We are grateful to Frank Ervin, Roberta Palmour and the staff of the Behavioural Sciences Foundation Laboratories located in St Kitts, West Indies, for their continued support of our primate work. This work was supported by a fellowship from Fragile X Research Foundation of Canada (FXRFC) to SZ and - operating grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (AC) and the National Engineering and Research Council of Canada (MP).

Immunohistochemisty is one of the most widely used techniques for characterizing protein expression in the brain of various experimental animal models. It is relatively easy to conduct systematic immunohistochemical procedures on the brains of rodents and other common experimental models with similar brain size. However, there is no published work to our knowledge that provides a comprehensive account of how to carry out such immunodetection procedures across an entire monkey brain. What follows is a detailed description of how to prepare a whole monkey brain for large-scale immunohistochemical detection of various target proteins. This work has emerged as a result of collaboration between commercial and academic endeavours. As such, details pertaining to tissue embedding and sectioning remain a proprietary knowledge of NSA.
Part 1: Animal treatment and tissue preparation
The brain from an adult vervet monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops) is used for the present protocol. All procedures are carried out in compliance with the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines for the use and care of animals in biomedical research1.
<ol>
<li>Animal is deeply sedated with ketamine hydrochloride (10 mg/kg, i.m.), euthanized with an overdose of sodium pentobarbital (25 mg/kg, i.v.) and perfused transcardially with 0.1 M PBS until completely exsanguinated.</li>
<li>This is followed by a 4% paraformaldehyde solution in PBS for 5 min (~1 liter).</li>
<li>The externalized brain is placed in graded PBS-buffered sucrose solutions (10, 20 and 30%, in sequence) containing 0.02% sodium azide and maintained at 4&#x02DA;C until the brain sinks to the bottom of the container. The solution is replaced every few days until brain undergoes freeze-sectioning.</li>
<li>The brain is sent to NeuroScience Associates (NSA; Knoxville, TN) to be subjected to their proprietary MultiBrain&trade; embedding and freeze-sectioning technology.</li>
<li>Seven (7) alignment landmarks are placed in the embedding matrix so that sections can be oriented properly (i.e., left-right orientation) and re-aligned after histological processing is complete.</li>
<li>The frozen block is digitally photographed at the block face before each serial section is collected from the block. Digital images as well as sections from this brain can later be used for 3D reconstruction of anatomical and histological maps, respectively.</li>
<li>Serial free-floating coronal sections, at a thickness of 50 &micro;m per section, are collected from the entire brain.</li>
</ol>
Part 2: Histological processing
Sections are chosen at a given spatial interval (e.g., 500-&micro;m) and for our experimental purposes were processed with the following antibodies: fragile-X mental retardation protein (FMRP; Chemicon; Temecula, CA), SMI32 (Sternberger Monoclonals Inc.; Baltimore, MD), and NeuN (Chemicon; Temecula, CA). FMRP is a cytoplasmic protein that abundantly found in neurons of normal and permutation carrier brains2. NeuN (Neuronal Nuclei) specifically recognizes the DNA-binding neuron-specific protein NeuN which is present in most neurons and is distributed in neuronal nuclei, perikarya and some proximal neuronal processes3. SMI-32 is a monoclonal antibody that recognizes the non-phosphorylated epitope on neurofilament proteins4.
<ol>
<li>At an interval of 500 &micro;m, approximately 140 sections are used per antibody.</li>
<li>All incubations, washes and staining steps are carried out with mild agitation using specialized staining dishes and baskets (HistoTools; Knoxville, TN).</li>
<li>Sections are first incubated in a solution containing 0.1 M PBS/0.3% Triton X-100 (TX)/5% normal hoarse serum (NHS) for 60 min in order to reduce nonspecific binding of antibody molecules and resulting background staining.</li>
<li>Sections marked for FMRP immunostaining undergo an additional step of antigen recovery by using Antigen Unmasking Solution (Vector Labs; Burlingame, CA) according to vendor&rsquo;s instructions.</li>
<li>Sections are then incubated overnight and on separate days in their respective antibody solutions containing 0.1 M PBS/0.3% TX/3%NHS (with a dilution factor of 1/5,000 for FMRP and SMI-32 and 1/2,000 for NeuN antibodies.</li>
<li>The next day, sections are washed for three 10-min periods in washing solution (0.1 M PBS/0.3% TX) followed by incubation for 2 h at room temperature in biotinylated anti-mouse secondary antibody raised in horse (Vector Labs; 1/1,000 dilution in 0.1 M PBS/0.3% TX/3% NHS).</li>
<li>After a further set of 3 10-min washes, the sections are placed in a solution of avidin-biotin conjugated horseradish peroxidase complex (Vector Labs) for 1 h at room temperature.</li>
<li>Finally, after another set of washes, the sections are subjected for 10 min to a nickel enhanced diaminobenzidine (Ni-DAB) reaction which produces a dark blue stain within immunoreactive neurons.</li>
<li>At the completion of the histological procedure, sections are mounted on gelatin-coated glass slides.</li>
<li>All sections are air-dried overnight and coverslipped according to standard procedures.</li>
</ol>
Part 3: Representative Results:
This method produces a complete expression profile of a target protein of interest across an entire monkey brain. Here we show representative coronal sections that provide a snapshot of FMRP, NeuN and SMI32 expression in the same monkey brain.
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/1286/1286fig1.png" alt="" />
Figure 1: Staining dish (A) and basket (B) used for large-scale batch processing of free-floating sections for immunodetection.
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/1286/1286fig2.png" alt="" />
Figure 2: Representative coronal sections from a vervet monkey brain stained for FMRP (A), NeuN (B) and SMI32 (C) antibodies.

