Name: in ovo electroporation in the chicken auditory brainstem
Uploaded: 2017-06-09T13:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about In Ovo Electroporation in the Chicken Auditory Brainstem at JoVE.com

We would like to thank Drs. Leslayann Schecterson, Yuan Wang, Andres Barria and Mrs. Ximena Optiz-Araya for initial assistance with protocol set-up and for providing plasmids. This work was supported by NIH/NIDCD grant DC013841 (JTS).

All procedures were approved by Northwestern University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees, and carried out in accordance with the National Institutes of Health Guidelines for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
1. Egg Handling
<ol>
	<li>Purchase fertilized eggs from a local vendor. Store eggs at 13 &#176;C in a refrigerator for no longer than 5 days prior to incubation. Embryo viability significantly decreases after 1 week.</li>
	<li>Swab each egg with 70% ethanol before setti...

<ol>
	<li>Grothe, B., Pecka, M., McAlpine, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mechanisms+of+sound+localization+in+mammals.">Mechanisms of sound localization in mammals.</a> Physiol Rev. 90 (3), 983-1012 (2010).</li><li>Anderson, S., 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=Neural+timing+is+linked+to+speech+perception+in+noise.">Neural timing is linked to speech perception in noise.</a> J Neurosci. 30 (14), 4922-4926 (2010).</li><li>Shannon, R. V., 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=Speech+recognition+with+primarily+temporal+cues.">Speech recognition with primarily temporal cues.</a> Science. 270 (5234), 303-304 (1995).</li><li>Carr, C. 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=Evolution+and+development+of+time+coding+systems.">Evolution and development of time coding systems.</a> Curr Opin Neurobiol. 11 (6), 727-733 (2001).</li><li>Carr, C. E., Soares, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Evolutionary+convergence+and+shared+computational+principles+in+the+auditory+system.">Evolutionary convergence and shared computational principles in the auditory system.</a> Brain Behav Evol. 59 (5-6), 294-311 (2002).</li><li>Rubel, E. W., Parks, T. N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Organization+and+development+of+brain+stem+auditory+nuclei+of+the+chicken:+tonotopic+organization+of+n.+magnocellularis+and+n.+laminaris.">Organization and development of brain stem auditory nuclei of the chicken: tonotopic organization of n. magnocellularis and n. laminaris.</a> J Comp Neurol. 164 (4), 411-433 (1975).</li><li>Rubel, E. W., Smith, D. J., Miller, L. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Organization+and+development+of+brain+stem+auditory+nuclei+of+the+chicken:+ontogeny+of+n.+magnocellularis+and+n.+laminaris.">Organization and development of brain stem auditory nuclei of the chicken: ontogeny of n. magnocellularis and n. laminaris.</a> J Comp Neurol. 166 (4), 469-489 (1976).</li><li>Schecterson, L. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=TrkB+downregulation+is+required+for+dendrite+retraction+in+developing+neurons+of+chicken+nucleus+magnocellularis.">TrkB downregulation is required for dendrite retraction in developing neurons of chicken nucleus magnocellularis.</a> J Neurosci. 32 (40), 14000-14009 (2012).</li><li>Chesnutt, C., Niswander, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Plasmid-based+short-hairpin+RNA+interference+in+the+chicken+embryo.">Plasmid-based short-hairpin RNA interference in the chicken embryo.</a> Genesis. 39 (2), 73-78 (2004).</li><li>Oertel, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Encoding+of+timing+in+the+brain+stem+auditory+nuclei+of+vertebrates.">Encoding of timing in the brain stem auditory nuclei of vertebrates.