1), 41-49 (2013).</li><li>Wuest, S. E., 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=Arabidopsis+female+gametophyte+gene+expression+map+reveals+similarities+between+plant+and+animal+gametes.">Arabidopsis female gametophyte gene expression map reveals similarities between plant and animal gametes.</a> Curr Biol. 20, 1-7 (2010).</li><li>Cai, S., Lashbrook, C. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Laser+capture+microdissection+of+plant+cells+from+tape-transferred+paraffin+sections+promotes+recovery+of+structurally+intact+RNA+for+global+gene+profiling.">Laser capture microdissection of plant cells from tape-transferred paraffin sections promotes recovery of structurally intact RNA for global gene profiling.</a> Plant J. 48 (4), 628-637 (2006).</li><li>Schmidt, A., Wuest, S. E., Vijverberg, K., Baroux, C., Kleen, D., Grossniklaus, U. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transcriptome+analysis+of+the+Arabidopsis+megaspore+mother+cell+uncovers+the+importance+of+RNA+helicases+for+plant+germ+line+development.">Transcriptome analysis of the Arabidopsis megaspore mother cell uncovers the importance of RNA helicases for plant germ line development.</a> PLOS BIOL. 9, e1001155 (2011).</li><li>Schmid, M. W., Schmidt, A., Klostermeier, U. C., Barann, M., Rosenstiel, P., Grossniklaus, U. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+powerful+method+for+transcriptional+profiling+of+specific+cell+types+in+eukaryotes:+laser-assisted+microdissection+and+RNA+sequencing.">A powerful method for transcriptional profiling of specific cell types in eukaryotes: laser-assisted microdissection and RNA sequencing.</a> PLOS ONE. 7, e29685 (2012).</li><li>Mau, 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=Hybrid+apomicts+trapped+in+the+ecological+niches+of+their+sexual+ancestors.">Hybrid apomicts trapped in the ecological niches of their sexual ancestors.</a> Proc Natl Acad Sci.U S A. 112 (18), 2357-2365 (2015).</li><li>Aliyu, O. M., Seifert, M., Corral, J. M., Fuchs, J., Sharbel, T. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Copy+number+variation+in+transcriptionally+active+regions+of+sexual+and+apomictic+Boechera.+demonstrates+independently+derived+apomictic+lineages.">Copy number variation in transcriptionally active regions of sexual and apomictic Boechera. demonstrates independently derived apomictic lineages.</a> Plant Cell. 25 (10), 3808-3823 (2013).</li><li>Corral, J. 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=A+conserved+apomixis-specific+polymorphism+is+correlated+with+exclusive+exonuclease+expression+in+premeiotic+ovules+of+apomictic+boechera+species.">A conserved apomixis-specific polymorphism is correlated with exclusive exonuclease expression in premeiotic ovules of apomictic boechera species.</a> Plant Physiol. 163 (4), 1660-1672 (2013).</li><li>Deeken, R., Ache, P., Kajahn, I., Klinkenberg, J., Bringmann, G., Hedrich, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Identification+of+Arabidopsis+thaliana.+phloem+RNAs+provides+a+search+criterion+for+phloem-based+transcripts+hidden+in+complex+datasets+of+microarray+experiments.">Identification of Arabidopsis thaliana. phloem RNAs provides a search criterion for phloem-based transcripts hidden in complex datasets of microarray experiments.</a> Plant J. 55, 746-775 (2008).</li><li>Schmid, M. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Genome Scale Quantitative Biology in Arabidopsis thaliana. , 40-104 (2015).</li></ol>

The Protocol is Suitable for Different Cell and Tissue Types
LAM combined with transcriptome analyses by microarrays or RNA-Seq is a valuable tool to gain insights into the specific patterns of gene activity regulating developmental or physiological processes 7-11,13,14. However, the suitability of this method for any given cell type is critically dependent on structural issues. The cell needs to be clearly visible and unambiguously identifiable in the dry sections ...

