Esta pesquisa foi apoiada pela Divisão de Investigação intramuros do Instituto Nacional de Alergia e Doenças Infecciosas, National Institutes of Health. Somos gratos a Johannes Huppa e Mark Davis para fornecer-nos com o scFv de H57 usada nesses estudos. RV gostaria de agradecer Keir Neumann para discussão útil durante o desenvolvimento desta técnica.

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L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=T+cell+receptor-proximal+signals+are+sustained+in+peripheral+microclusters+and+terminated+in+the+central+supramolecular+activation+cluster.">T cell receptor-proximal signals are sustained in peripheral microclusters and terminated in the central supramolecular activation cluster.</a> Immunity. 25, 117-127 (2006).</li><li>Yokosuka, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Newly+generated+T+cell+receptor+microclusters+initiate+and+sustain+T+cell+activation+by+recruitment+of+Zap70+and+SLP-76.">Newly generated T cell receptor microclusters initiate and sustain T cell activation by recruitment of Zap70 and SLP-76.</a> Nat. Immunol. 6, 1253-1262 (2005).</li><li>Huppa, J. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=TCR-peptide-MHC+interactions+in+situ+show+accelerated+kinetics+and+increased+affinity.">TCR-peptide-MHC interactions in situ show accelerated kinetics and increased affinity.</a> Nature. 463, 963-967 (2010).</li><li>Tolar, P., Pierce, S. K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+conformation-induced+oligomerization+model+for+B+cell+receptor+microclustering+and+signaling.">A conformation-induced oligomerization model for B cell receptor microclustering and signaling.</a> Curr. Top. Microbiol. Immunol. 340, 155-169 (2010).</li><li>Treanor, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+membrane+skeleton+controls+diffusion+dynamics+and+signaling+through+the+B+cell+receptor.">The membrane skeleton controls diffusion dynamics and signaling through the B cell receptor.</a> Immunity. 32, 187-199 (2010).</li><li>Treanor, B., Batista, F. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mechanistic+insight+into+lymphocyte+activation+through+quantitative+imaging+and+theoretical+modelling.">Mechanistic insight into lymphocyte activation through quantitative imaging and theoretical modelling.</a> Curr. Opin. Immunol. 19, 476-483 (2007).</li><li>Sylvain, N. R., Nguyen, K., Bunnell, S. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Vav1-mediated+scaffolding+interactions+stabilize+SLP-76+microclusters+and+contribute+to+antigen-dependent+T+cell+responses.">Vav1-mediated scaffolding interactions stabilize SLP-76 microclusters and contribute to antigen-dependent T cell responses.</a> Sci. Signal. 4, ra14-ra14 (2011).</li><li>Purbhoo, M. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Dynamics+of+subsynaptic+vesicles+and+surface+microclusters+at+the+immunological+synapse.">Dynamics of subsynaptic vesicles and surface microclusters at the immunological synapse.</a> Sci. Signal. 3, ra36-ra36 (2010).</li><li>Lasserre, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ezrin+tunes+T-cell+activation+by+controlling+Dlg1+and+microtubule+positioning+at+the+immunological+synapse.">Ezrin tunes T-cell activation by controlling Dlg1 and microtubule positioning at the immunological synapse.</a> EMBO. J. 29, 2301-2314 (2010).</li><li>Balagopalan, L., Sherman, E., Barr, V. A., Samelson, L. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Imaging+techniques+for+assaying+lymphocyte+activation+in+action.">Imaging techniques for assaying lymphocyte activation in action.</a> Nat. Rev. Immunol. 11, 21-33 (2011).</li><li>Axelrod, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Chapter+7:+Total+internal+reflection+fluorescence+microscopy.">Chapter 7: Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy.</a> Methods Cell. Biol. 89, 169-221 (2008).</li><li>Williamson, D. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Pre-existing+clusters+of+the+adaptor+Lat+do+not+participate+in+early+T+cell+signaling+events.">Pre-existing clusters of the adaptor Lat do not participate in early T cell signaling events.</a> Nat. Immunol. 12, 655-662 (2011).</li></ol>

Todos os animais utilizados nos experimentos foram mantidos em um ambiente livre de patógenos específicos, e os experimentos foram aprovadas pelos Institutos Nacionais de Saúde Animal e Uso Comissão.