<ol>
	<li>Olfert, E. D., Cross, B. M., McWilliam, A. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Guide to the Care and Use of Experimental Animals. , (1993).</li><li>Devys, D., Lutz, Y., Rouyer, N., Bellocq, J. P., Mandel, J. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+FMR-1+protein+is+cytoplasmic,+most+abundant+in+neurons+and+appears+normal+in+carriers+of+a+fragile+X+premutation.">The FMR-1 protein is cytoplasmic, most abundant in neurons and appears normal in carriers of a fragile X premutation.</a> Nat Genet. 4, 335-340 (1993).</li><li>Mullen, R. J., Buck, C. R., Smith, A. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=NeuN,+a+neuronal+specific+nuclear+protein+in+vertebrates.">NeuN, a neuronal specific nuclear protein in vertebrates.</a> Development. 116, 201-211 (1992).</li><li>Sternberger, L. A., Sternberger, N. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Monoclonal+antibodies+distinguish+phosphorylated+and+nonphosphorylated+forms+of+neurofilaments+in+situ.">Monoclonal antibodies distinguish phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated forms of neurofilaments in situ.</a> Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 80, 6126-6130 (1983).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

There are two critical steps in this procedure that make large-scale detection of proteins in an entire monkey brain possible. One is the embedding and sectioning protocol, which remains the proprietary knowledge of NSA. The other is the use of staining dishes and baskets provided by HistoTools. The latter allows for easy and quick handling of many (~40) sections at a given time. It also provides the means for uniformly treating all sections across the brain and makes for a scientifically sound histological treatment. In...

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		<div>
		<table border="1">
		<thead>
		<tr>
		<th>Material Name</th>
		<th>Type</th>
		<th>Company</th>
		<th>Catalogue Number</th>
		<th>Comment</th>
		</tr>
		</thead>
		<tbody>
		
<tr>
<td>anti-FMRP monoclonal antibody</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Chemicon</td>
<td>MAB2160</td>
<td>Requires antigen retrieval in fixed tissue.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>anti-NeuN monoclonal antibody</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Chemicon</td>
<td>MAB377</td>
<td>N/A</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>anti-Neurofilament H monoclonal antibody</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Sternberger Monoclonals Inc.</td>
<td>SMI32</td>
<td>N/A</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Antigen Unmasking Solution</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Vector Laboratories</td>
<td>H-3300</td>
<td>N/A</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Normal horse serum</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Invitrogen</td>
<td>16050122</td>
<td>500 mL</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Biotinylated Anti-Mouse IgG (H+L), made in horse</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Vector Laboratories</td>
<td>BA-2000</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>VECTASTAIN ABC Kit (Standard)</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Vector Laboratories</td>
<td>PK-4000</td>
<td>1.5 mg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Staining dish for floating sections</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>HistoTools</td>
<td>10009</td>
<td>12 x 65 mm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Staining transport basket</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>HistoTools</td>
<td>10012</td>
<td>large 
(fits 12 x 65 mm dish)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Triton X-100</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
<td>P8514B</td>
<td>N/A</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DAB</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
<td>AC11209-0050</td>
<td>N/A</td>
</tr>		</tbody>
		</table>
		</div>