In transcriptional studies done at the tissue level, the transcriptomes of highly specialized but rare cell types are often masked by the more abundant surrounding cells. An example for such highly specialized cell types are the cells of the female reproductive lineage (germline) in plants. The female germline is specified within developing ovules, the precursors of seeds inside the gynoecium of the flower 1,2. The megaspore mother cell (MMC) is the first cell of the female germline. It undergoes meiosis to form a tetrad of reduced megaspores. Typically, only one of these megaspores survives and divides mitotically without cytokinesis, i.e., in a syncytium. These mitoses are followed by cellularization to form the mature gametophyte, which typically consists of four cell types: three antipodals, two synergid cells, the egg, and the central cell. The egg and central cells are the female gametes that get fertilized by two sperm cells during double fertilization to give rise to the embryo and endosperm of the developing seed 1,2. In the sexual model system Arabidopsis thaliana, only ~ 50 seeds develop per flower while about 50 - 80 seeds develop per flower in the closely related genus Boechera. Thus, the female germline consists of only a few highly specialized cell types, making it an excellent model to study developmental processes, such as cell specification and differentiation.
Moreover, insights into the gene regulatory processes governing plant reproduction can be of applied value. In plants, both sexual and asexual reproduction through seeds (apomixis) can occur. While sexual reproduction generates genetic diversity in a population, apomixis leads to the formation of clonal offspring that is genetically identical to the mother plant. Therefore, apomixis has great potential for applications in agriculture and seed production, as even complex maternal genotypes can be maintained unaltered over several generations 3,4,5. Because apomixis does not naturally occur in any major crop species, the engineering of apomixis in crops is of great interest 3,4,5. However, this long-term goal is difficult to achieve because the underlying genetic and molecular basis of apomixis is not understood in sufficient detail 6.
To gain insights into the transcriptional basis governing apomictic reproduction, cell type-specific transcriptional profiling using laser-assisted microdissection (LAM) and next generation sequencing (NGS) represents a very powerful approach 7,8. LAM has first been established for animal and biomedical research. In the past few years LAM has also been applied to plant biology 6,9,10. In contrast to other methods allowing profiling of individual cell and tissue types, LAM does not require the generation of marker lines 6,9,10. Therefore, it can be applied to any cell or tissue type without prior molecular knowledge. Another advantage of LAM is that it can be applied to any cell type as long as the cell can be recognized in dry sections based on position and/or structural features. LAM has the additional advantage that fixed tissues are used, which prevents changes of the transcriptional profile during processing.
The tissue of interest, e.g., floral tissue, is fixed in a non-crosslinking fixative prior to embedding in paraffin wax. Embedding in paraffin wax can be done manually, following established protocols 9,11. However, the use of an automated tissue processor for dehydration and infiltration with the wax generally results in higher reproducibility in terms of the conservation of RNA quality and tissue morphology. The alternative strategy of embedding tissues in resin has also been successfully used for cell type-specific analyses by LAM 8. However, the use of an automated tissue processor for embedding in wax is very time efficient, as many samples can be processed at once requiring a minimum of hands-on time. While typically no significant loss of RNA quality occurs during fixation and embedding, the preparation of thin sections with the microtome and, in particular, the mounting on the frameslides used for LAM remains a critical step for preservation of RNA quality. This has previously been noted and the use of a tape transfer system has been described to result in better RNA quality at this step 12. However, this adds an additional time-consuming step during preparation of the slides and also requires special equipment. The optimized protocol described below reproducibly produces RNA that is of sufficient quality for transcriptional profiling with GeneCHIPs and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) approaches 7,11,13,14. In addition, with the laser microdissection microscope used, a high purity of the isolated cell types is routinely produced 7,11,13,14.
The genus Boechera is an excellent model system for studying the key steps of apomictic reproduction. In Boechera, a variety of different sexual and apomictic accessions have been identified and can be used for comparative analyses 15,16,17. In a comparison of cell type-specific transcriptomes of cells from the female germline from sexual Arabidopsis and apomictic Boechera, we identified genes and pathways that are differentially expressed, thereby identifying new aspects of the regulatory processes governing apomixis 7. In addition, this study verified the suitability of LAM for cell type-specific transcriptional analyses of small and rare cell types. We have already used this protocol for the analysis of different cell types in a variety of plant species, but species- and tissue-specific modifications to the protocol may be required in certain cases.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Ethanol</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>1,009,861,000</td>
			<td>absolute EMPROVE Ph Eur,BP,USP</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>15 ml falcon centrifuge tubes</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>62406-200</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2100 Bioanalyzer</td>
			<td>Agilent</td>
			<td>G2939AA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Acetic Acid</td>
			<td>Applichem</td>
			<td>A3686,2500</td>
			<td>100% Molecular biology grade</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ambion Nuclease free water</td>
			<td>life technologies</td>
			<td>AM9932</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ASP200 S</td>
			<td>Leica</td>
			<td>14048043624</td>
			<td>tissue processor&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>black cardboard</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>can be purchased in special paper shops</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DNA- and RNAse-free Frame Slides</td>
			<td>Micro Dissect GmbH</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>1,4 &#181;m PET-membrane; can also be purchased from Leica</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dumond Forceps</td>
			<td>Actimed</td>
			<td>0208-5SPSF-PS</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ethanol lamp</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>exsiccator</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>Z354074-1EA</td>
			<td>Nalgene Vaccuum Dessicator or similar equipment</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>filter tips 10&#160; &#181;l&#160;</td>
			<td>Axon Lab AG</td>
			<td>AL60010</td>
			<td>can be replaced by similar tips</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>filter tips 1000&#160; &#181;l&#160;</td>
			<td>Axon Lab AG</td>
			<td>AL60010</td>
			<td>can be replaced by similar tips</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>filter tips 20&#160; &#181;l&#160;</td>
			<td>Axon Lab AG</td>
			<td>AL60020</td>
			<td>can be replaced by similar tips</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>filter tips 200&#160; &#181;l&#160;</td>
			<td>Axon Lab AG</td>
			<td>AL60200</td>
			<td>can be replaced by similar tips</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>forceps precision</td>
			<td>VWE</td>
			<td>232-1221</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>glass slide holder</td>
			<td>Huber &#38; Co.AG</td>
			<td>10.0540.01</td>
			<td>F&#228;rbek&#228;sten nach Hellendahl</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>glass staining trough</td>
			<td>Huber &#38; Co.AG</td>
			<td>10.0570.01</td>
			<td>F&#228;rbekasten</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Heated Paraffin Embedding Module Leica</td>
			<td>Leica</td>
			<td>Leica EG 1150 H</td>
			<td>blocking station, similar devises are suitable</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Heating and Drying Table</td>
			<td>Medax</td>
			<td>15501</td>
			<td>other models and/or suppliers are suitable</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ice bucket</td>
			<td>VWR ice bucket with lid&#160;</td>
			<td>10146-184</td>
			<td>similar buckets equally suitable</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>light table</td>
			<td>UVP An Analytical Jena Company</td>
			<td>TW-26&#160;</td>
			<td>white light transluminator</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>microscope slide</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td>10143562CE</td>
			<td>cut edges</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>microtome blade</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td>FEAHS35</td>
			<td>S35 microtome blade disposable</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MMI Cell Cut Plus Instrument</td>
			<td>MMI (Molecular Machines and Industries)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Non-stick, RNAse free Microfuge tubes, 2ml</td>
			<td>life technologies</td>
			<td>AM12475</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Paraplast X-TRA</td>
			<td>Roth</td>
			<td>X882.2</td>
			<td>for histology</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PicoPure RNA Isolation Kit</td>
			<td>life technologies</td>
			<td>KIT0204</td>
			<td>Arcturus PicoPure RNA Isolation Kit</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>plastic balancing trays</td>
			<td>Semadeni AG</td>
			<td>2513</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>plastic box</td>
			<td>Semadeni AG</td>
			<td>2971</td>
			<td>Plastikdose PS</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>plastic lid for heating plate</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>homemade</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>preparation needle</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>631-7159</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>RNA 6000 Pico Kit</td>
			<td>Agilent</td>
			<td>5067-1513</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>RNAse free microfuge tubes</td>
			<td>life technologies</td>
			<td>AM12400</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>RNAse ZAP Decontamination Solution</td>
			<td>life technologies</td>
			<td>AM9780</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Semi-automated Rotary Microtome&#160;</td>
			<td>Leica</td>
			<td>RM2245</td>
			<td>similar devises are equally suitable</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tissue Loc&#160; Histo Screen Cassettes</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td>C-1000_AQ</td>
			<td>similar cassettes of other suppliers are suitable</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tubes with adhesive lid, without diffusor 500 &#181;l&#160;</td>
			<td>MMI (Molecular Machines and Industries)</td>
			<td>50204</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Xylol (Isomere) ROTIPURAN</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>4436.2</td>
			<td>min. 99 %, p.a.,ACS, ISO SP</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>process embedding cassettes</td>
			<td>Leica</td>
			<td>14039440000</td>
			<td>Leica Jet Cassette I without lid</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Universal Oven</td>
			<td>Memmert</td>
			<td>UF55</td>
			<td>other models and/or suppliers are suitable</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