Descrevemos aqui um sistema para estudar a sinalização em antigénio específicos células de ratinho primárias T utilizando TIRFM e bicamadas lipídicas de vidro com suporte como APCs artificiais. A técnica baseia-se com sucesso expressando as proteínas GFP etiquetados nestas células. Transfecção de células T é sempre uma tarefa desafiadora. Tipicamente, electroporação ou gene de entrega utilizando retrovírus ou lentivírus são utilizados. Uma técnica não é superior em relação ao outro, ambos têm as suas limitações e vantagens. Descobrimos que a electroporação tem as seguintes vantagens: 1) Não é necessário que as células se dividem activamente como é exigido para os retrovírus, mas não lentivírus, e 2) O nível de expressão pode ser controlada através da variação do tempo as células são incubadas antes de imagem. A maior desvantagem é que achamos muito difícil expressar as proteínas que são de tamanho grande em células primárias. Nós apresentamos um método que nos dá a viabilidade celular muito bom após a eletroporação. Como um resultado disso, é applicable a usá-la para alcançar siRNA silenciamento gênico mediado. Também descrevemos aqui uma personalização de dois canais microscópio TIRF simultânea aquisição que é cromaticamente corrigida e não requer alinhamento separado para comprimentos de onda diferentes. Estas capacidades, no entanto, estão disponíveis comercialmente. Nosso sistema é baseado em princípios de microscopia TIRF publicado por especialistas na área e é mais barato do que as alternativas comerciais. Uma possível crítica de nosso projeto é que nós estamos usando o mesmo ângulo de incidência para os comprimentos de onda de excitação diferentes. Isto resultaria em uma profundidade de penetração diferente TIRF para comprimentos de onda de excitação diferentes. Pensamos que estes efeitos são pequenas, porque a onda evanescente é um campo exponencialmente em decomposição e da profundidade do campo TIRF é uma função linear de comprimento de onda. Fluoróforos próximas da superfície de vidro irá experimentar qualquer diferença na intensidade do laser entre os dois comprimentos de onda. Para fluoróforos perto do PEprofundidade netration, a diferença de intensidade será 1,3 vezes maior para os dois comprimentos de onda 488 e 640 nm e 1,15 de dobragem para os dois comprimentos de onda 488 e 561 nm. O mesmo sistema pode ser utilizado em conjunto com técnicas de resolução super que fazem uso de iluminação TIRF. Nós também descrito um sistema de câmara de duas, que é construído personalizado. Tal como o sistema TIRF, aparelhos semelhantes estão também comercialmente disponíveis. Nosso sistema oferece flexibilidade para mudar os filtros e dicróicas, permitindo sua utilização com diferentes combinações de comprimentos de onda. O inconveniente do nosso sistema é o grau de rotação um necessária para alinhar as duas imagens. Este problema pode ser resolvido usando suportes da câmara que são acionados piezo e oferecem graus de rotação do alinhamento. Também implementada com sucesso um sistema de câmara de dois sobre este microscópio, no qual as câmaras são diferentes e têm tamanhos de pixel diferentes. Um sistema como este seria útil se uma necessária sensibilidade em um canal e um grande dyfaixa dinâmica em outro, ambos os quais são raramente disponível na mesma câmara. Utilizou-se o Photometrics câmara HQ-2 a binning 2x2 nos dando um tamanho de pixel eficaz de 12,9 uM com a câmara de Photometrics Quant-EM que tem um tamanho de pixel de 16 uM. Um tubo de 180 milímetros lente de distância focal foi utilizado para a Quant-EM e uma lente 145 milímetros de comprimento focal tubo foi utilizado para a câmara HQ-2. A HQ-2 foi controlado usando Metamorph software eo Quant-EM foi controlada através do gestor de micro-software em um computador separado no modo de disparo externo. O gatilho externo foi fornecido com a câmera Quant-EM utilizando uma saída digital da placa DAC medição de informática, que foi implementado como um obturador adicional nas configurações configure iluminação de Metamorph. A razão entre as distâncias focais das lentes de tubo corresponde a razão entre os tamanhos de pixel eficazes. Um alinhamento representativo é mostrado na Figura 5.

