Live Imaging and Single-Cell Tracking to Monitor Neural Lineage in Adult Neural Stem Cells

Seed adult neural stem cells on a poly-D-lysine-coated multi-well plate at optimal densities to ensure cell viability and single-cell tracking.

During incubation, cells adhere to the coated surface, providing a stable platform for precise visualization during imaging. 

Mark a well without cells to establish a reference point for microscope coordinates.

Transfer and secure the plate inside the microscope's incubation chamber under optimized conditions to maintain cell viability and prevent undesired movement during motorized stage shifts.

Allow the cells to equilibrate to the chamber conditions to ensure consistent image focus. 

Select the region containing cells for imaging with respect to the reference point.  Then, configure time-lapse microscope parameters.

Perform phase-contrast time-lapse microscopy to image live cells at regular intervals, minimizing phototoxicity.

Using single-cell tracking software, process captured images to track cell proliferation and visualize lineage progression. 

Live-cell tracking enables the study of cell division and differentiation.