laser-assisted microdissection (lam) as a tool for transcriptional profiling of individual cell types

The understanding of developmental processes at the molecular level requires insights into transcriptional regulation, and thus the transcriptome, at the level of individual cell types. While the methods described here are generally applicable to a wide range of species and cell types, our research focuses on plant reproduction. Plant cultivation and seed production is of crucial importance for human and animal nutrition. A detailed understanding of the regulatory networks that govern the formation of the reproductive lineage (germline) and ultimately of seeds is a precondition for the targeted manipulation of plant reproduction. In particular, the engineering of apomixis (asexual reproduction through seeds) into crop plants promises great improvements, as it leads to the formation of clonal seeds that are genetically identical to the mother plant. Consequently, the cell types of the female germline are of major importance for the understanding and engineering of apomixis. However, as the corresponding cells are deeply embedded within the floral tissues, they are very difficult to access for experimental analyses, including cell-type specific transcriptomics. To overcome this limitation, sections of individual cells can be isolated by laser-assisted microdissection (LAM). While LAM in combination with transcriptional profiling allows the identification of genes and pathways active in any cell type with high specificity, establishing a suitable protocol can be challenging. Specifically, the quality of RNA obtained after LAM can be compromised, especially when small, single cells are targeted. To circumvent this problem, we have established a workflow for LAM that reproducibly results in high RNA quality that is well suitable for transcriptomics, as exemplified here by the isolation of cells of the female germline in apomictic Boechera. In this protocol, procedures are described for tissue preparation and LAM, also with regard to RNA extraction and quality control.