<table border="1"><tbody><tr><td> Nome do reagente </td><td> Companhia </td><td> Número de catálogo </td><td> Comentários </td></tr><tr><td> Amaxa Nucleofector Kit para células T rato </td><td> Lonza Inc. </td><td> VPA-1006 </td><td></td></tr><tr><td> PureLink HiPure Plasmid Midiprep Kit </td><td> Life Technologies </td><td> K2100-05 </td><td> Para preps endotoxinas livres de DNA </td></tr><tr><td> Amaxa dispositivo Nucleofector </td><td> Lonza Inc. </td><td> AAD-1001 </td><td></td></tr><tr><td> Recombinante IL-2 murina </td><td> Peprotech Inc. </td><td> 212-12 </td><td></td></tr><tr><td> Fluoresbrite Multifluorescent Microesferas 0.20μm </td><td> Polysciences, Inc. </td><td> 24050-5 </td><td></td></tr><tr><td> Lab-Tek II 8-bem câmaras lamela </td><td> Thermo Scientific, Nunc </td><td> 155409 </td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

a tirf microscopy technique for real-time, simultaneous imaging of the tcr and its associated signaling proteins

Sinalização é iniciada através do receptor de célula T (TCR) quando ele está envolvida por fragmentos antigénicos peptídicos ligados por Complexo Principal de Histocompatibilidade (pMHC) proteínas expressas na superfície de células apresentadoras de antigénio (APCs). O complexo TCR é composto do heterodímero TCRαβ ligação do ligando que associa não covalentemente com CD3 dímeros (os εδ e εγ heterodímeros e do homodímero ζζ) 1. Após acoplamento do receptor, as cadeias zeta CD3 são fosforilados pela quinase da família Src, Lck. Isto leva ao recrutamento da família Syk quinase, ZAP70, que é então fosforilada e activado por Lck. Depois disso, o adaptador de ZAP70 fosforila as proteínas LAT e SLP76, iniciando a formação do complexo de sinalização proximal contendo um grande número de diferentes moléculas sinalizadoras 2. A formação deste complexo eventualmente resulta em cálcio e Ras-dependente traactivação nscription fator ea consequente início de uma série complexa de programas de expressão génica que dão origem a diferenciação de células T 2. Sinais de TCR (eo estado resultante da diferenciação) são modulados por muitos outros fatores, incluindo a potência antígeno e crosstalk com co-stimulatory/co-inhibitory, quimiocinas e receptores de citocinas 3-4. Estudar a organização espacial e temporal do complexo de sinalização proximal sob condições de estimulação diversas é, portanto, a chave para a compreensão da TCR via de sinalização, bem como sua regulamentação por outras vias de sinalização. Um sistema de modelo muito útil para estudar a sinalização iniciada pelo TCR na membrana plasmática de células T é bicamadas lipídicas de vidro-suportados, como descrito anteriormente 5-6. Eles podem ser utilizados para apresentar complexos antigénicos pMHC, adesão e moléculas co-estimulatórias em células T, que serve como APCs artificiais. Por imagem das células T a interagir com obicamada lipídica usando microscopia de fluorescência interna total reflexão (TIRFM), podemos limitar a excitação para dentro de 100 nm do espaço entre o vidro ea superfície da célula 7-8. Isto permite-nos a imagem em primeiro lugar os eventos de sinalização que ocorre na membrana plasmática. À medida que está interessado em imagiologia o recrutamento de proteínas de sinalização para o complexo TCR, nós descrevemos um de dois câmara TIRF sistema de imagem, em que o TCR, rotulado com Fab fluorescente (antigénio fragmento de ligação) fragmentos do anticorpo H57 (purificada a partir de hibridoma H57-597 , ATCC Número, ATCC: HB-218) que é específico para TCRβ, e as proteínas de sinalização, marcado com GFP, pode ser trabalhada em simultâneo e em tempo real. Esta estratégia é necessário devido à natureza altamente dinâmico de ambas as células T e dos eventos de sinalização que estão a ocorrer no TCR. Esta modalidade de imagem tem permitido aos pesquisadores ligantes de imagens simples 9-11, bem como o recrutamento de moléculas sinalizadoras a receptores ativados eé um excelente sistema para estudar bioquímica in-situ 12-16.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A TIRF Microscopy Technique for Real-time, Simultaneous Imaging of the TCR and its Associated Signaling Proteins at JoVE.com