</a> Neuron. 19 (5), 959-962 (1997).</li><li>Cramer, K. S., Fraser, S. E., Rubel, E. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Embryonic+origins+of+auditory+brain-stem+nuclei+in+the+chick+hindbrain.">Embryonic origins of auditory brain-stem nuclei in the chick hindbrain.</a> Dev Biol. 224 (2), 138-151 (2000).</li><li>Cramer, K. S., 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=EphA4+signaling+promotes+axon+segregation+in+the+developing+auditory+system.">EphA4 signaling promotes axon segregation in the developing auditory system.</a> Dev Biol. 269 (1), 26-35 (2004).</li><li>Korn, M. J., Cramer, K. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Windowing+chicken+eggs+for+developmental+studies.">Windowing chicken eggs for developmental studies.</a> J Vis Exp. (8), e306 (2007).</li><li>Sanchez, J. 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=Preparation+and+culture+of+chicken+auditory+brainstem+slices.">Preparation and culture of chicken auditory brainstem slices.</a> J Vis Exp. (49), (2011).</li><li>Jhaveri, S., Morest, D. K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Neuronal+architecture+in+nucleus+magnocellularis+of+the+chicken+auditory+system+with+observations+on+nucleus+laminaris:+a+light+and+electron+microscope+study.">Neuronal architecture in nucleus magnocellularis of the chicken auditory system with observations on nucleus laminaris: a light and electron microscope study.</a> Neuroscience. 7 (4), 809-836 (1982).</li><li>Matsui, R., Tanabe, Y., Watanabe, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Avian+adeno-associated+virus+vector+efficiently+transduces+neurons+in+the+embryonic+and+post-embryonic+chicken+brain.">Avian adeno-associated virus vector efficiently transduces neurons in the embryonic and post-embryonic chicken brain.</a> PLoS One. 7 (11), e48730 (2012).</li><li>Koppl, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Auditory+nerve+terminals+in+the+cochlear+nucleus+magnocellularis:+differences+between+low+and+high+frequencies.">Auditory nerve terminals in the cochlear nucleus magnocellularis: differences between low and high frequencies.</a> J Comp Neurol. 339 (3), 438-446 (1994).</li><li>Hyson, R. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+analysis+of+interaural+time+differences+in+the+chick+brain+stem.">The analysis of interaural time differences in the chick brain stem.</a> Physiol Behav. 86 (3), 297-305 (2005).</li><li>Jones, T. A., Jones, S. M., Paggett, K. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Emergence+of+hearing+in+the+chicken+embryo.">Emergence of hearing in the chicken embryo.</a> J Neurophysiol. 96 (1), 128-141 (2006).</li><li>Saunders, J. C., Coles, R. B., Gates, G. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+development+of+auditory+evoked+responses+in+the+cochlea+and+cochlear+nuclei+of+the+chick.">The development of auditory evoked responses in the cochlea and cochlear nuclei of the chick.</a> Brain Res. 63, 59-74 (1973).</li><li>Woolf, N. K., Ryan, A. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+development+of+auditory+function+in+the+cochlea+of+the+mongolian+gerbil.">The development of auditory function in the cochlea of the mongolian gerbil.</a> Hear Res. 13 (3), 277-283 (1984).</li><li>Walsh, E. J., McGee, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Postnatal+development+of+auditory+nerve+and+cochlear+nucleus+neuronal+responses+in+kittens.">Postnatal development of auditory nerve and cochlear nucleus neuronal responses in kittens.</a> Hear Res. 28 (1), 97-116 (1987).</li><li>Uziel, A., Romand, R., Marot, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+of+cochlear+potentials+in+rats.">Development of cochlear potentials in rats.</a> Audiology. 20 (2), 89-100 (1981).</li></ol>