Sample Preparation and LAM are done in Consecutive Steps
A number of consecutive steps are required to prepare RNA for transcriptional analysis from selected cell types by LAM (Figure 1). This starts with the harvest of the flowers and immediate fixation to ensure that the RNA population remains unchanged after harvest. The tissue is embedded, sectioned, and mounted on slides. This allows the is...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Laser-assisted Microdissection LAM as a Tool for Transcriptional Profiling of Individual Cell Types at JoVE.com

Laser-assisted Microdissection LAM as a Tool for Transcriptional Profiling of Individual Cell Types

Here we present a protocol for laser-assisted microdissection of specific plant cell types for transcriptional profiling. While the protocol is suitable for different species and cell types, the focus is on highly inaccessible cells of the female germline important for sexual and apomictic reproduction in the crucifer genus Boechera.

Laser-assisted Microdissection (LAM) as a Tool for Transcriptional Profiling of Individual Cell Types

The understanding of developmental processes at the molecular level requires insights into transcriptional regulation, and thus the transcriptome, at the ...

The overall goal of this protocol for LAM is to isolate specific plant cells for the generation of high-integrity RNA for transcriptional analysis. The focus is on inaccessible cells, like egg cells, in sexual and apomictic boechera species. This method can help answer key questions in the field of plant developmental genetics, such as the transcriptional basis underlying sexual and asexual plant reproduction through seeds.The main advantage of this technique is that certain types specific styles can be perform. Overcoming the effect of masking transcriptions of rare cell types in the analysis of atherogenesis tissues. To begin this procedure, using the blocking station fill a pre-warmed, fresh plastic balancing tray with melted paraffin wax at 56 degrees Celsius.Lift the lid of the paraffin bath and pick up one cassette at a time. Transfer a sample to the 56 degree Celsius liquid paraffin wax in a balancing tray. Proceed quickly to avoid any wax hardening around the sample while handling the cassette.Then, position the sample according to the experimental design using a preparation needle. Repeat the procedure until all the samples are transferred. To prepare thin sections for LAM, on a lighted table, remove the paraffin wax with a sample from the plastic tray.Dissect out a wax block containing the sample, such as a bud or flower, using an RNase-free razor blade. Next, melt a small droplet of parffin wax on the tip of a spatula. And use the hot wax to fix the block with embedded sample on the support.Remove the extra wax surrounding the sample with a razor blade, and make sure the block has a square surface with parallel edges. Then, set the heating plate to 42 degrees Celsius. Safely mount the sample to the microtome.Prepare seven micrometer thick sections for the cells of boechera mature gametophyte. Afterward, transfer the 10 to 15 centimeter long paraffin ribbons to a plastic box with black cardboard at the bottom before positioning them on the LAM slides. To prepare the slides for LAM, place five to ten metal-framed slides on the heating plate with the flat surfaces facing up.Pipette one to two milliliters of RNase-free water on the plastic part of the slides. Using a razor blade, cut the paraffin ribbons in short pieces of about four to five centimeters. Long enough to span the plastic windows of the slides.Then, use a pair of tweezers and a preparation needle to places the paraffin strips parallel to each other on the plastic window of the slides. Carefully lift the slides at one end to remove the water and place them back. Cover the heating plate with a plastic lid without touching the slides, and ensure that the plastic lid allows air exchange.Dry the slides at 42 degrees Celsius overnight. Under a chemical hood, de-wax the slides in xylol two times for 10 minutes each time. Make sure to submerge only the plastic part of the slides and keep the broader end of the metal frame of each slide dry for removal.Allow the slides to dry for 10 minutes in the chemical hood prior to LAM. In this procedure, turn on the computer and the microscope for LAM. Then, start the program steering the microscope and laser.Turn on the laser control box and switch on the laser by pressing the corresponding button on the control box. Next, place a cap into the cap holder. Place the LAM slide on a glass slide from microscopy and ensure that the flat surface of the slide with the tissues attached faces the glass slide.Then, place the slide in the instrument with the glass slide underneath. At last, position the cap holder with the cap in the instrument. Select the 4x objective.In the program move the cap in the up position. Afterward, make a scan of the slide. Search through the slide and identify the structures of interest.Pinpoint and save their positions on the slide to allow returning to the exact position for the cutting step. Then, select an appropriate objective. Verify the laser position by pressing the laser shot button once.Ideally, in a part of the membrane without tissue. With the cap in the down position, use the hand pen tool to mark the borders of the cell type or tissue of interest. For example, the egg cell.Dissect it with the laser by pressing Cut. In order to isolate individual cells, it is critical to clearly identify them in the right sections. Also, the cells should have a diameter of at least eight micrometers to make a cell type specific transcription analysis feasible.Please note that sectioning needs to be repeated if the border around the cell has not been entirely dissected, which can typically be seen on the screen. In this case, it is recommended to set the software to automatically run two repeats of the section as a standard. After that, lift the cap and move to the next save position with a structure of interest and dissect the next cell section until all the cells of interest from one slide are collected.Make sure the cap is positioned in a way that the new section sticks to an empty position on the cap. After the cell types of interest from all the slides have been isolated, remove the slide from the instrument. Place the cap holder in the down position and visually inspect the cap surface.And use the 4x objective to exclude unspecific contaminations of the sample. Then close the cap. And freeze the dry sections at minus 80 degrees Celsius until further use.Here is the schematic drawing of the mature female gametophyte. These are the thin sections through ovules harboring female gametophytes in boechera divaricarpa in which egg cells are clearly identifiable due to the characteristic morphology of the female gametophyte. Similar RNA quality was obtained as analyzed from the egg cell sections compared to the larger tissue areas harvested from the same slides as controls.The RNA quality achieved was suitable for cell type specific RNA sequencing, leading to the identification of 236 genes expressed in the apomictic egg cell but not in the apomictic central cell, synergent cell, or apomictic initial cell. Nor in the cells of the mature sexual gametophyte of arabidopsis thaliana. Other cell and tissue types from different species can be profiled in order to answer additional questions of developmental genetics.Such as the molecular basis of imprinted in the endosperm and embryos of plant seeds. After its development, this technique paves the way for researchers in the field of developmental genetics and plant reproduction to explore the transcriptional basis of apomictic reproduction in the genus Boechera. After watching this video you should have a good understanding of how to obtain good quality RNA for cell type specific transcription analyses using laser-assisted micro-dissection.