A TIRF Microscopy Technique for Real-time, Simultaneous Imaging of the TCR and its Associated Signaling Proteins

A compartimentação de proteínas, quer no interior da membrana plasmática ou em localizações intracelulares é um mecanismo de regulação que pode influenciar grandemente os resultados de sinalização, daí, para compreender a sinalização é importante para estudar o comportamento espacial e temporal das proteínas envolvidas. Descrevemos aqui um sistema de microscopia TIRF base para estudar a transdução de sinal em células T, mas é amplamente aplicável.

A técnica de microscopia TIRF para imagens em tempo real, simultâneo da TCR e seus associados proteínas sinalizadoras

Signaling is initiated through the T Cell Receptor (TCR) when it is engaged by antigenic peptide fragments bound by Major Histocompatibility Complex ...

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Research

JoVE Journal

Immunology and Infection

23.7K visualizações.  National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health. A compartimentação de proteínas, quer no interior da membrana plasmática ou em localizações intracelulares é um mecanismo de regulação que pode influenciar grandemente os resultados de sinalização, daí, para compreender a sinalização é importante para estudar o comportamento espacial e temporal das proteínas envolvidas. Descrevemos aqui um sistema de microscopia TIRF base para estudar a transdução de sinal em células T, mas é amplamente aplicável.

Vídeo: A TIRF Microscopy Technique for Real-time, Simultaneous Imaging of the TCR and its Associated Signaling Proteins

Real-time Imaging of Leukotriene B4 Mediated Cell Migration and BLT1 Interactions with &beta;-arrestin

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) belong to the seven transmembrane protein family and mediate the transduction of extracellular signals to intracellular responses. GPCRs control diverse biological functions such as chemotaxis, intracellular calcium release, gene regulation in a ligand dependent manner via heterotrimeric G-proteins1-2. Ligand binding induces a series of conformational changes leading to activation of heterotrimeric G-proteins that modulate levels of second messengers such as cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), inositol triphosphate (IP3) and diacyl glycerol (DG). Concomitant with activation of the receptor ligand binding also initiates a series of events to attenuate the receptor signaling via desensitization, sequestration and/or internalization. The desensitization process of GPCRs occurs via receptor phosphorylation by G-protein receptor kinases (GRKs) and subsequent binding of &beta;-arrestins3. &beta;-arrestins are cytosolic proteins and translocate to membrane upon GPCR activation, binding to phosphorylated receptors (most cases) there by facilitating receptor internalization 4-6.
Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a pro-inflammatory lipid molecule derived from arachidonic acid pathway and mediates its actions via GPCRs, LTB4 receptor 1 (BLT1; a high affinity receptor) and LTB4 receptor 2 (BLT2; a low affinity receptor)7-9. The LTB4-BLT1 pathway has been shown to be critical in several inflammatory diseases including, asthma, arthritis and atherosclerosis10-17. The current paper describes the methodologies developed to monitor LTB4-induced leukocyte migration and the interactions of BLT1 with &beta;-arrestin and , receptor translocation in live cells using microscopy imaging techniques18-19.
Bone marrow derived dendritic cells from C57BL/6 mice were isolated and cultured as previously described 20-21. These cells were tested in live cell imaging methods to demonstrate LTB4 induced cell migration. The human BLT1 was tagged with red fluorescent protein (BLT1-RFP) at C-terminus and &beta;-arrestin1 tagged with green fluorescent protein (&beta;-arr-GFP) and transfected the both plasmids into Rat Basophilic Leukomia (RBL-2H3) cell lines18-19. The kinetics of interaction between these proteins and localization were monitored using live cell video microscopy. The methodologies in the current paper describe the use of microscopic techniques to investigate the functional responses of G-protein coupled receptors in live cells. The current paper also describes the use of Metamorph software to quantify the fluorescence intensities to determine the kinetics of receptor and cytosolic protein interactions.

