This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (Grant R01NS117701), National Science Foundation (Grant 1146944-IOS), the Indiana Traumatic Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Fund (Grant 20000289), the Purdue Research Foundation (Grant 209911), and the Office of the Executive Vice President for Research and Partnerships at Purdue University (Grant 210362). We thank Dr. Cory J. Weaver and Haley Roeder for establishing zebrafish RGC culture protocol. We thank Haley Roeder additionally for providing the data of Figure 4. We thank Leah Biasi and Kenny Nguyen for the help with RGC culture. We thank Gentry Lee for editing the text. We thank Dr. Tobias Dick for providing roGFP2-Orp1 and Dr. Qing Deng for pCS2+ vector containing roGFP2-Orp1. Figure 2&#160;is created with Biorender.com.

<ol>
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Authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

There are several critical steps that need&#160;attention throughout this protocol. We believe considering these points will improve the experimental flow. For primary RGC culture, the sterility of the ZFCM(-) is very important, since this culture media does not contain antibiotics and contamination can occur before or during imaging. To avoid it, we advise to prepare and use ZFCM(-) only inside a biosafety cabinet and make fresh ZFCM(-) media regularly (Step 1.5). In addition, laminin stocks should be kept at -80 &#176;...

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling regulates development and functioning of the nervous system1. An important cellular ROS source are NADPH oxidases (NOX), which are transmembrane proteins generating superoxide and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)2. NOX enzymes are found throughout the central nervous system (CNS), and NOX-derived ROS contribute to neuronal development3,4,5,6. Maintenance and differentiation of neural stem cells, establishing neuronal polarity, neurite outgrowth, and synaptic plasticity have been shown to require adequate levels of ROS7,8,9,10,11. On the other hand, uncontrolled production of ROS by NOXes contribute to neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer&#39;s Disease, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury12,13,14. Hence, production of physiologically relevant ROS is critical to maintaining healthy conditions.
Development of genetically encoded biosensors facilitated the detection of cellular ROS greatly. One important advantage of genetically encoded biosensors is the increased temporal and spatial resolution of the ROS signal, as these sensors can be specifically targeted to distinct locations. Redox-sensitive GFP (roGFP) is one type of such ROS biosensors. The roGFP2-Orp1 variant specifically detects H2O2 through its Orp1 domain, which is a glutathione peroxiredoxin family protein from yeast15,16. The oxidation of the Orp1 protein is transferred to roGFP2 to alter its conformation (Figure 1A). The probe exhibits two excitation peaks near 405 nm and 480 nm, and a single emission peak at 515 nm. Upon oxidation, the fluorescence intensity around excitation peaks changes: while 405 nm excitation increases, 480 nm excitation decreases. Thus, roGFP2-Orp1 is a ratiometric biosensor, and H2O2-levels are detected by the ratio of fluorescence intensities excited at two different wavelengths (Figure 1B). Overall, roGFP2-Orp1 is a versatile tool for ROS imaging that can be utilized efficiently in vivo.
<img alt="Figure 1" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/62165/62165fig01.jpg" /> 
Figure 1: Schematic representation and excitation spectra of roGFP2-Orp1. (A) Oxidant transfer occurs between Orp1 and roGFP2 in response to H2O2, leading to conformational changes in roGFP2. (B) The excitation spectra of the roGFP2-Orp1 exhibits two excitation peaks at 405 nm and 480 nm and single emission peak at 515 nm. Upon oxidation by H2O2, the 405 nm excitation increases while 480 nm excitation decreases. This results in a ratiometric readout for H2O2 presence. The figure has been modified from Bilan and Belousov (2017)16 and Morgan et al. (2011)25. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/62165/62165fig01large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
The Danio rerio (zebrafish) model system has several advantages for applying genetically encoded biosensors. The optical transparency of the embryos and larvae enables non-invasive in vivo&#160;imaging. New imaging tools are being developed to achieve higher resolution and deeper penetration17. Furthermore, there are established tools for genetic manipulation (ectopic mRNA expression, Tol2 transgenesis, etc.) and genome editing (TALENs, CRISPR/Cas9, etc.), which promotes the generation of transgenic animals18. As the zebrafish embryos develop outside of the mother, this system further allows easier access and manipulation of the embryos. For instance, one-cell stage injections and drug treatments can easily be done.
Here, we used zebrafish to transiently express the H2O2-specific biosensor roGFP2-Orp1 by injecting in vitro-transcribed mRNA. These embryos can be used for both in vitro imaging of cultured neurons and in vivo imaging (Figure 2). We describe a protocol for dissecting and plating retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) from zebrafish embryos followed by assessing H2O2-levels in cultured neurons. Then, we present a method for in vivo imaging of roGFP2-Orp1-expressing embryos and larvae using confocal microscopy. This approach not only allows to determine physiological H2O2-levels but also potential changes occurring in different developmental stages or conditions. Overall, this system provides a reliable method for detecting H2O2 in live cells and animals to study the role of H2O2 in development, health, and disease.
<img alt="Figure 2" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/62165/62165fig03.jpg" /> 
Figure 2. Outline of the experimental approach. Briefly, after embryo collection, roGFP2-Orp1 mRNA is injected into the yolk of one-cell stage zebrafish embryos. Developing embryos can be used for both (A) in vitro and (B) in vivo imaging. (A) GFP-positive embryos are used to dissect retinas for RGC collection at 34 hpf. Dissociated RGCs are plated on PDL/laminin-coated coverslips in ZFCM (+) media. Growth cone imaging can be conducted as RGCs extend their axons after 6-24 h of plating. Cells can be subjected to different treatments to measure the potential changes in H2O2-levels. Here, we measured H2O2-levels in the growth cones of RGCs (red). (B) GFP positive embryos are used for in vivo imaging. At the desired age, embryos can be anesthetized and mounted on 35 mm glass bottom dishes for confocal imaging. Here, embryos are mounted ventrally for retinal imaging. Schematic shows retinal development in zebrafish. RGCs form ganglion cell layer (GCL), which is the innermost layer in retina. RGC axons develop into optic nerve to cross midline, forming optic chiasm. Then, RGC axons grow dorsally to make synapses in the optic tectum in the midbrain. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/62165/62165fig03large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>

