This research is supported by R35GM148160 (C. C.) and a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Training Grant T32 GM007270 (R. C. S)

NOTE: Figure 1 shows the materials required to perform this study.
1. Considerations and preparations for the experiment
<ol>
	<li>Prevent the larvae from overcrowding. 
	NOTE: The quality of explant larval brains is directly related to the health and quality of the larvae prior to dissection. Larvae that are malnourished from overcrowding will generally yield lower-quality brains30.
	<ol>
		<li>Ensure that no more t...

Imaging Live Brain Explants from &lt;em&gt;Drosophila melanogaster&lt;/em&gt; Third Instar Larvae

<ol>
	<li>Delgado, M. K., Cabernard, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mechanical+regulation+of+cell+size,+fate,+and+behavior+during+asymmetric+cell+division.">Mechanical regulation of cell size, fate, and behavior during asymmetric cell division.</a> Current Opinion in Cell Biology. 67, 9-16 (2020).</li><li>Sunchu, B., Cabernard, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Principles+and+mechanisms+of+asymmetric+cell+division.">Principles and mechanisms of asymmetric cell division.</a> Development. 147 (13), (2020).</li><li>Homem, C. C. F., Knoblich, J. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Drosophila+neuroblasts:+A+model+for+stem+cell+biology.">Drosophila neuroblasts: A model for stem cell biology.</a> Development. 139 (23), 4297-4310 (2012).</li><li>Gallaud, E., Pham, T., Cabernard, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Drosophila+melanogaster+neuroblasts:+A+model+for+asymmetric+stem+cell+divisions.">Drosophila melanogaster neuroblasts: A model for asymmetric stem cell divisions.</a> Results and Problems in Cell Differentiation. 61 (1489), 183-210 (2017).</li><li>Loyer, N., Januschke, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Where+does+asymmetry+come+from?+Illustrating+principles+of+polarity+and+asymmetry+establishment+in+Drosophila+neuroblasts.">Where does asymmetry come from? Illustrating principles of polarity and asymmetry establishment in Drosophila neuroblasts.</a> Current Opinion in Cell Biology. 62, 70-77 (2020).</li><li>Pollington, H. Q., Seroka, A. Q., Doe, C. Q. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=From+temporal+patterning+to+neuronal+connectivity+in+Drosophila+type+I+neuroblast+lineages.">From temporal patterning to neuronal connectivity in Drosophila type I neuroblast lineages.</a> Seminars in Cell &amp; Developmental Biology. 142, 4-12 (2023).</li><li>Oon, C. H., Prehoda, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Asymmetric+recruitment+and+actin+dependent+cortical+flows+drive+the+neuroblast+polarity+cycle.">Asymmetric recruitment and actin dependent cortical flows drive the neuroblast polarity cycle.</a> eLife. 8, e45815 (2019).</li><li>Ramat, A., Hannaford, M., Januschke, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Maintenance+of+miranda+localization+in+Drosophila+neuroblasts+involves+interaction+with+the+cognate+mRNA.">Maintenance of miranda localization in Drosophila neuroblasts involves interaction with the cognate mRNA.</a> Current Biology. 27 (14), 2101-2111 (2017).</li><li>Oon, C. H., Prehoda, K. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Phases+of+cortical+actomyosin+dynamics+coupled+to+the+neuroblast+polarity+cycle.">Phases of cortical actomyosin dynamics coupled to the neuroblast polarity cycle.</a> eLife. 10, e66574 (2021).</li><li>LaFoya, B., Prehoda, K. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Actin-dependent+membrane+polarization+reveals+the+mechanical+nature+of+the+neuroblast+polarity+cycle.">Actin-dependent membrane polarization reveals the mechanical nature of the neuroblast polarity cycle.</a> Cell Reports. 35 (7), 109146 (2021).</li><li>Siller, K. H., Doe, C. Q. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Lis1/dynactin+regulates+metaphase+spindle+orientation+in+Drosophila+neuroblasts.">Lis1/dynactin regulates metaphase spindle orientation in Drosophila neuroblasts.</a> Developmental Biology. 319 (1), 1-9 (2008).</li><li>Siller, K. H., Cabernard, C., Doe, C. Q. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+NuMA-related+Mud+protein+binds+Pins+and+regulates+spindle+orientation+in+Drosophila+neuroblasts.">The NuMA-related Mud protein binds Pins and regulates spindle orientation in Drosophila neuroblasts.