Real-time Imaging of Leukotriene B4 Mediated Cell Migration and BLT1 Interactions with &amp;#946;-arrestin

This paper describes the methodology to determine the chemotactic response of leukocytes to specific ligands and identify interactions between the cell surface receptors and cytosolic proteins using live cell imaging techniques.

Em tempo real de imagens de leucotrienos B 4 Migração mediada por células e BLT1 Interações com β-arrestina

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) belong to the seven transmembrane protein family and mediate the transduction of extracellular signals to ...

Imunologia e Infecção

Real-time Live Imaging of T-cell Signaling Complex Formation

Protection against infectious diseases is mediated by the immune system 1,2. T lymphocytes are the master coordinators of the immune system, regulating the activation and responses of multiple immune cells 3,4. T-cell activation is dependent on the recognition of specific antigens displayed by antigen presenting cells (APCs). The T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) is specific to each T-cell clone and determines antigen specificity 5. The binding of the TCR to the antigen induces the phosphorylation of components of the TCR complex. In order to promote T-cell activation, this signal must be transduced from the membrane to the cytoplasm and the nucleus, initiating various crucial responses such as recruitment of signaling proteins to the TCR;APC site (the immune synapse), their molecular activation, cytoskeletal rearrangement, elevation of intracellular calcium concentration, and changes in gene expression 6,7. The correct initiation and termination of activating signals is crucial for appropriate T-cell responses. The activity of signaling proteins is dependent on the formation and termination of protein-protein interactions, post translational modifications such as protein phosphorylation, formation of protein complexes, protein ubiquitylation and the recruitment of proteins to various cellular sites 8. Understanding the inner workings of the T-cell activation process is crucial for both immunological research and clinical applications.
Various assays have been developed in order to investigate protein-protein interactions; however, biochemical assays, such as the widely used co-immunoprecipitation method, do not allow protein location to be discerned, thus precluding the observation of valuable insights into the dynamics of cellular mechanisms. Additionally, these bulk assays usually combine proteins from many different cells that might be at different stages of the investigated cellular process. This can have a detrimental effect on temporal resolution. The use of real-time imaging of live cells allows both the spatial tracking of proteins and the ability to temporally distinguish between signaling events, thus shedding light on the dynamics of the process 9,10. We present a method of real-time imaging of signaling-complex formation during T-cell activation. Primary T-cells or T-cell lines, such as Jurkat, are transfected with plasmids encoding for proteins of interest fused to monomeric fluorescent proteins, preventing non-physiological oligomerization 11. Live T cells are dropped over a coverslip pre-coated with T-cell activating antibody 8,9, which binds to the CD3/TCR complex, inducing T-cell activation while overcoming the need for specific activating antigens. Activated cells are constantly imaged with the use of confocal microscopy. Imaging data are analyzed to yield quantitative results, such as the colocalization coefficient of the signaling proteins.

We describe a live-cell imaging method that provides insight into protein dynamics during the T-cell activation process. We demonstrate the combined usage of the T-cell spreading assay, confocal microscopy and imaging analysis to yield quantitative results to follow signaling complex formation throughout T-cell activation.

Em tempo real de imagens ao vivo de células T Sinalização de Formação de Complexos

Protection against infectious diseases is mediated by the immune system 1,2. T lymphocytes are the master coordinators of the immune system, regulating ...

Real-time Imaging of Endothelial Cell-cell Junctions During Neutrophil Transmigration Under Physiological Flow

During inflammation, leukocytes leave the circulation and cross the endothelium to fight invading pathogens in underlying tissues. This process is known as leukocyte transendothelial migration. Two routes for leukocytes to cross the endothelial monolayer have been described: the paracellular route, i.e., through the cell-cell junctions and the transcellular route, i.e., through the endothelial cell body. However, it has been technically difficult to discriminate between the para- and transcellular route. We developed a simple in vitro assay to study the distribution of endogenous VE-cadherin and PECAM-1 during neutrophil transendothelial migration under physiological flow conditions. Prior to neutrophil perfusion, endothelial cells were briefly treated with fluorescently-labeled antibodies against VE-cadherin and PECAM-1. These antibodies did not interfere with the function of both proteins, as was determined by electrical cell-substrate impedance sensing and FRAP measurements. Using this assay, we were able to follow the distribution of endogenous VE-cadherin and PECAM-1 during transendothelial migration under flow conditions and discriminate between the para- and transcellular migration routes of the leukocytes across the endothelium.