<table><tbody><tr><td>35-mm culture dish</td><td>Sarstedt</td><td>83-3900</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>35-mm glass bottom dish</td><td>MatTek</td><td>P35G-1.5-10-C</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Agarose</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>BP160-500</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Borosilicate Glass Capillary Tubes</td><td>Sutter/Fisher Scientific</td><td>NC9029378</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Calcium Chloride Dihydrate</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>C79-500</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cover glass</td><td>Corning</td><td>2850-22</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Disposable Petri Dishes (100 x 15 mm)</td><td>VWR</td><td>25384-094</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fetal Bovine Serum</td><td>ThermoFisher Scientific</td><td>26140087</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Glucose</td><td>Sigma Aldich</td><td>G7528</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>HEPES</td><td>Sigma Aldich</td><td>H4034</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Injection Mold</td><td>Adaptive Science Tools</td><td>TU-1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Inverted Microscope</td><td>Nikon</td><td>TE2000</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Laminin</td><td>ThermoFisher Scientific</td><td>23017-015</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy</td><td>Zeiss</td><td>710</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Leibovitz&#039;s L-15 Medium with phenol red</td><td>Gibco/Fisher Scientific</td><td>11-415-064</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Leibovitz&#039;s L-15 Medium without phenol red</td><td>Gibco/Fisher Scientific</td><td>21-083-027</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Low melting agarose</td><td>Promega</td><td>V2111</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>mMessage mMachine SP6 Transcription Kit</td><td>Invitrogen</td><td>AM1340</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>NotI</td><td>New England Biolabs</td><td>R0189S</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>PBS</td><td>Hyclone/Fisher Scientific</td><td>SH3025601</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Penicillin/streptomycin</td><td>ThermoFisher Scientific</td><td>15140122</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Phenol Red</td><td>Sigma Aldich</td><td>P0290</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Phenylthiourea (PTU)</td><td>Sigma Aldich</td><td>P7629</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Pneumatic PicoPump</td><td>World Precision Instruments</td><td>PV820</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Poly-D-Lysine (PDL)</td><td>Sigma Aldich</td><td>P7280</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>QiaQUICK PCR Purification Kit</td><td>QIAGEN</td><td>28104</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Recombinant mouse slit2</td><td>R&amp;amp;D Systems</td><td>5444-SL-050</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sodium Pyruvate</td><td>Sigma Aldich</td><td>P5280</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Steritop 0.22 &amp;micro;m filter</td><td>Millipore</td><td>S2GPT05RE</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TE Buffer</td><td>Ambion</td><td>AM9860</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Tricaine Methanesulfonate</td><td>Sigma Aldich</td><td>E10521</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Vertical Pipette Puller</td><td>David Kopf Instruments</td><td>700C</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