</a> Nature Cell Biology. 8 (6), 594-600 (2006).</li><li>Cabernard, C., Doe, C. Q. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Apical/basal+spindle+orientation+is+required+for+neuroblast+homeostasis+and+neuronal+differentiation+in+Drosophila.">Apical/basal spindle orientation is required for neuroblast homeostasis and neuronal differentiation in Drosophila.</a> Developmental Cell. 17 (1), 134-141 (2009).</li><li>Cabernard, C., Prehoda, K. E., Doe, C. Q. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+spindle-independent+cleavage+furrow+positioning+pathway.">A spindle-independent cleavage furrow positioning pathway.</a> Nature. 467 (7311), 91-94 (2010).</li><li>Connell, M., Cabernard, C., Ricketson, D., Doe, C. Q., Prehoda, K. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Asymmetric+cortical+extension+shifts+cleavage+furrow+position+in+Drosophila+neuroblasts.">Asymmetric cortical extension shifts cleavage furrow position in Drosophila neuroblasts.</a> Molecular Biology of the Cell. 22 (22), 4220-4226 (2011).</li><li>Tsankova, A., Pham, T. T., Garcia, D. S., Otte, F., Cabernard, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cell+polarity+regulates+biased+myosin+activity+and+dynamics+during+asymmetric+cell+division+via+Drosophila+rho+kinase+and+protein+kinase+N.">Cell polarity regulates biased myosin activity and dynamics during asymmetric cell division via Drosophila rho kinase and protein kinase N.</a> Developmental Cell. 42 (2), 143-155 (2017).</li><li>Montembault, 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=Myosin+efflux+promotes+cell+elongation+to+coordinate+chromosome+segregation+with+cell+cleavage.">Myosin efflux promotes cell elongation to coordinate chromosome segregation with cell cleavage.</a> Nature Communications. 8 (1), 326 (2017).</li><li>Roubinet, 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=Spatio-temporally+separated+cortical+flows+and+spindle+geometry+establish+physical+asymmetry+in+fly+neural+stem+cells.">Spatio-temporally separated cortical flows and spindle geometry establish physical asymmetry in fly neural stem cells.</a> Nature Communications. 8 (1), 1383 (2017).</li><li>Januschke, J., 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=Centrobin+controls+mother-daughter+centriole+asymmetry+in+Drosophila+neuroblasts.">Centrobin controls mother-daughter centriole asymmetry in Drosophila neuroblasts.</a> Nature Cell Biology. 15 (3), 241-248 (2013).</li><li>Januschke, J., Llamazares, S., Reina, J., Gonzalez, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Drosophila+neuroblasts+retain+the+daughter+centrosome.">Drosophila neuroblasts retain the daughter centrosome.</a> Nature Communications. 2 (1), 243 (2011).</li><li>Rebollo, 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=Functionally+unequal+centrosomes+drive+spindle+orientation+in+asymmetrically+dividing+Drosophila+neural+stem+cells.">Functionally unequal centrosomes drive spindle orientation in asymmetrically dividing Drosophila neural stem cells.</a> Developmental Cell. 12 (3), 467-474 (2007).</li><li>Januschke, J., Gonzalez, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+interphase+microtubule+aster+is+a+determinant+of+asymmetric+division+orientation+in+Drosophila+neuroblasts.">The interphase microtubule aster is a determinant of asymmetric division orientation in Drosophila neuroblasts.</a> The Journal of Cell Biology. 188 (5), 693-706 (2010).</li><li>Rusan, N. M., Peifer, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+role+for+a+novel+centrosome+cycle+in+asymmetric+cell+division.">A role for a novel centrosome cycle in asymmetric cell division.</a> The Journal of Cell Biology. 177 (1), 13-20 (2007).</li><li>Lerit, D. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Interphase+centrosome+organization+by+the+PLP-Cnn+scaffold+is+required+for+centrosome+function.">Interphase centrosome organization by the PLP-Cnn scaffold is required for centrosome function.</a> Journal of Cell Biology. 210 (1), 79-97 (2015).</li><li>Gallaud, 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=Dynamic+centriolar+localization+of+Polo+and+Centrobin+in+early+mitosis+primes+centrosome+asymmetry.">Dynamic centriolar localization of Polo and Centrobin in early mitosis primes centrosome asymmetry.