In ovo electroporation is a method of expressing or knocking down genes of interest in order to analyze in vivo gene function8,9. In the chicken embryo, it is an innovative method for expressing plasmid-encoded genes into different auditory brainstem regions8. To ensure optimal expression, several critical steps are required. First, only inject embryos whose otocysts are clearly visible. If otocysts are not visible the em...

Fast neural encoding of sound is essential for normal auditory functions. These include sound localization abilities1, speech in noise discrimination2, and the comprehension of other behaviorally relevant communication signals3. Analogous neurons located in the auditory brainstem of both avians and mammals are highly specialized for fast neural encoding4. These include the chicken nucleus magnocellularis (NM), the nucleus laminaris (NL) and their mammalian analogs, the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) and the medial superior olive (MSO), respectively5. However, developmental mechanisms regulating fast neural encoding are poorly understood in the auditory brainstem. Therefore, it is advantageous to study specific genes that are responsible for fast neural encoding in order to better understand their expression, regulation and function in auditory development.
The developing chicken embryo is an effective and well-established research tool to study basic biological questions of auditory system development6,7. Recent molecular advances have addressed these biological questions in the developing chicken embryo by expressing or knocking down genes of interest in order to analyze in vivo gene function8,9. Investigating the regulatory role of specific genes is a significant advancement in understanding pathologies associated with auditory deficits. Here, we present in ovo electroporation of plasmid-encoded genes into the chicken auditory brainstem where fast neural encoding of sound occurs10. By targeting auditory neural progenitor regions associated with rhombomeres 5 and 611,12 (R5/R6), we show spatial control of plasmid transfection in NM and NL. In addition, we show temporal regulation of expression by adopting a tet-on vector system. This is a drug inducible procedure that expresses the genes of interest in the presence of doxycycline (Dox)8.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Fertilized white leghorn chicken eggs</td>
			<td>Sunnyside Inc. (Beaver Dam, WI)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Picospritzer</td>
			<td>Parker Hannifin</td>
			<td>052-0500-900</td>
			<td>Picospritzer III, single or dual channel</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Current/voltage stimulator</td>
			<td>Grass Technologies</td>
			<td>SD9</td>
			<td>SD9</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microfil syringe needles</td>
			<td>World Precision Instruments</td>
			<td>MF28G67-5</td>
			<td>28 Gauge, 67 mm Long, (Pack of 5)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Electrode holder</td>
			<td>Warner Instruments</td>
			<td>64-1280</td>
			<td>MP Series: Non-Electrical Pressure Applications</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stimulating microelectrode</td>
			<td>FHC</td>
			<td>PBSA1075</td>
			<td>PBSA1075</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Air tank/regulator</td>
			<td>NU Laboratory Services</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Air dry 300 CF</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fast green</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>F7258-25G</td>
			<td>F7258-25G</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Clear plastic tape</td>
			<td>Scotch</td>
			<td>191</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Doxycycline hyclate</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>D9891-1G</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Egg refrigerator</td>
			<td>Vissani Wine Refrigerator</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>13.3-16.1&#176; C (56-61&#176; F)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Incubator</td>
			<td>Hova-Bator</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>37.8&#176; C (100&#176; F), ~50% humidity</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dissection scope</td>
			<td>Zeiss</td>
			<td>4.35E+15</td>
			<td>SteREO Discovery, V8 Microscope, 50.4X</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cold-light source</td>
			<td>Zeiss</td>
			<td>4.36E+15</td>
			<td>CL6000 LED</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Micromanipulators</td>
			<td>Narishige Japan</td>
			<td>Model: MM-3</td>
			<td>2 Micromanipulators</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Capillary tubes</td>
			<td>Sutter Instrument</td>
			<td>BF150-86-10</td>
			<td>Thick-walled borosilicate (dimensions)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Syringes</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>1 mL, 3 mL</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Needles</td>
			<td>BD Precision Glide&#160;</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>27 G x 1 1/4, 19 G x 1 1/2</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Forceps</td>
			<td>Stoelting</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>No. 5 Super Fine Dumont</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Egg holder</td>
			<td>Custom Made</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Clay base works as well</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Micropipette puller</td>
			<td>Sutter Instrument</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Model P-97</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Syringe filter</td>
			<td>Ultra Cruz</td>
			<td>sc-358811</td>
			<td>PVDF 0.22 &#956;m</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

in ovo electroporation in the chicken auditory brainstem

Electroporation is a method that introduces genes of interest into biologically relevant organisms like the chicken embryo. It is long established that the chicken embryo is an effective research model for studying basic biological functions of auditory system development. More recently, the chicken embryo has become particularly valuable in studying gene expression, regulation and function associated with hearing. In ovo electroporation can be used to target auditory brainstem regions responsible for highly specialized auditory functions. These regions include the chicken nucleus magnocellularis (NM) and nucleus laminaris (NL). NM and NL neurons arise from distinct precursors of rhombomeres 5 and 6 (R5/R6). Here, we present in ovo electroporation of plasmid-encoded genes to study gene-related properties in these regions. We show a method for spatial and temporal control of gene expression that promote either gain or loss of functional phenotypes. By targeting auditory neural progenitor regions associated with R5/R6, we show plasmid transfection in NM and NL. Temporal regulation of gene expression can be achieved by adopting a tet-on vector system. This is a drug inducible procedure that expresses the genes of interest in the presence of doxycycline (Dox). The in ovo electroporation technique &#8211; together with either biochemical, pharmacological, and or in vivo functional assays &#8211; provides an innovative approach to study auditory neuron development and associated pathophysiological phenomena.

We show here that in ovo electroporation permits gene expression in a normally developing biological system. Plasmid-encoded genes are focally injected into the neural tube overlying R5/R6. A schematic example of the electrode and pipette placements relative to important anatomical markers is shown in Figure 1A. The correct location of plasmid injection is confirmed 24 h after electroporation and shown in Figure 1B. The targeted injection of plas...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about In Ovo Electroporation in the Chicken Auditory Brainstem at JoVE.com

In Ovo Electroporation in the Chicken Auditory Brainstem

Auditory brainstem neurons of avians and mammals are specialized for fast neural encoding, a fundamental process for normal hearing functions. These neurons arise from distinct precursors of embryonic hindbrain. We present techniques utilizing electroporation to express genes in the hindbrain of chicken embryos to study gene function during auditory development.