ros live cell imaging during neuronal development

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are well-established signaling molecules, which are important in normal development, homeostasis, and physiology. Among the different ROS, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is best characterized with respect to roles in cellular signaling. H2O2 has been implicated during the development in several species. For example, a transient increase in H2O2 has been detected in zebrafish embryos during the first days following fertilization. Furthermore, depleting an important cellular H2O2 source, NADPH oxidase (NOX), impairs nervous system development such as the differentiation, axonal growth, and guidance of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) both in&#160;vivo and in vitro. Here, we describe a method for imaging intracellular H2O2 levels in cultured zebrafish neurons and whole larvae during development using the genetically encoded H2O2-specific biosensor, roGFP2-Orp1. This probe can be transiently or stably expressed in zebrafish larvae. Furthermore, the ratiometric readout diminishes the probability of detecting artifacts due to differential gene expression or volume effects. First, we demonstrate how to isolate and culture RGCs derived from zebrafish embryos that transiently express roGFP2-Orp1. Then, we use whole larvae to monitor H2O2 levels at the tissue level. The sensor has been validated by the addition of H2O2. Additionally, this methodology could be used to measure H2O2 levels in specific cell types and tissues by generating transgenic animals with tissue-specific biosensor expression. As zebrafish facilitate genetic and developmental manipulations, the approach demonstrated here could serve as a pipeline to test the role of H2O2 during neuronal and general embryonic development in vertebrates.

Cultured zebrafish RGCs extend axons within 1d. A representative 405/480 ratio image of the H2O2-biosensor is shown in Figure 4A. The cell body, axon, and growth cones are clearly visible in individual neurons. These neurons can be subjected to different treatments over time to monitor H2O2 changes. We previously found that adding 100 &#181;M H2O2 to culture media increases the ratio values, showing that real-time changes can ...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about ROS Live Cell Imaging During Neuronal Development at JoVE.com

ROS Live Cell Imaging During Neuronal Development

This protocol describes the use of a genetically encoded hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-biosensor in cultured zebrafish neurons and larvae for assessing the physiological signaling roles of H2O2 during nervous system development. It can be applied to different cell types and modified with experimental treatments to study reactive oxygen species (ROS) in general development.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are well-established signaling molecules, which are important in normal development, homeostasis, and physiology. Among the ...

ros-live-cell-imaging-during-neuronal-development

Research

JoVE Journal

Neuroscience

4.2K Views.  Purdue University. Ons protocol beschrijft het gebruik van een waterstofperoxide biosensor in gekweekte zebravisneuronen en larven. Dit protocol zal onderzoekers helpen om de rol van reactieve zuurstofsoorten in de normale fysiologie en pathofysiologie te ontleden. Het belangrijkste voordeel van deze techniek is de realtime detectie van waterstofperoxide in levende dieren en gekweekte cellen.Deze methode kan worden toegepast op andere dieren, zoals het knaagdiermodelsysteem. Gebruik voor het bereiden van...

Video: ROS Live Cell Imaging During Neuronal Development

Time-lapse Live Imaging of Clonally Related Neural Progenitor Cells in the Developing Zebrafish Forebrain

Precise patterns of division, migration and differentiation of neural progenitor cells are crucial for proper brain development and function1,2. To understand the behavior of neural progenitor cells in the complex in vivo environment, time-lapse live imaging of neural progenitor cells in an intact brain is critically required. In this video, we exploit the unique features of zebrafish embryos to visualize the development of forebrain neural progenitor cells in vivo. We use electroporation to genetically and sparsely label individual neural progenitor cells. Briefly, DNA constructs coding for fluorescent markers were injected into the forebrain ventricle of 22 hours post fertilization (hpf) zebrafish embryos and electric pulses were delivered immediately. Six hours later, the electroporated zebrafish embryos were mounted with low melting point agarose in glass bottom culture dishes. Fluorescently labeled neural progenitor cells were then imaged for 36hours with fixed intervals under a confocal microscope using water dipping objective lens. The present method provides a way to gain insights into the in vivo development of forebrain neural progenitor cells and can be applied to other parts of the central nervous system of the zebrafish embryo.

The present video demonstrates a method which takes advantage of the combination of electroporation and confocal microscopy to perform live imaging on individual neural progenitor cells in the developing zebrafish forebrain. In vivo analysis of the development of forebrain neural progenitor cells at a clonal level can be achieved in this way.

Precise patterns of division, migration and differentiation of neural progenitor cells are crucial for proper brain development and function1,2. To ...