batch immunostaining for large-scale protein detection in the whole monkey brain

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is one of the most widely used laboratory techniques for the detection of target proteins in situ. Questions concerning the expression pattern of a target protein across the entire brain are relatively easy to answer when using IHC in small brains, such as those of rodents. However, answering the same questions in large and convoluted brains, such as those of primates presents a number of challenges. Here we present a systematic approach for immunodetection of target proteins in an adult monkey brain. This approach relies on the tissue embedding and sectioning methodology of NeuroScience Associates (NSA) as well as tools developed specifically for batch-staining of free-floating sections. It results in uniform staining of a set of sections which, at a particular interval, represents the entire brain. The resulting stained sections can be subjected to a wide variety of analytical procedures in order to measure protein levels, the population of neurons expressing a certain protein.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Batch Immunostaining for Large-Scale Protein Detection in the Whole Monkey Brain at JoVE.com

Batch Immunostaining for Large-Scale Protein Detection in the Whole Monkey Brain

Large-scale immunodetection of target proteins across the entire primate brain is possible by employing novel tissue embedding and sectioning methods combined with the use of creative apparatus for batch staining of multiple free-floating sections at a given time.

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is one of the most widely used laboratory techniques for the detection of target proteins in situ. Questions concerning the ...

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12.6K Views.  Montreal Neurological Institute. Large-scale immunodetection of target proteins across the entire primate brain is possible by employing novel tissue embedding and sectioning methods combined with the use of creative apparatus for batch staining of multiple free-floating sections at a given time.

Video: Batch Immunostaining for Large-Scale Protein Detection in the Whole Monkey Brain

Large-Scale Screens of Metagenomic Libraries

Metagenomic libraries archive large fragments of contiguous genomic sequences from microorganisms without requiring prior cultivation. Generating a streamlined procedure for creating and screening metagenomic libraries is therefore useful for efficient high-throughput investigations into the genetic and metabolic properties of uncultured microbial assemblages. Here, key protocols are presented on video, which we propose is the most useful format for accurately describing a long process that alternately depends on robotic instrumentation and (human) manual interventions. First, we employed robotics to spot library clones onto high-density macroarray membranes, each of which can contain duplicate colonies from twenty-four 384-well library plates. Automation is essential for this procedure not only for accuracy and speed, but also due to the miniaturization of scale required to fit the large number of library clones into highly dense spatial arrangements. Once generated, we next demonstrated how the macroarray membranes can be screened for genes of interest using modified versions of standard protocols for probe labeling, membrane hybridization, and signal detection. We complemented the visual demonstration of these procedures with detailed written descriptions of the steps involved and the materials required, all of which are available online alongside the video.

Metagenomic libraries archive large fragments of contiguous genomic sequences from microorganisms without requiring prior cultivation.  Generating a ...

Detection of Protein Ubiquitination

Ubiquitination, the covalent attachment of the polypeptide ubiquitin to target proteins, is a key posttranslational modification carried out by a set of three enzymes. They include ubiquitin-activating enzyme E1, ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2, and ubiquitin ligase E3. Unlike to E1 and E2, E3 ubiquitin ligases display substrate specificity. On the other hand, numerous deubiquitylating enzymes have roles in processing polyubiquitinated proteins. Ubiquitination can result in change of protein stability, cellular localization, and biological activity. Mutations of genes involved in the ubiquitination/deubiquitination pathway or altered ubiquitin system function are associated with many different human diseases such as various types of cancer, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disorders. The detection of altered or normal ubiquitination of target proteins may provide a better understanding on the pathogenesis of these diseases. &nbsp;Here, we describe protocols to detect protein ubiquitination in cultured cells in vivo and test tubes in vitro. These protocols are also useful to detect other ubiquitin-like small molecule modification such as sumolyation and neddylation.

Ubiquitination is a key posttranslational modification carried out by a set of three enzymes. Mutations of genes involved in this modification are associated with many different human diseases. Here, we describe protocols to detect protein ubiquitination in cultured cells in vivo and test tubes in vitro.

Ubiquitination, the covalent attachment of the polypeptide ubiquitin to target proteins, is a key posttranslational modification carried out by a set of ...