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Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

Laser Capture Microdissection of Mammalian Tissue

Laser capture microscopy, also known as laser microdissection (LMD), enables the user to isolate small numbers of cells or tissues from frozen or formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections. LMD techniques rely on a thermo labile membrane placed either on top of, or underneath, the tissue section. In one method, focused laser energy is used to melt the membrane onto the underlying cells, which can then be lifted out of the tissue section. In the other, the laser energy vaporizes the foil along a path "drawn" on the tissue, allowing the selected cells to fall into a collection device. Each technique allows the selection of cells with a minimum resolution of several microns. DNA, RNA, protein, and lipid samples may be isolated and analyzed from micro-dissected samples. In this video, we demonstrate the use of the Leica AS-LMD laser microdissection instrument in seven segments, including an introduction to the principles of LMD, initializing the instrument for use, general considerations for sample preparation, mounting the specimen and setting up capture tubes, aligning the microscope, adjusting the capture controls, and capturing tissue specimens. Laser-capture micro-dissection enables the investigator to isolate samples of pure cell populations as small as a few cell-equivalents. This allows the analysis of cells of interest that are free of neighboring contaminants, which may confound experimental results.

Laser capture microscopy, also known as laser microdissection (LMD), enables the user to isolate small numbers of cells or tissues from frozen or ...

Single Cell Transcriptional Profiling of Adult Mouse Cardiomyocytes

While numerous studies have examined gene expression changes from homogenates of heart tissue, this prevents studying the inherent stochastic variation between cells within a tissue. Isolation of pure cardiomyocyte populations through a collagenase perfusion of mouse hearts facilitates the generation of single cell microarrays for whole transcriptome gene expression, or qPCR of specific targets using nanofluidic arrays. We describe here a procedure to examine single cell gene expression profiles of cardiomyocytes isolated from the heart. This paradigm allows for the evaluation of metrics of interest which are not reliant on the mean (for example variance between cells within a tissue) which is not possible when using conventional whole tissue workflows for the evaluation of gene expression (Figure 1). We have achieved robust amplification of the single cell transcriptome yielding micrograms of double stranded cDNA that facilitates the use of microarrays on individual cells. In the procedure we describe the use of NimbleGen arrays which were selected for their ease of use and ability to customize their design. Alternatively, a reverse transcriptase - specific target amplification (RT-STA) reaction, allows for qPCR of hundreds of targets by nanofluidic PCR. Using either of these approaches, it is possible to examine the variability of expression between cells, as well as examining expression profiles of rare cell types from within a tissue. Overall, the single cell gene expression approach allows for the generation of data that can potentially identify idiosyncratic expression profiles that are typically averaged out when examining expression of millions of cells from typical homogenates generated from whole tissues.

Single cell expression profiling allows the detailed gene expression analysis of individual cells. We describe methods for the isolation of cardiomyocytes, and preparing the resulting lysates for either whole transcriptome microarray or qPCR of specific targets.

While numerous studies have examined gene expression changes from homogenates of heart tissue, this prevents studying the inherent stochastic variation ...