Leukocytes cross the endothelial monolayer using the paracellular or the transcellular route. We developed a simple assay to follow the distribution of endogenous junctional VE-cadherin and PECAM-1 during leukocyte transendothelial migration under physiological flow to discriminate between the two transmigration routes.

Imagens em tempo real de endoteliais junções célula-célula durante Neutrophil Transmigração Sob Fisiológica Fluxo

During inflammation, leukocytes leave the circulation and cross the endothelium to fight invading pathogens in underlying tissues. This process is known ...

Real-time Imaging of Myeloid Cells Dynamics in ApcMin/+ Intestinal Tumors by Spinning Disk Confocal Microscopy

Myeloid cells are the most abundant immune cells within tumors and have been shown to promote tumor progression. Modern intravital imaging techniques enable the observation of live cellular behavior inside the organ but can be challenging in some types of cancer due to organ and tumor accessibility such as intestine. Direct observation of intestinal tumors has not been previously reported. A surgical procedure described here allows direct observation of myeloid cell dynamics within the intestinal tumors in live mice by using transgenic fluorescent reporter mice and injectable tracers or antibodies. For this purpose, a four-color, multi-region, micro-lensed spinning disk confocal microscope that allows long-term continuous imaging with rapid image acquisition has been used. ApcMin/+ mice that develop multiple adenomas in the small intestine are crossed with c-fms-EGFP mice to visualize myeloid cells and with ACTB-ECFP mice to visualize intestinal epithelial cells of the crypts. Procedures for labeling different tumor components, such as blood vessels and neutrophils, and the procedure for positioning the tumor for imaging through the serosal surface are also described. Time-lapse movies compiled from several hours of imaging allow the analysis of myeloid cell behavior in situ in the intestinal microenvironment.

Real-time Imaging of Myeloid Cells Dynamics in ApcMin/+ Intestinal Tumors by Spinning Disk Confocal Microscopy

By using transgenic reporter mice and injectable fluorescent labels, long-term intravital spinning disk confocal microscopy enables direct visualization of myeloid cell behavior into intestinal adenoma in the ApcMin/+ colorectal cancer model.

Imagens em tempo real de células mielóides em Dynamics<em&gt; Apc<sup&gt; Min / +</sup</em&gt; Intestinal Tumores girando Disk microscopia confocal

Myeloid cells are the most abundant immune cells within tumors and have been shown to promote tumor progression. Modern intravital imaging techniques ...

Simultaneous Quantification of T-Cell Receptor Excision Circles (TRECs) and K-Deleting Recombination Excision Circles (KRECs) by Real-time PCR

T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) and K-deleting recombination excision circles (KRECs) are circularized DNA elements formed during recombination process that creates T- and B-cell receptors. Because TRECs and KRECs are unable to replicate, they are diluted after each cell division, and therefore persist in the cell. Their quantity in peripheral blood can be considered as an estimation of thymic and bone marrow output. By combining well established and commonly used TREC assay with a modified version of KREC assay, we have developed a duplex quantitative real-time PCR that allows quantification of both newly-produced T and B lymphocytes in a single assay. The number of TRECs and KRECs are obtained using a standard curve prepared by serially diluting TREC and KREC signal joints cloned in a bacterial plasmid, together with a fragment of T-cell receptor alpha constant gene that serves as reference gene. Results are reported as number of TRECs and KRECs/106 cells or per ml of blood. The quantification of these DNA fragments have been proven useful for monitoring immune reconstitution following bone marrow transplantation in both children and adults, for improved characterization of immune deficiencies, or for better understanding of certain immunomodulating drug activity.

Simultaneous Quantification of T-Cell Receptor Excision Circles TRECs and K-Deleting Recombination Excision Circles KRECs by Real-time PCR

Here, we describe a method for simultaneous quantification of T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) and K-deleting recombination excision circles (KRECs). The TREC/KREC assay can be used as marker of thymic and bone marrow output.