</a> PLoS Biology. 18 (8), e3000762 (2020).</li><li>Ramdas Nair, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+microcephaly-associated+protein+Wdr62/CG7337+is+required+to+maintain+centrosome+asymmetry+in+Drosophila+neuroblasts.">The microcephaly-associated protein Wdr62/CG7337 is required to maintain centrosome asymmetry in Drosophila neuroblasts.</a> Cell Reports. 14 (5), 1100-1113 (2016).</li><li>Singh, P., Nair, A. R., Cabernard, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+centriolar+protein+Bld10/Cep135+is+required+to+establish+centrosome+asymmetry+in+Drosophila+neuroblasts.">The centriolar protein Bld10/Cep135 is required to establish centrosome asymmetry in Drosophila neuroblasts.</a> Current Biology. 24 (13), 1548-1555 (2014).</li><li>LaFoya, B., Prehoda, K. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Consumption+of+a+polarized+membrane+reservoir+drives+asymmetric+membrane+expansion+during+the+unequal+divisions+of+neural+stem+cells.">Consumption of a polarized membrane reservoir drives asymmetric membrane expansion during the unequal divisions of neural stem cells.</a> Developmental Cell. 1534 (23), 00159 (2023).</li><li>Sunchu, B., 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=Asymmetric+chromatin+retention+and+nuclear+envelopes+separate+chromosomes+in+fused+cells+in+vivo.">Asymmetric chromatin retention and nuclear envelopes separate chromosomes in fused cells in vivo.</a> Communications Biology. 5 (1), 953 (2022).</li><li>Oliveira, A. C., Rebelo, A. R., Homem, C. C. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Integrating+animal+development:+How+hormones+and+metabolism+regulate+developmental+transitions+and+brain+formation.">Integrating animal development: How hormones and metabolism regulate developmental transitions and brain formation.</a> Developmental Biology. 475, 256-264 (2021).</li><li>Britton, J. S., Edgar, B. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Environmental+control+of+the+cell+cycle+in+Drosophila:+nutrition+activates+mitotic+and+endoreplicative+cells+by+distinct+mechanisms.">Environmental control of the cell cycle in Drosophila: nutrition activates mitotic and endoreplicative cells by distinct mechanisms.</a> Development. 125 (11), 2149-2158 (1998).</li><li>Lee, C. -. Y., 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=Drosophila+Aurora-A+kinase+inhibits+neuroblast+self-renewal+by+regulating+aPKC/Numb+cortical+polarity+and+spindle+orientation.">Drosophila Aurora-A kinase inhibits neuroblast self-renewal by regulating aPKC/Numb cortical polarity and spindle orientation.</a> Genes &amp; Development. 20 (24), 3464-3474 (2006).</li><li>Homem, C. C. F., Reichardt, I., Berger, C., Lendl, T., Knoblich, J. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Long-term+live+cell+imaging+and+automated+4D+analysis+of+Drosophila+neuroblast+lineages.">Long-term live cell imaging and automated 4D analysis of Drosophila neuroblast lineages.</a> PLoS ONE. 8 (11), e79588 (2013).</li><li>Cabernard, C., Doe, C. Q. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Live+imaging+of+neuroblast+lineages+within+intact+larval+brains+in+Drosophila.">Live imaging of neuroblast lineages within intact larval brains in Drosophila.</a> Cold Spring Harbor Protocols. 2013 (10), 970-977 (2013).</li><li>Karpova, N., Bobinnec, Y., Fouix, S., Huitorel, P., Debec, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Jupiter,+a+new+Drosophila+protein+associated+with+microtubules.">Jupiter, a new Drosophila protein associated with microtubules.</a> Cell Motility and the Cytoskeleton. 63 (5), 301-312 (2006).</li><li>Loyer, N., Januschke, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+last-born+daughter+cell+contributes+to+division+orientation+of+Drosophila+larval+neuroblasts.">The last-born daughter cell contributes to division orientation of Drosophila larval neuroblasts.</a> Nature Communications. 9 (1), 3745 (2018).</li><li>Bostock, M. P., 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=An+immobilization+technique+for+long-term+time-lapse+imaging+of+explanted+Drosophila+tissues.">An immobilization technique for long-term time-lapse imaging of explanted Drosophila tissues.</a> Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology. 8, 590094 (2020).</li></ol>