In Ovo Electroporation in the Chicken Auditory Brainstem

Electroporation is a method that introduces genes of interest into biologically relevant organisms like the chicken embryo. It is long established that ...

The overall goal of this procedure is to spatially and temporally control gene expression in the chicken auditory brainstem. The utilization of in ovo electroporation provides an innovative approach to study auditory neuron development and associated pathophysiological phenomena. This procedure can help you answer key questions in the field of auditory neural development, such as how does the control of gene expression promote either a gain or loss of phenotype that are required for normal auditory brainstem development.Demonstrating the procedure will be Doctor Ting Lu, a postdoctoral fellow from my laboratory. To begin, prepare plasmid solutions by adding one microliter of Fast Green solution for every seven microliters of DNA mixture. Next, mix DNA solutions at a one-to-one ratio for simultaneous electroporation of multiple plasmids.Once the plasmid solution is prepared, fabricate pipettes with a micropipette puller. Then use a 28-gauge syringe needle to fill the pipette with one to two microliters of the plasmid solution. Using forceps, break the pipette tip to 10 to 20 microns and determine the size of the broken tip under a microscope, then connect the pipette to a picospritzer via pipette holder.Prior to the procedure, store eggs purchased from a local vendor for no longer than five days in a refrigerator at 13 degrees Celsius. To begin, disinfect the egg with 70%ethanol, then to achieve proper embryo positioning, incubate the egg on its side at 38 degrees Celsius, and approximately 50%humidity to ensure optimal viability. After 48 to 52 hours of incubation, when the egg reaches Hamburger-Hamilton stage approximately 12 to 13, disinfect the work area and all instruments with 70%ethanol.Then remove the egg from the incubator, leave it at room temperature, and wipe it with 70%ethanol a second time. Using a light illuminator, identify the positioning of the embryo, visible as a dark area, and with a pencil, mark it by drawing a circle around its center. Poke a hold in the blunt end of the egg with a 19-gauge needle, then make a second hole near the drawn circle on the pointy end of the egg.Use the 19-gauge needle to remove a small piece of the outer eggshell, and with forceps, remove a small piece of the inner eggshell membrane. Next, introduce a 19-gauge needle attached to a three milliliter syringe through the hole at the blunt end of the egg, and withdraw 1.5 to 2.5 milliliters of albumin. Cover the hole at the blunt end of the egg with a one centimeter by one centimeter piece of tape, and then cover the drawn circle and the second hole with a 2.5 centimeter by four centimeter piece of tape.Using curved scissors with a cutting edge of 2.5 centimeters, and keeping them parallel to the eggshell, excise a window within the marked circle. To inject the plasmid, turn on the picospritzer and adjust the instrument's setting to apply pressure of 18 PSI for five microseconds, then turn on an air tank, and the lamp for the dissection microscope. Next, prepare 30 milliliters of a stock solution of the commercially purchased India Ink in sterile PBS.Aspirate the India Ink solution into a one milliliter syringe, then attach a 27-gauge needle and remove any bubbles that appear in the syringe. To visualize the embryo, introduce the needle just under the yolk membrane, approximately two to three millimeters from the embryo, and inject approximately 0.2 milliliters of India Ink. Then transfer the windowed egg to an egg holder, positioned under the dissection microscope, and switch to the highest magnification to achieve the best view of the plasmid injection site.Remove the membrane covering the injection area with forceps. Find the otocysts, and use them as landmarks to identify rhombomeres five and six, located nearby, from which nucleus magnocellularis and nucleus laminaris arise. Using a micromanipulator, position the pipette containing DNA in the neural tube that overlies the R5-R6 region in-between the otocysts.Eject DNA into the neural tube with the picospritzer. To begin electroporation, turn on the voltage stimulator, then attach a 0.22 micron syringe filter to a three milliliter syringe pre-filled with PBS, and add one to two drops of the filtered PBS onto the embryo. Subsequently, move a bipolar electrode toward the embryo using the micromanipulator, and position the negative electrode above the injection site, while maintaining the positive electrode lateral to the R5-R6.With the voltage stimulator, apply 20 pulses of 50 volts for one millisecond at one second intervals. You will see bubbles near the tip of the electrode. After electroporation, add one drop of PBS onto the exposed area, gently remove the electrode and clean it with a laboratory tissue and 70%ethanol, then cover the window over the embryo with tape.Finally, note the injected plasmid type, and the hatch date on the eggshell, and place the egg in the incubator with window-side facing up. Incubate the eggs at 38 degrees Celsius with 50%humidity, until desired developmental stage is reached. 24 hours after the electroporation, remove the egg from the incubator, open the window, and using a stereo microscope, confirm the correct location of the targeted plasmid injection.If tet-on vectors were used, pipette 50 microliters of Doxycycline into the chorioallantoic membrane, close the window, and put the egg back into the incubator. Presented here are photographs of a brainstem slice prepared from an embryonic day-12 chicken, taken under differential interference contrast illumination and fluorescent illumination. The nucleus magnocellularis and nucleus laminaris can be recognized within the brainstem slice.Under fluorescent illumination, both structures reveal the expression of yellow fluorescent protein, confirming efficient spatial expression of the electroporated genes. The expression of the electroporated gene can be also observed in a brainstem slice comprising the nucleus magnocellularis obtained from an embryonic day-18 chicken. When magnified 80 times, the classic adendritic cell bodies are visible under differential interference contrast illumination.Adendritic cell bodies reveal yellow fluorescent protein expression, further demonstrating that in ovo electroporation can induce gene expression in specific auditory brainstem regions for studies on auditory neuron development. Once mastered, and if it is performed properly, this technique can be done in two to three hours for approximately 12 viable eggs. Following this procedure, other methods like biochemical, pharmacological, and in vitro-in vivo functional assays can be performed in order to answer additional questions about how gene expression phenotypes regulate normal auditory brainstem development.After watching this video, you should have a good understanding of how to spatially and temporally control gene expression in the chicken auditory brainstem. In ovo electroporation permits genetic control of anatomical and physiological specializations, and well-defined time periods in auditory brainstem development.