Quantificação simultânea de T-célula receptora Excisão Circles (TRECs) e K-Excluindo Recombinação Excisão Circles (KRECs) por PCR em tempo real

T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) and K-deleting recombination excision circles (KRECs) are circularized DNA elements formed during recombination ...

Analysis of Yersinia enterocolitica Effector Translocation into Host Cells Using Beta-lactamase Effector Fusions

Many gram-negative bacteria including pathogenic Yersinia spp. employ type III secretion systems to translocate effector proteins into eukaryotic target cells. Inside the host cell the effector proteins manipulate cellular functions to the benefit of the bacteria. To better understand the control of type III secretion during host cell interaction, sensitive and accurate assays to measure translocation are required. We here describe the application of an assay based on the fusion of a Yersinia enterocolitica effector protein fragment (Yersinia outer protein; YopE) with TEM-1 beta-lactamase for quantitative analysis of translocation. The assay relies on cleavage of a cell permeant FRET dye (CCF4/AM) by translocated beta-lactamase fusion. After cleavage of the cephalosporin core of CCF4 by the beta-lactamase, FRET from coumarin to fluorescein is disrupted and excitation of the coumarin moiety leads to blue fluorescence emission. Different applications of this method have been described in the literature highlighting its versatility. The method allows for analysis of translocation in vitro and also in in vivo, e.g., in a mouse model. Detection of the fluorescence signals can be performed using plate readers, FACS analysis or fluorescence microscopy. In the setup described here, in vitro translocation of effector fusions into HeLa cells by different Yersinia mutants is monitored by laser scanning microscopy. Recording intracellular conversion of the FRET reporter by the beta-lactamase effector fusion in real-time provides robust quantitative results. We here show exemplary data, demonstrating increased translocation by a Y. enterocolitica YopE mutant compared to the wild type strain.

Analysis of Yersinia enterocolitica Effector Translocation into Host Cells Using Beta-lactamase Effector Fusions

Effector translocation into host cells via a type III secretion system is a common virulence strategy among gram-negative bacteria. A beta-lactamase effector fusion based assay for quantitative analysis of translocation was applied. In Yersinia infected cells, conversion of a FRET reporter by the beta-lactamase is monitored using laser scanning microscopy.

Análises de<em&gt; Yersinia enterocolitica</em&gt; Effector translocação em células hospedeiras Usando Beta-lactamase Effector Fusions

Many gram-negative bacteria including pathogenic Yersinia spp. employ type III secretion systems to translocate effector proteins into eukaryotic target ...

Imaging Neutrophils and Monocytes in Mesenteric Veins by Intravital Microscopy on Anaesthetized Mice in Real Time

Efficient immune response is dependent on rapid mobilization of blood leukocytes to the site of infection or injury. Investigating leukocyte migration in vivo is crucial for understanding the molecular basis of leukocyte transendothelial migration and interaction with vascular endothelium. One powerful approach involves intravital microscopy on transgenic mice expressing fluorescent proteins in cells of interest.
Here we present a protocol for imaging monocytes and neutrophils in the CX3CR1gfp/wt mouse i.v. injected with orange dye-labeled neutrophils with an inverted confocal microscope. Time-lapse movies gathered from 30 min&#160;to several hours of imaging allow the analysis of leukocyte behavior in mesenteric veins under both steady state and inflammatory conditions. We also describe the steps to locally induce blood vessel inflammation with TLR2/TLR1 agonist Pam3SK4 and monitor the subsequent recruitment of neutrophils and monocytes.
The presented technique can also be used to monitor other populations of leukocytes and investigate molecules implicated in leukocyte recruitment or trafficking using other stimuli or transgenic mice.

We detail a protocol to monitor the behavior of neutrophils and monocytes in mesenteric veins under steady state and inflammatory conditions using intravital confocal microscopy on anaesthetized mice.

Imagiologia neutrófilos e monócitos em Mesenteric Veins por Microscopia intravital em ratos anestesiados em Tempo Real

Efficient immune response is dependent on rapid mobilization of blood leukocytes to the site of infection or injury. Investigating leukocyte migration in ...