Purification of the M. magneticum Strain AMB-1 Magnetosome Associated Protein MamA&Delta;41

Magnetotactic bacteria comprise a diverse group of aquatic microorganisms that are able to orientate themselves along geomagnetic fields. This behavior is believed to aid their search for suitable environments (1). This capability is conferred by the magnetosome, a subcellular organelle that consists of a linear-chain assembly of lipid vesicles each able to biomineralize and enclose a ~50-nm crystal of magnetite or greigite. A principle component of the magnetosome that was shown to be required for the formation of functional vesicles is MamA. MamA is a highly abundant magnetosome-associated protein which is one of the most characterized magnetosome-associated proteins in vivo (2-6). This article focuses on the purification of MamA, which despite being studied in vivo, no clear functional or structural details have been identified for it. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that MamA is a tetra-tricopeptide repeat (TPR) containing protein. TPR is a structural motif found as such or forming part of a bigger fold in a wide range of proteins, it serves as a template for protein-protein interactions and mediates multi-protein complexes (7). TPRs are involved in many crucial tasks in eukaryotic cell organelle processes and many bacterial pathways (8-14). In order to understand MamA, a unique TPR containing protein, highly purified protein is required as a first step. In this article, we present the purification protocol for a stable MamA deletion mutant (MamA&Delta;41) from M. magneticum AMB-1.

Purification of the &lt;em&gt;M. magneticum&lt;/em&gt; Strain AMB-1 Magnetosome Associated Protein MamA&amp;Delta;41

MamA is a unique Magnetosome associated protein which was shown to be involved in magnetosome activation. Here we present the purification protocol of MamA deletion mutant (MamA&Delta;41) from M. magneticum AMB-1.

Magnetotactic bacteria comprise a diverse group of aquatic microorganisms that are able to orientate themselves along geomagnetic fields. This behavior is ...

Large Scale Zebrafish-Based In vivo Small Molecule Screen

Given their small embryo size, rapid development, transparency, fecundity, and numerous molecular, morphological and physiological similarities to mammals, zebrafish has emerged as a powerful in vivo platform for phenotype-based drug screens and chemical genetic analysis. Here, we demonstrate a simple, practical method for large-scale screening of small molecules using zebrafish embryos.

Large Scale Zebrafish-Based In vivo Small Molecule Screen

Zebrafish has emerged as a powerful in vivo platform for phenotype-based drug screens and chemical genetic analysis. Here, we demonstrate a simple, practical method for large-scale screening of small molecules using zebrafish embryos.

Given their small embryo size, rapid development, transparency, fecundity, and numerous molecular, morphological and physiological similarities to ...

Infinium Assay for Large-scale SNP Genotyping Applications

Genotyping variants in the human genome has proven to be an efficient method to identify genetic associations with phenotypes. The distribution of variants within families or populations can facilitate identification of the genetic factors of disease. Illumina&#39;s panel of genotyping BeadChips allows investigators to genotype thousands or millions of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or to analyze other genomic variants, such as copy number, across a large number of DNA samples. These SNPs can be spread throughout the genome or targeted in specific regions in order to maximize potential discovery. The Infinium assay has been optimized to yield high-quality, accurate results quickly. With proper setup, a single technician can process from a few hundred to over a thousand DNA samples per week, depending on the type of array. This assay guides users through every step, starting with genomic DNA and ending with the scanning of the array. Using propriety reagents, samples are amplified, fragmented, precipitated, resuspended, hybridized to the chip, extended by a single base, stained, and scanned on either an iScan or Hi Scan high-resolution optical imaging system. One overnight step is required to amplify the DNA. The DNA is denatured and isothermally amplified by whole-genome amplification; therefore, no PCR is required. Samples are hybridized to the arrays during a second overnight step. By the third day, the samples are ready to be scanned and analyzed. Amplified DNA may be stockpiled in large quantities, allowing bead arrays to be processed every day of the week, thereby maximizing throughput.

A protocol is described that uses Illumina&#39;s Infinium assays to perform large-scale genotyping. These assays can reliably genotype millions of SNPs across hundreds of individual DNA samples in three days. Once generated, these genotypes can be used to check for associations with a variety of different diseases or phenotypes.

Genotyping variants in the human genome has proven to be an efficient method to identify genetic associations with phenotypes. The distribution of ...

A Strategy for Sensitive, Large Scale Quantitative Metabolomics

Metabolite profiling has been a valuable asset in the study of metabolism in health and disease. However, current platforms have different limiting factors, such as labor intensive sample preparations, low detection limits, slow scan speeds, intensive method optimization for each metabolite, and the inability to measure both positively and negatively charged ions in single experiments. Therefore, a novel metabolomics protocol could advance metabolomics studies. Amide-based hydrophilic chromatography enables polar metabolite analysis without any chemical derivatization. High resolution MS using the Q-Exactive (QE-MS) has improved ion optics, increased scan speeds (256 msec at resolution 70,000), and has the capability of carrying out positive/negative switching. Using a cold methanol extraction strategy, and coupling an amide column with QE-MS enables robust detection of 168 targeted polar metabolites and thousands of additional features simultaneously.&#160; Data processing is carried out with commercially available software in a highly efficient way, and unknown features extracted from the mass spectra can be queried in databases.