The authors have no financial disclosures to declare.

This protocol outlines one approach for the imaging of live explant brains from Drosophila melanogaster larvae. The protocol described here allows for explant brains to be observed for 12-20 h under the right experimental conditions. Special consideration must be given to the preparation of samples and the design of the desired experiments. As mentioned above, one of the most critical factors that determines the quality of the dissected tissue is the health of the larvae. To achieve the highest quality possible,...

Asymmetric cell division (ACD) is the process by which subcellular components such as RNA, proteins, and organelles are partitioned unequally between daughter cells1,2. This process is commonly seen in stem cells, which undergo ACD to give rise to daughter cells with different developmental fates. Drosophila NBs divide asymmetrically to produce one NB, which retains its stemness, and one ganglion mother cell (GMC). The GMC undergoes further divisions to produce differentiating neurons or glia3. Asymmetrically dividing NBs are abundant in the developing brains of third-instar larvae, which are readily observed via microscopy. At the third instar larval stage, there are roughly 100 NBs present in each central brain lobe3,4,5,6.
Asymmetric cell division is a highly dynamic process. Live-cell imaging protocols have been used to measure and quantify the dynamics of cell polarity7,8,9,10, spindle orientation11,12,13, the dynamics of the actomyosin cortex14,15,16,17,18, microtubule and centrosome biology19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27, and membrane10,28 and chromatin dynamics29. Qualitative and quantitative descriptions of ACD rely on robust methods and protocols to image dividing NBs in intact living brains. The following protocol outlines methods to prepare, dissect, and image third instar larval brains for live-cell imaging in vivo using two different mounting approaches. These methods are best suited for researchers interested in the spatiotemporal dynamics of stem cell divisions, as well as divisions in other brain cells, as they allow for short- and long-term observations of cellular events. Additionally, these techniques are readily accessible to newcomers to the field. We demonstrate the effectiveness and adaptability of this approach with larval brains expressing fluorescently tagged microtubule and cortical fusion proteins. We additionally discuss methods of analysis and considerations for application in other studies.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>0.22 &#181;m polyethersulfone (PES) Membrane</td>
			<td>Genesee</td>
			<td>25-231</td>
			<td>Vacuum-driven filters</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Agar</td>
			<td>Genesee</td>
			<td>20-248</td>
			<td>granulated agar</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Analytical Computer</td>
			<td>Dell</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td>Intel Xeon Gold 5222 CPU with two 3.80 GHz processors running Windows 10 on a 64-bit operating system</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bovine Growth Serum</td>
			<td>HyClone</td>
			<td>SH30541.02</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Chambered Imaging Slides</td>
			<td>Ibidi</td>
			<td>80826</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Confocal Microscope</td>
			<td>Nikon</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Custom-machined metal slide</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td>See Cabernard and Doe 2013 (Ref. 34) for specifications</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dissection Dishes</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>5024343</td>
			<td>3-well porcelain micro spot plate</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dissection Forceps</td>
			<td>World Precision Instruments</td>
			<td>Dumont #5</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dissection Microscope</td>
			<td>Leica</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dissection Scissors</td>
			<td>Fine Science Tools (FST)</td>
			<td>15003-08</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Embryo collection cage</td>
			<td>Genesee</td>
			<td>59-100</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Flypad with access to CO2 to anesthetize adult flies</td>
			<td>Genesee</td>
			<td>59-172</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Gas-permeable membrane</td>
			<td>YSI</td>
			<td>98095</td>
			<td>Gas-permeable membrane</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glass Cover Slides</td>
			<td>Electron Microscopy Sciences</td>
			<td>72204-03</td>
			<td># 1.5; 22 mm x 40 mm glass coverslips</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Imaris</td>
			<td>Oxford Instruments</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td>Alternatives: Fiji, Volocity, Aivia</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Imaris File Converter</td>
			<td>Oxford Instruments</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Instant Yeast</td>
			<td>Saf-Instant</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Molasses</td>
			<td>Genesee</td>
			<td>62-117</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Petri dish</td>
			<td>Greiner Bio-One</td>
			<td>628161</td>
			<td>60 mm x 15 mm Petri dish</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Petroleum Jelly</td>
			<td>Vaseline</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Schneider&#39;s Insect Medium with L-glutamine and sodium bicarbonate liquid</td>
			<td>Millipore Sigma</td>
			<td>S0146</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SlideBook acquisition software</td>
			<td>3i</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vacuum-Driven Filtration Unit with a 0.22 &#181;&#181;m PES membrane filter</td>
			<td>Genesee Scientific, GenClone</td>
			<td>25-231</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