High-resolution Live Imaging of Cell Behavior in the Developing Neuroepithelium

The embryonic spinal cord consists of cycling neural progenitor cells that give rise to a large percentage of the neuronal and glial cells of the central nervous system (CNS). Although much is known about the molecular mechanisms that pattern the spinal cord and elicit neuronal differentiation1, 2, we lack a deep understanding of these early events at the level of cell behavior. It is thus critical to study the behavior of neural progenitors in real time as they undergo neurogenesis.
In the past, real-time imaging of early embryonic tissue has been limited by cell/tissue viability in culture as well as the phototoxic effects of fluorescent imaging. Here we present a novel assay for imaging such tissue for long periods of time, utilizing a novel ex vivo slice culture protocol and wide-field fluorescence microscopy (Fig. 1). This approach achieves long-term time-lapse monitoring of chick embryonic spinal cord progenitor cells with high spatial and temporal resolution.
This assay may be modified to image a range of embryonic tissues3, 4 In addition to the observation of cellular and sub-cellular behaviors, the development of novel and highly sensitive reporters for gene activity (for example, Notch signaling5) makes this assay a powerful tool with which to understand how signaling regulates cell behavior during embryonic development.

Imaging embryonic tissue in real-time is challenging over long periods of time. Here we present an assay for monitoring cellular and sub-cellular changes in chick spinal cord for long periods with high spatial and temporal resolution. This technique can be adapted for other regions of the nervous system and developing embryo.

The embryonic spinal cord consists of cycling neural progenitor cells that give rise to a large percentage of the neuronal and glial cells of the central ...

Ex vivo Live Imaging of Single Cell Divisions in Mouse Neuroepithelium

We developed a system that integrates live imaging of fluorescent markers and culturing slices of embryonic mouse neuroepithelium. We took advantage of existing mouse lines for genetic cell lineage tracing: a tamoxifen-inducible Cre line and a Cre reporter line expressing dsRed upon Cre-mediated recombination. By using a relatively low level of tamoxifen, we were able to induce recombination in a small number of cells, permitting us to follow individual cell divisions. Additionally, we observed the transcriptional response to Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling using an Olig2-eGFP transgenic line 1-3 and we monitored formation of cilia by infecting the cultured slice with virus expressing the cilia marker, Sstr3-GFP 4. In order to image the neuroepithelium, we harvested embryos at E8.5, isolated the neural tube, mounted the neural slice in proper culturing conditions into the imaging chamber and performed time-lapse confocal imaging. Our ex vivo live imaging method enables us to trace single cell divisions to assess the relative timing of primary cilia formation and Shh response in a physiologically relevant manner. This method can be easily adapted using distinct fluorescent markers and provides the field the tools with which to monitor cell behavior in situ and in real time.

Ex vivo Live Imaging of Single Cell Divisions in Mouse Neuroepithelium

Here we develop the tools necessary for ex vivo live imaging to trace single cell divisions in the mouse E8.5 neuroepithelium

We developed a system that integrates live imaging of fluorescent markers and culturing slices of embryonic mouse neuroepithelium. We took advantage of ...

Live Imaging of Mitosis in the Developing Mouse Embryonic Cortex

Although of short duration, mitosis is a complex and dynamic multi-step process fundamental for development of organs including the brain. In the developing cerebral cortex, abnormal mitosis of neural progenitors can cause defects in brain size and function. Hence, there is a critical need for tools to understand the mechanisms of neural progenitor mitosis. Cortical development in rodents is an outstanding model for studying this process. Neural progenitor mitosis is commonly examined in fixed brain sections. This protocol will describe in detail an approach for live imaging of mitosis in ex vivo embryonic brain slices. We will describe the critical steps for this procedure, which include: brain extraction, brain embedding, vibratome sectioning of brain slices, staining and culturing of slices, and time-lapse imaging. We will then demonstrate and describe in detail how to perform post-acquisition analysis of mitosis. We include representative results from this assay using the vital dye Syto11, transgenic mice (histone H2B-EGFP and centrin-EGFP), and in utero electroporation (mCherry-&#945;-tubulin). We will discuss how this procedure can be best optimized and how it can be modified for study of genetic regulation of mitosis. Live imaging of mitosis in brain slices is a flexible approach to assess the impact of age, anatomy, and genetic perturbation in a controlled environment, and to generate a large amount of data with high temporal and spatial resolution. Hence this protocol will complement existing tools for analysis of neural progenitor mitosis.