Research

JoVE Journal

Developmental Biology

Efficient Gene Transfer in Chick Retinas for Primary Cell Culture Studies: An Ex-ovo Electroporation Approach

Efficient Gene Transfer in Chick Retinas for Primary Cell Culture Studies: An Ex-ovo Electroporation Approach

The cone photoreceptor-enriched cultures derived from embryonic chick retinas have become an indispensable tool for researchers around the world studying ...

Analysis of Zebrafish Larvae Skeletal Muscle Integrity with Evans Blue Dye

The zebrafish model is an emerging system for the study of neuromuscular disorders.  In the study of neuromuscular diseases, the integrity of the muscle ...

Whole Retinal Explants from Chicken Embryos for Electroporation and Chemical Reagent Treatments

The retina is a good model for the developing central nervous system. The large size of the eye and most importantly the accessibility for experimental ...

Gene Transfer into the Chicken Auditory Organ by In Ovo Micro-electroporation

Gene Transfer into the Chicken Auditory Organ by In Ovo Micro-electroporation

Chicken embryos are ideal model systems for studying embryonic development as manipulations of gene function can be conducted with relative ease in ovo. ...

A Novel Ex Ovo Banding Technique to Alter Intracardiac Hemodynamics in an Embryonic Chicken System

A Novel Ex Ovo Banding Technique to Alter Intracardiac Hemodynamics in an Embryonic Chicken System

The new model presented here can be used to understand the influence of hemodynamics on specific cardiac developmental processes, at the cellular and ...

Embryo Microinjection and Electroporation in the Chordate Ciona intestinalis

Embryo Microinjection and Electroporation in the Chordate Ciona intestinalis

Simple model organisms are instrumental for in vivo studies of developmental and cellular differentiation processes. Currently, the evolutionary distance ...

Dissection and Immunofluorescent Staining of Mushroom Body and Photoreceptor Neurons in Adult Drosophila melanogaster Brains

Dissection and Immunofluorescent Staining of Mushroom Body and Photoreceptor Neurons in Adult Drosophila melanogaster Brains

Nervous system development involves a sequential series of events that are coordinated by several signaling pathways and regulatory networks. Many of the ...

Three-dimensional Organotypic Cultures of Vestibular and Auditory Sensory Organs

The sensory organs of the inner ear are challenging to study in mammals due to their inaccessibility to experimental manipulation and optical observation. ...

Visualizing the Node and Notochordal Plate In Gastrulating Mouse Embryos Using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Whole Mount Immunofluorescence

The post-implantation mouse embryo undergoes major shape changes after the initiation of gastrulation and morphogenesis. A hallmark of morphogenesis is ...