Electroantennographic Bioassay as a Screening Tool for Host Plant Volatiles

Plant volatiles play an important role in plant-insect interactions. Herbivorous insects use plant volatiles, known as kairomones, to locate their host plant.1,2 When a host plant is an important agronomic commodity feeding damage by insect pests can inflict serious economic losses to growers. Accordingly, kairomones can be used as attractants to lure or confuse these insects and, thus, offer an environmentally friendly alternative to pesticides for insect control.3 Unfortunately, plants can emit a vast number volatiles with varying compositions and ratios of emissions dependent upon the phenology of the commodity or the time of day. This makes identification of biologically active components or blends of volatile components an arduous process. To help identify the bioactive components of host plant volatile emissions we employ the laboratory-based screening bioassay electroantennography (EAG). EAG is an effective tool to evaluate and record electrophysiologically the olfactory responses of an insect via their antennal receptors. The EAG screening process can help reduce the number of volatiles tested to identify promising bioactive components. However, EAG bioassays only provide information about activation of receptors. It does not provide information about the type of insect behavior the compound elicits; which could be as an attractant, repellent or other type of behavioral response. Volatiles eliciting a significant response by EAG, relative to an appropriate positive control, are typically taken on to further testing of behavioral responses of the insect pest. The experimental design presented will detail the methodology employed to screen almond-based host plant volatiles4,5 by measurement of the electrophysiological antennal responses of an adult insect pest navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella) to single components and simple blends of components via EAG bioassay. The method utilizes two excised antennae placed across a "fork" electrode holder. The protocol demonstrated here presents a rapid, high-throughput standardized method for screening volatiles. Each volatile is at a set, constant amount as to standardize the stimulus level and thus allow antennal responses to be indicative of the relative chemoreceptivity. The negative control helps eliminate the electrophysiological response to both residual solvent and mechanical force of the puff. The positive control (in this instance acetophenone) is a single compound that has elicited a consistent response from male and female navel orangeworm (NOW) moth. An additional semiochemical standard that provides consistent response and is used for bioassay studies with the male NOW moth is (Z,Z)-11,13-hexdecadienal, an aldehyde component from the female-produced sex pheromone.6-8

A method to rapidly screen host plant volatiles by measurement of the electrophysiological response of adult navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella) antennae to single components and blends via electroantennographic analysis is demonstrated.

Plant volatiles play an important role in plant-insect interactions. Herbivorous insects use plant volatiles, known as kairomones, to locate their host ...

Using SecM Arrest Sequence as a Tool to Isolate Ribosome Bound Polypeptides

Extensive research has provided ample evidences suggesting that protein folding in the cell is a co-translational process1-5. However, the exact pathway that polypeptide chain follows during co-translational folding to achieve its functional form is still an enigma. In order to understand this process and to determine the exact conformation of the co-translational folding intermediates, it is essential to develop techniques that allow the isolation of RNCs carrying nascent chains of predetermined sizes to allow their further structural analysis.
SecM (secretion monitor) is a 170 amino acid E. coli protein that regulates expression of the downstream SecA (secretion driving) ATPase in the secM-secA operon6. Nakatogawa and Ito originally found that a 17 amino acid long sequence (150-FSTPVWISQAQGIRAGP-166) in the C-terminal region of the SecM protein is sufficient and necessary to cause stalling of SecM elongation at Gly165, thereby producing peptidyl-glycyl-tRNA stably bound to the ribosomal P-site7-9. More importantly, it was found that this 17 amino acid long sequence can be fused to the C-terminus of virtually any full-length and/or truncated protein thus allowing the production of RNCs carrying nascent chains of predetermined sizes7. Thus, when fused or inserted into the target protein, SecM stalling sequence produces arrest of the polypeptide chain elongation and generates stable RNCs both in vivo in E. coli cells and in vitro in a cell-free system. Sucrose gradient centrifugation is further utilized to isolate RNCs.
The isolated RNCs can be used to analyze structural and functional features of the co-translational folding intermediates. Recently, this technique has been successfully used to gain insights into the structure of several ribosome bound nascent chains10,11. Here we describe the isolation of bovine Gamma-B Crystallin RNCs fused to SecM and generated in an in vitro translation system.

We describe here a technique that is now routinely used to isolate stably bound ribosome nascent chain complexes (RNCs). This technique takes advantage of the discovery that a 17 amino acid long SecM "arrest sequence" can halt translation elongation in a prokaryotic (E. coli) system, when inserted into (or fused to the C-terminus) of virtually any protein.

Extensive research has provided ample evidences suggesting that protein folding in the cell is a co-translational process1-5. However, the exact pathway ...