Neural progenitor mitosis is a critical parameter of neurogenesis. Much of our understanding of neural progenitor mitosis is based on analysis of fixed tissue. Live imaging in embryonic brain slices is a versatile technique to assess mitosis with high temporal and spatial resolution in a controlled environment.

Although of short duration, mitosis is a complex and dynamic multi-step process fundamental for development of organs including the brain. In the ...

Real-time Bioluminescence Imaging of Notch Signaling Dynamics during Murine Neurogenesis

Notch signaling regulates the maintenance of neural stem/progenitor cells by cell-cell interactions. The components of Notch signaling exhibit dynamic expression. Notch signaling effector Hes1 and the Notch ligand Delta-like1 (Dll1) are expressed in an oscillatory manner in neural stem/progenitor cells. Because the period of the oscillatory expression of these genes is very short (2 h), it is difficult to monitor their cyclic expression. To examine such rapid changes in the gene expression or protein dynamics, fast response reporters are required. Because of its fast maturation kinetics and high sensitivity, the bioluminescence reporter luciferase is suitable to monitor rapid gene expression changes in living cells. We used a destabilized luciferase reporter for monitoring the promoter activity and a luciferase-fused reporter for visualization of protein dynamics at single cell resolution. These bioluminescence reporters show rapid turnover and generate very weak signals; therefore, we have developed a highly sensitive bioluminescence imaging system to detect such faint signals. These methods enable us to monitor various gene expression dynamics in living cells and tissues, which are important information to help understand the actual cellular states.

Neural stem/progenitor cells exhibit various expression dynamics of Notch signaling components that lead to different outcomes of cellular events. Such dynamic expression can be revealed by real-time monitoring, not by static analysis, using a highly sensitive bioluminescence imaging system that enables visualization of rapid changes in gene expressions.

Notch signaling regulates the maintenance of neural stem/progenitor cells by cell-cell interactions. The components of Notch signaling exhibit dynamic ...

Developmental Biology

Live Imaging of Drosophila Larval Neuroblasts

Stem cells divide asymmetrically to generate two progeny cells with unequal fate potential: a self-renewing stem cell and a differentiating cell. Given their relevance to development and disease, understanding the mechanisms that govern asymmetric stem cell division has been a robust area of study. Because they are genetically tractable and undergo successive rounds of cell division about once every hour, the stem cells of the Drosophila central nervous system, or neuroblasts, are indispensable models for the study of stem cell division. About 100 neural stem cells are located near the surface of each of the two larval brain lobes, making this model system particularly useful for live imaging microscopy studies. In this work, we review several approaches widely used to visualize stem cell divisions, and we address the relative advantages and disadvantages of those techniques that employ dissociated versus intact brain tissues. We also detail our simplified protocol used to explant whole brains from third instar larvae for live cell imaging and fixed analysis applications.

Live Imaging of Drosophila Larval Neuroblasts

This protocol details a streamlined method used to conduct live cell imaging in the context of an intact larval brain. Live cell imaging approaches are invaluable for the study of asymmetric neural stem cell divisions as well as other neurogenic and developmental processes, consistently uncovering mechanisms that were previously overlooked.

Stem cells divide asymmetrically to generate two progeny cells with unequal fate potential: a self-renewing stem cell and a differentiating cell. Given ...

Live Imaging of Primary Cerebral Cortex Cells Using a 2D Culture System

During cerebral cortex development, progenitor cells undergo several rounds of symmetric and asymmetric cell divisions to generate new progenitors or postmitotic neurons. Later, some progenitors switch to a gliogenic fate, adding to the astrocyte and oligodendrocyte populations. Using time-lapse video-microscopy of primary cerebral cortex cell cultures, it is possible to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling the mode of cell division and cell cycle parameters of progenitor cells. Similarly, the fate of postmitotic cells can be examined using cell-specific fluorescent reporter proteins or post-imaging immunocytochemistry. More importantly, all these features can be analyzed at the single-cell level, allowing the identification of progenitors committed to the generation of specific cell types. Manipulation of gene expression can also be performed using viral-mediated transfection, allowing the study of cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous phenomena. Finally, the use of fusion fluorescent proteins allows the study of symmetric and asymmetric distribution of selected proteins during division and the correlation with daughter cells fate. Here, we describe the time-lapse video-microscopy method to image primary cerebral cortex murine cells for up to several days and analyze the mode of cell division, cell cycle length and fate of newly generated cells. We also describe a simple method to transfect progenitor cells, which can be applied to manipulate genes of interest or simply label cells with reporter proteins.