Purification of Viral DNA for the Identification of Associated Viral and Cellular Proteins

The goal of this protocol is to isolate herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) DNA from infected cells for the identification of associated viral and cellular proteins by mass spectrometry. Although proteins that interact with viral genomes play major roles in determining the outcome of infection, a comprehensive analysis of viral genome associated proteins was not previously feasible. Here we demonstrate a method that enables the direct purification of HSV-1 genomes from infected cells. Replicating viral DNA is selectively labeled with modified nucleotides that contain an alkyne functional group. Labeled DNA is then specifically and irreversibly tagged via the covalent attachment of biotin azide via a copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition or click reaction. Biotin-tagged DNA is purified on streptavidin-coated beads and associated proteins are eluted and identified by mass spectrometry. This method enables the selective targeting and isolation of HSV-1 replication forks or whole genomes from complex biological environments. Furthermore, adaptation of this approach will allow for the investigation of various aspects of herpesviral infection, as well as the examination of the genomes of other DNA viruses.

The goal of this protocol is to specifically tag and selectively isolate viral DNA from infected cells for the characterization of viral genome associated proteins.

Purificação de DNA Viral para a identificação de proteínas Viral e celulares associadas

The goal of this protocol is to isolate herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) DNA from infected cells for the identification of associated viral and ...

Real-time Imaging and Quantification of Fungal Biofilm Development Using a Two-Phase Recirculating Flow System

In oropharyngeal candidiasis, members of the genus Candida must adhere to and grow on the oral mucosal surface while under the effects of salivary flow. While models for the growth under flow have been developed, many of these systems are expensive, or do not allow imaging while the cells are under flow. We have developed a novel apparatus that allows us to image the growth and development of Candida albicans cells under flow and in real-time. Here, we detail the protocol for the assembly and use of this flow apparatus, as well as the quantification of data that are generated. We are able to quantify the rates that the cells attach to and detach from the slide, as well as to determine a measure of the biomass on the slide over time. This system is both economical and versatile, working with many types of light microscopes, including inexpensive benchtop microscopes, and is capable of extended imaging times compared to other flow systems. Overall, this is a low-throughput system that can provide highly detailed real-time information on the biofilm growth of fungal species under flow.

We describe the assembly, operation, and cleaning of a flow apparatus designed to image fungal biofilm formation in real time while under flow. We also provide and discuss quantitative algorithms to be used on the acquired images.

Imagem em tempo real e quantificação de fungos biofilme desenvolvimento usando um sistema bifásico de fluxo de recirculação

In oropharyngeal candidiasis, members of the genus Candida must adhere to and grow on the oral mucosal surface while under the effects of salivary flow. ...

Image Processing Protocol for the Analysis of the Diffusion and Cluster Size of Membrane Receptors by Fluorescence Microscopy

Particle tracking on a video sequence and the posterior analysis of their trajectories is nowadays a common operation in many biological studies. Using the analysis of cell membrane receptor clusters as a model, we present a detailed protocol for this image analysis task using Fiji (ImageJ) and Matlab routines to: 1) define regions of interest and design masks adapted to these regions; 2) track the particles in fluorescence microscopy videos; 3) analyze the diffusion and intensity characteristics of selected tracks. The quantitative analysis of the diffusion coefficients, types of motion, and cluster size obtained by fluorescence microscopy and image processing provides a valuable tool to objectively determine particle dynamics and the consequences of modifying environmental conditions. In this article we present detailed protocols for the analysis of these features. The method described here not only allows single-molecule tracking detection, but also automates the estimation of lateral diffusion parameters at the cell membrane, classifies the type of trajectory and allows complete analysis thus overcoming the difficulties in quantifying spot size over its entire trajectory at the cell membrane.

Here, we present a protocol for single particle tracking image analysis that allows quantitative evaluation of diffusion coefficients, types of motion and cluster sizes of single particles detected by fluorescence microscopy.

Processamento de imagem protocolo para análise de difusão e o tamanho do Cluster de receptores de membrana por microscopia de fluorescência

Particle tracking on a video sequence and the posterior analysis of their trajectories is nowadays a common operation in many biological studies. Using ...