Glycan Profiling of Plant Cell Wall Polymers using Microarrays

Plant cell walls are complex matrixes of heterogeneous glycans which play an important role in the physiology and development of plants and provide the raw materials for human societies (e.g. wood, paper, textile and biofuel industries)1,2. However, understanding the biosynthesis and function of these components remains challenging.
Cell wall glycans are chemically and conformationally diverse due to the complexity of their building blocks, the glycosyl residues. These form linkages at multiple positions and differ in ring structure, isomeric or anomeric configuration, and in addition, are substituted with an array of non-sugar residues. Glycan composition varies in different cell and/or tissue types or even sub-domains of a single cell wall3. Furthermore, their composition is also modified during development1, or in response to environmental cues4.
In excess of 2,000 genes have Plant cell walls are complex matrixes of heterogeneous glycans been predicted to be involved in cell wall glycan biosynthesis and modification in Arabidopsis5. However, relatively few of the biosynthetic genes have been functionally characterized 4,5. Reverse genetics approaches are difficult because the genes are often differentially expressed, often at low levels, between cell types6. Also, mutant studies are often hindered by gene redundancy or compensatory mechanisms to ensure appropriate cell wall function is maintained7. Thus novel approaches are needed to rapidly characterise the diverse range of glycan structures and to facilitate functional genomics approaches to understanding cell wall biosynthesis and modification.
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)8,9 have emerged as an important tool for determining glycan structure and distribution in plants. These recognise distinct epitopes present within major classes of plant cell wall glycans, including pectins, xyloglucans, xylans, mannans, glucans and arabinogalactans. Recently their use has been extended to large-scale screening experiments to determine the relative abundance of glycans in a broad range of plant and tissue types simultaneously9,10,11.
Here we present a microarray-based glycan screening method called Comprehensive Microarray Polymer Profiling (CoMPP) (Figures 1 &amp; 2)10,11 that enables multiple samples (100 sec) to be screened using a miniaturised microarray platform with reduced reagent and sample volumes. The spot signals on the microarray can be formally quantified to give semi-quantitative data about glycan epitope occurrence. This approach is well suited to tracking glycan changes in complex biological systems12 and providing a global overview of cell wall composition particularly when prior knowledge of this is unavailable.

A technique called Comprehensive Microarray Polymer Profiling (CoMPP) for the characterisation of plant cell wall glycans is described. This method combines the specificity of monoclonal antibodies directed to defined glycan-epitopes with a miniature microarray analytical platform allowing screening of glycan occurrence in a broad range of biological contexts.

Plant cell walls are complex matrixes of heterogeneous glycans which play an important role in the physiology and development of plants and provide the ...

Isolation and Culture of Individual Myofibers and their Satellite Cells from Adult Skeletal Muscle

Muscle regeneration in the adult is performed by resident stem cells called satellite cells. Satellite cells are defined by their position between the basal lamina and the sarcolemma of each myofiber. Current knowledge of their behavior heavily relies on the use of the single myofiber isolation protocol. In 1985, Bischoff described a protocol to isolate single live fibers from the Flexor Digitorum Brevis (FDB) of adult rats with the goal to create an in vitro system in which the physical association between the myofiber and its stem cells is preserved 1. In 1995, Rosenblattmodified the Bischoff protocol such that myofibers are singly picked and handled separately after collagenase digestion instead of being isolated by gravity sedimentation 2, 3. The Rosenblatt or Bischoff protocol has since been adapted to different muscles, age or conditions 3-6. The single myofiber isolation technique is an indispensable tool due its unique advantages. First, in the single myofiber protocol, satellite cells are maintained beneath the basal lamina. This is a unique feature of the protocol as other techniques such as Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting require chemical and mechanical tissue dissociation 7. Although the myofiber culture system cannot substitute for in vivo studies, it does offer an excellent platform to address relevant biological properties of muscle stem cells. Single myofibers can be cultured in standard plating conditions or in floating conditions. Satellite cells on floating myofibers are subjected to virtually no other influence than the myofiber environment. Substrate stiffness and coating have been shown to influence satellite cells' ability to regenerate muscles 8, 9 so being able to control each of these factors independently allows discrimination between niche-dependent and -independent responses. Different concentrations of serum have also been shown to have an effect on the transition from quiescence to activation. To preserve the quiescence state of its associated satellite cells, fibers should be kept in low serum medium 1-3. This is particularly useful when studying genes involved in the quiescence state. In serum rich medium, satellite cells quickly activate, proliferate, migrate and differentiate, thus mimicking the in vivo regenerative process 1-3. The system can be used to perform a variety of assays such as the testing of chemical inhibitors; ectopic expression of genes by virus delivery; oligonucleotide based gene knock-down or live imaging. This video article describes the protocol currently used in our laboratory to isolate single myofibers from the Extensor Digitorum Longus (EDL) muscle of adult mice (6-8 weeks old).

Isolation and culture of myofibers is the gold standard in vitro system to study the transition of satellite cells through quiescence, activation and differentiation. Importantly, the single myofiber culture system preserves the myofiber/stem cell association, which is an essential component of the muscle stem cell niche.

Muscle  regeneration in the adult is performed by resident stem cells called satellite  cells. Satellite cells are defined by  their position between the ...

Profiling Individual Human Embryonic Stem Cells by Quantitative RT-PCR

Heterogeneity of stem cell population hampers detailed understanding of stem cell biology, such as their differentiation propensity toward different lineages. A single cell transcriptome assay can be a new approach for dissecting individual variation. We have developed the single cell qRT-PCR method, and confirmed that this method works well in several gene expression profiles. In single cell level, each human embryonic stem cell, sorted by OCT4::EGFP positive cells, has high expression in OCT4, but a different level of NANOG expression. Our single cell gene expression assay should be useful to interrogate population heterogeneities.