Live imaging is a powerful tool to study cellular behaviors in real time. Here, we describe a protocol for time-lapse video-microscopy of primary cerebral cortex cells that allows a detailed examination of the phases enacted during the lineage progression from primary neural stem cells to differentiated neurons and glia.

During cerebral cortex development, progenitor cells undergo several rounds of symmetric and asymmetric cell divisions to generate new progenitors or ...

Live Imaging Followed by Single Cell Tracking to Monitor Cell Biology and the Lineage Progression of Multiple Neural Populations

Understanding the mechanisms that control critical biological events of neural cell populations, such as proliferation, differentiation, or cell fate decisions, will be crucial to design therapeutic strategies for many diseases affecting the nervous system. Current methods to track cell populations rely on their final outcomes in still images and they generally fail to provide sufficient temporal resolution to identify behavioral features in single cells. Moreover, variations in cell death, behavioral heterogeneity within a cell population, dilution, spreading, or the low efficiency of the markers used to analyze cells are all important handicaps that will lead to incomplete or incorrect read-outs of the results. Conversely, performing live imaging and single cell tracking under appropriate conditions represents a powerful tool to monitor each of these events. Here, a time-lapse video-microscopy protocol, followed by post-processing, is described to track neural populations with single cell resolution, employing specific software. The methods described enable researchers to address essential questions regarding the cell biology and lineage progression of distinct neural populations.

A robust protocol to monitor neural populations by time-lapse video-microscopy followed by software-based post-processing is described. This method represents a powerful tool to identify biological events in a selected population during live imaging experiments.

Understanding the mechanisms that control critical biological events of neural cell populations, such as proliferation, differentiation, or cell fate ...

Time-Lapse Imaging of Neuronal Arborization using Sparse Adeno-Associated Virus Labeling of Genetically Targeted Retinal Cell Populations

Discovering mechanisms that pattern dendritic arbors requires methods to visualize, image, and analyze dendrites during development. The mouse retina is a powerful model system for the investigation of cell type-specific mechanisms of neuronal morphogenesis and connectivity. The organization and composition of retinal subtypes are well-defined, and genetic tools are available to access specific types during development. Many retinal cell types also constrain their dendrites and/or axons to narrow layers, which facilitates time-lapse imaging. Mouse retina explant cultures are well suited for live-cell imaging using confocal or multiphoton microscopy, but methods optimized for imaging dendrite dynamics with temporal and structural resolution are lacking. Presented here is a method to sparsely label and image the development of specific retinal populations marked by the Cre-Lox system. Commercially available adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) used here expressed membrane-targeted fluorescent proteins in a Cre-dependent manner. Intraocular delivery of AAVs in neonatal mice produces fluorescent labeling of targeted cell types by 4-5 days post-injection (dpi). The membrane fluorescent signals are detectable by confocal imaging and resolve fine branch structures and dynamics. High-quality videos spanning 2-4 h are acquired from imaging retinal flat-mounts perfused with oxygenated artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF). Also provided is an image postprocessing pipeline for deconvolution and three-dimensional (3D) drift correction. This protocol can be used to capture several cellular behaviors in the intact retina and to identify novel factors controlling neurite morphogenesis. Many developmental strategies learned in the retina will be relevant for understanding the formation of neural circuits elsewhere in the central nervous system.

Here, we present a method for investigating neurite morphogenesis in postnatal mouse retinal explants by time-lapse confocal microscopy. We describe an approach for sparse labeling and acquisition of retinal cell types and their fine processes using recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors that express membrane-targeted fluorescent proteins in a Cre-dependent manner.

Discovering mechanisms that pattern dendritic arbors requires methods to visualize, image, and analyze dendrites during development. The mouse retina is a ...

Detecting Hydrogen Peroxide Levels in Cultured Neurons Through Live-Cell Fluorescence Imaging

Source: Terzi, A. et al., <a href="https://app.jove.com/v/62165">ROS Live Cell Imaging During Neuronal Development.</a>&#160;J. Vis. Exp. (2021).
This video demonstrates a technique to detect real-time hydrogen peroxide levels in retinal ganglion cells using the roGFP2-Orp1 biosensor and live cell imaging techniques. It outlines the steps involved in cell preparation, fluorescence imaging, and the quantification of hydrogen peroxide levels.

1. In vitro&#160;reactive oxygen species (ROS) imaging of cultured retinal ganglion cell (RGC) neurons

	On the day of imaging (typically 6-24 h after ...

ROS Live Cell Imaging During Neuronal Development

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