live-cell imaging of drosophila melanogaster third instar larval brains

Drosophila neural stem cells (neuroblasts, NBs hereafter) undergo asymmetric divisions, regenerating the self-renewing neuroblast, while also forming a differentiating ganglion mother cell (GMC), which will undergo one additional division to give rise to two neurons or glia. Studies in NBs have uncovered the molecular mechanisms underlying cell polarity, spindle orientation, neural stem cell self-renewal, and differentiation. These asymmetric cell divisions are readily observable via live-cell imaging, making larval NBs ideally suited for investigating the spatiotemporal dynamics of asymmetric cell division in living tissue. When properly dissected and imaged in nutrient-supplemented medium, NBs in explant brains robustly divide for 12-20 h. Previously described methods are technically difficult and may be challenging to those new to the field. Here, a protocol is described for the preparation, dissection, mounting, and imaging of live third-instar larval brain explants using fat body supplements. Potential problems are also discussed, and examples are provided for how this technique can be used.

Author Spotlight: Investigating Asymmetric Cell Division Dynamics: A Protocol for Live-Imaging of Drosophila Larval Brain Explants 

Live-Cell Imaging of Drosophila melanogaster Third Instar Larval Brains

Our research focuses on studying the impact of asymmetric cell division or ACD, on stem cell proliferation and differentiation. We employ Drosophila neural stem cells or neuroblasts as a model to understand the mechanisms, regulations, and impacts of asymmetric cell division on development and neurogenesis. The recent developments in artificial intelligence have been making major strides in image quantification and analysis, which has significantly advanced the field of life cell imaging.Maintaining sample quality for a long-term movie is a long-standing challenge. While it's insightful to observe a sample for eight to 10 hours, logistical constraints, like the sample's imaging requirements and available imaging tools, make it difficult. Our protocol addresses this by demonstrating long-term imaging without impacting the sample's quality.Our technique could be easily adopted and applied to the field by newcomers. With some time and practice, one can feasibly generate short and long-term movies, which have the potential to yield insightful and meaningful data.

Dissection and imaging of central brain lobe NBs expressing Pins::EGFP and Cherry::Jupiter 
To showcase this protocol, larvae expressing UAS-driven Cherry::Jupiter13 and endogenously tagged Pins::EGFP16 (w; worGal4, UAS-cherry::jupiter/CyO; Pins::EGFP/TM6B, Tb) were imaged for 4 h using the described protocol using multi-well imaging slides (Figure 5C,D). Additional data were taken from larvae expressing U...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Investigating Asymmetric Cell Division Dynamics: A Protocol for Live-Imaging of Drosophila Larval Brain Explants at JoVE.com

Here, we discuss a workflow to prepare, dissect, mount, and image live explant brains from Drosophila melanogaster third instar larvae to observe the cellular and subcellular dynamics under physiological conditions.

Drosophila neural stem cells (neuroblasts, NBs hereafter) undergo asymmetric divisions, regenerating the self-renewing neuroblast, while also forming a ...

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Developmental Biology

﻿Staging and Collecting Drosophila melanogaster Third Instar Larvae

Staging and Collecting Drosophila melanogaster Third Instar Larvae  

Begin by crossing one to five-day-old female virgin flies with one to seven-day-old adult male flies to produce progeny with the desired genotype. To do so, place the flies in a fly cage with a meal cap. Use 10 to 15 female virgins with five to 10 males to get optimal yield.Incubate the fly cage containing flies at 25 degrees Celsius. Change the meal cap daily to prevent overcrowding of larvae which reduces the quality of the dissected brains. If the meal cap has more than 30 larvae, split it into half and replace one portion with a fresh meal cap cut in half.Incubate the meal caps with larvae at 25 degrees Celsius until the larvae reached the desired age.