Single cell gene expression assay is needed for understanding stem cell heterogeneities.

Heterogeneity of stem cell population hampers detailed understanding of stem cell biology, such as their differentiation propensity toward different ...

Strategies for Tracking Anastasis, A Cell Survival Phenomenon that Reverses Apoptosis

Anastasis (Greek for &#8220;rising to life&#8221;) refers to the recovery of dying cells. Before these cells recover, they have passed through important checkpoints of apoptosis, including mitochondrial fragmentation, release of mitochondrial cytochrome c into the cytosol, activation of caspases, chromatin condensation, DNA damage, nuclear fragmentation, plasma membrane blebbing, cell shrinkage, cell surface exposure of phosphatidylserine, and formation of apoptotic bodies. Anastasis can occur when apoptotic stimuli are removed prior to death, thereby allowing dying cells to reverse apoptosis and potentially other death mechanisms. Therefore, anastasis appears to involve physiological healing processes that could also sustain damaged cells inappropriately. The functions and mechanisms of anastasis are still unclear, hampered in part by the limited tools for detecting past events after the recovery of apparently healthy cells. Strategies to detect anastasis will enable studies of the physiological mechanisms, the hazards of undead cells in disease pathology, and potential therapeutics to modulate anastasis. Here, we describe effective strategies using live cell microscopy and a mammalian caspase biosensor&#160;for identifying and tracking anastasis in mammalian cells.

The term anastasis refers to the phenomenon in which dying cells reverse a cell suicide process at a late stage, repair themselves, and ultimately survive. Here we demonstrate protocols for detecting and tracking cells that undergo anastasis.

Anastasis (Greek for &#8220;rising to life&#8221;) refers to the recovery of dying cells. Before these cells recover, they have passed through important ...

Cellular Redox Profiling Using High-content Microscopy

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulate essential cellular processes including gene expression, migration, differentiation and proliferation. However, excessive ROS levels induce a state of oxidative stress, which is accompanied by irreversible oxidative damage to DNA, lipids and proteins. Thus, quantification of ROS provides a direct proxy for cellular health condition. Since mitochondria are among the major cellular sources and targets of ROS, joint analysis of mitochondrial function and ROS production in the same cells is crucial for better understanding the interconnection in pathophysiological conditions. Therefore, a high-content microscopy-based strategy was developed for simultaneous quantification of intracellular ROS levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (&#916;&#936;m) and mitochondrial morphology. It is based on automated widefield fluorescence microscopy and image analysis of living adherent cells, grown in multi-well plates, and stained with the cell-permeable fluorescent reporter molecules CM-H2DCFDA (ROS) and TMRM (&#916;&#936;m and mitochondrial morphology). In contrast with fluorimetry or flow-cytometry, this strategy allows quantification of subcellular parameters at the level of the individual cell with high spatiotemporal resolution, both before and after experimental stimulation. Importantly, the image-based nature of the method allows extracting morphological parameters in addition to signal intensities. The combined feature set is used for explorative and statistical multivariate data analysis to detect differences between subpopulations, cell types and/or treatments. Here, a detailed description of the assay is provided, along with an example experiment that proves its potential for unambiguous discrimination between cellular states after chemical perturbation.

This paper presents a high-content microscopy workflow for simultaneous quantification of intracellular ROS levels, as well as mitochondrial membrane potential and morphology &#8211; jointly referred to as mitochondrial morphofunction &#8211; in living adherent cells using the cell-permeant fluorescent reporter molecules 5-(and-6)-chloromethyl-2&#39;,7&#39;-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, acetyl ester (CM-H2DCFDA) and tetramethylrhodamine methylester (TMRM).

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulate essential cellular processes including gene expression, migration, differentiation and proliferation. However, ...

TChIP-Seq: Cell-Type-Specific Epigenome Profiling

Epigenetic regulation plays central roles in gene expression. Since histone modification was discovered in the 1960s, its physiological and pathological functions have been extensively studied. Indeed, the advent of next-generation deep sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) via specific histone modification antibodies has revolutionized our view of epigenetic regulation across the genome. Conversely, tissues typically consist of diverse cell types, and their complex mixture poses analytic challenges to investigating the epigenome in a particular cell type. To address the cell type-specific chromatin state in a genome-wide manner, we recently developed tandem chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (tChIP-Seq), which is based on the selective purification of chromatin by tagged core histone proteins from cell types of interest, followed by ChIP-Seq. The goal of this protocol is the introduction of best practices of tChIP-Seq. This technique provides a versatile tool for tissue-specific epigenome investigation in diverse histone modifications and model organisms.

We describe a step-by-step protocol for tandem chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (tChIP-Seq) that enables the analysis of cell-type-specific genome-wide histone modification.

Epigenetic regulation plays central roles in gene expression. Since histone modification was discovered in the 1960s, its physiological and pathological ...