Fat Body Collection from Drosophila melanogaster Third Instar Larvae

Fat Body Collection from Drosophila melanogaster Third Instar Larvae  

Begin by pipetting around 400 microliters of dissection and imaging medium into each well of a three-well dissection dish. Under a microscope, wash 10, well-fed, wild-type larvae by gently holding them with dissection forceps and dipping them in and out of the dissection medium in the bottommost well to remove all food particulates. While continuing to work under the dissection microscope, transfer the clean larvae to the middle well.Hold the larva by the mouth hooks using one set of tweezers. With another set of tweezers, rupture one side of the larva's cuticle to spill out the fat bodies. Using forceps, collect as much fat body from each larva as possible and transfer it to the topmost well containing 400 microliters of dissection medium at room temperature.

Dissection of Drosophila melanogaster Third Instar Larval Brain for Live-Cell Imaging

Dissection of Drosophila melanogaster Third Instar Larval Brain for Live-Cell Imaging  

Begin by pipetting around 400 microliters of dissection and imaging medium into each well of a three-well dissection dish. Working under a dissection microscope, wash the experimental larvae in dissection and imaging medium to remove food residues. While continuing to work under the dissection microscope, hold the larvae by the mouth hooks using one set of tweezers.With another set of tweezers, carefully cut off approximately 1/3 of the larva from the posterior side. Next, while holding the larva by the mouth hooks using one set of tweezers, use the other set of tweezers to brush the cuticle towards the mouth hooks gently. Simultaneously, push inward with the tweezers holding the mouth hooks until the entire larva is turned inside out.Invert the larva to expose the central nervous system and other tissues while maintaining their connection to the cuticle. Locate the central nervous system, or CNS, to avoid accidental removal. Gently remove non-CNS tissues using tweezers, keeping only the CNS and brain attached to the cuticle.To release the brain from the cuticle by severing the axonal connections, using microdissection scissors, cut gently beneath the brain lobes. Then, cut the connections under the ventral nerve cord. Dissect larvae in batches to keep the dissection time under 20 minutes.Transfer the dissected brain into a well containing the dissection and imaging medium. For imaging lasting over three hours, supplement the medium with fat bodies.

Mounting and Live-Cell Imaging of Drosophila melanogaster Third Instar Larval Brain

Mounting and Live-Cell Imaging of Drosophila melanogaster Third Instar Larval Brain  

To perform live cell imaging of the third instar larval brain, begin by collecting the dissected brains and the isolated fat bodies in the last well of a three well dissection dish containing the dissection and imaging medium. Place a gas permeable membrane on the back of a slide and press the split ring into the center. Using a 200 microliter micro pipette, transfer up to 10 dissected brains with maximum possible fat bodies and 130 to 140 microliters of the medium onto the center of the membrane.Orient the brains according to the neural stem cell population to be imaged and the microscope type, ensuring the samples are close to the microscope's objective. For example, to image neural stem cells in the central brain lobes, ensure the brain lobes are closest to the objective. Then gently place a glass cover slip over the solution on the membrane to spread the solution with the brain's and fat bodies throughout the membrane.Hold the laboratory tissue at the cover slip edge to blot excess solution until the brains touch the cover slip without being squashed. Next, immobilize the cover slip by applying molten petroleum jelly along its edges using a paintbrush and allow the jelly to solidify. Add 400 microliters of imaging medium to a well in a multi well micro slide.Transfer the previously dissected fat bodies to this well. Then, place up to 10 brains in a cluster near the center of the well. Orient the brains according to the neural stem cell population to be imaged and the microscope type.Allow the brains to settle in the well for two to five minutes. Cover the micro slide with the slide cover before transferring it to the microscope. Start the acquisition process using the lowest laser power and exposure time to minimize photo bleaching.Imaging of larval brains expressing UAS driven Cherry-Jupiter and androgynously tagged pins GFP using multi-well imaging slides and without fat body supplementation revealed that the pins formed a pronounced apical crescent in dividing neuroblasts to which the mitotic spindles consistently aligned during mitosis. In those samples, the cell cycle length increased with increasing imaging time. Samples that were imaged in a fat body supplemented medium on a membrane-bound slide did not show an increase in cell cycle length.Furthermore, neuroblasts with four divisions were observed on the 10 hour membrane-bound slide.

1.2K Views.  University of Washington.  Here, we discuss a workflow to prepare, dissect, mount, and image live explant brains from Drosophila melanogaster third instar larvae to observe the cellular and subcellular dynamics under physiological conditions.

Imaging Live Brain Explants from Drosophila melanogaster Third Instar Larvae

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