Metabolite profiling has been a valuable asset in the study of metabolism in health and disease. Utilizing normal-phased liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry with polarity switching and a rapid duty cycle, we describe a protocol to analyze the polar metabolic composition of biological material with high sensitivity, accuracy, and resolution.

Metabolite profiling has been a valuable asset in the study of metabolism in health and disease. However, current platforms have different limiting ...

Investigating Protein-protein Interactions in Live Cells Using Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer

Assays based on Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (BRET) provide a sensitive and reliable means to monitor protein-protein interactions in live cells. BRET is the non-radiative transfer of energy from a 'donor' luciferase enzyme to an 'acceptor' fluorescent protein. In the most common configuration of this assay, the donor is Renilla reniformis luciferase and the acceptor is Yellow Fluorescent Protein (YFP). Because the efficiency of energy transfer is strongly distance-dependent, observation of the BRET phenomenon requires that the donor and acceptor be in close proximity. To test for an interaction between two proteins of interest in cultured mammalian cells, one protein is expressed as a fusion with luciferase and the second as a fusion with YFP. An interaction between the two proteins of interest may bring the donor and acceptor sufficiently close for energy transfer to occur. Compared to other techniques for investigating protein-protein interactions, the BRET assay is sensitive, requires little hands-on time and few reagents, and is able to detect interactions which are weak, transient, or dependent on the biochemical environment found within a live cell. It is therefore an ideal approach for confirming putative interactions suggested by yeast two-hybrid or mass spectrometry proteomics studies, and in addition it is well-suited for mapping interacting regions, assessing the effect of post-translational modifications on protein-protein interactions, and evaluating the impact of mutations identified in patient DNA.

Interactions between proteins are fundamental to all cellular processes. Using Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer, the interaction between a pair of proteins can be monitored in live cells and in real time. Furthermore, the effects of potentially pathogenic mutations can be assessed.

Assays based on Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (BRET) provide a sensitive and reliable means to monitor protein-protein interactions in live ...

ODELAY: A Large-scale Method for Multi-parameter Quantification of Yeast Growth

Growth phenotypes of microorganisms are a strong indicator of their underlying genetic fitness and can be segregated into 3 growth regimes: lag-phase, log-phase, and stationary-phase. Each growth phase can reveal different aspects of fitness that are related to various environmental and genetic conditions. High-resolution and quantitative measurements of all 3 phases of growth are generally difficult to obtain. Here we present a detailed method to characterize all 3 growth phases on solid media using an assay called One-cell Doubling Evaluation of Living Arrays of Yeast (ODELAY). ODELAY quantifies growth phenotypes of individual cells growing into colonies on solid media using time-lapse microscopy. This method can directly observe population heterogeneity with each growth parameter in genetically identical cells growing into colonies. This population heterogeneity offers a unique perspective for understanding genetic and epigenetic regulation, and responses to genetic and environmental perturbations. While the ODELAY method is demonstrated using yeast, it can be utilized on any colony forming microorganism that is visible by bright field microscopy.

We present a method for quantifying growth phenotypes of individual yeast cells as they grow into colonies on solid media using time-lapse microscopy termed, One-cell Doubling Evaluation of Living Arrays of Yeast (ODELAY). Population heterogeneity of genetically identical cells growing into colonies can be directly observed and quantified.

Growth phenotypes of microorganisms are a strong indicator of their underlying genetic fitness and can be segregated into 3 growth regimes: lag-phase, ...

Identification of Novel Regulators of Plant Transpiration by Large-Scale Thermal Imaging Screening in Helianthus Annuus

Plant adaptation to biotic and abiotic stresses is governed by a variety of factors, among which the regulation of stomatal aperture in response to water deficit or pathogens plays a crucial role. Identifying small molecules that regulate stomatal movement can therefore contribute to understanding the physiological basis by which plants adapt to their environment. Large-scale screening approaches that have been used to identify regulators of stomatal movement have potential limitations: some rely heavily on the abscisic acid (ABA) hormone signaling pathway, therefore excluding ABA-independent mechanisms, while others rely on the observation of indirect, long-term physiological effects such as plant growth and development. The screening method presented here allows the large-scale treatment of plants with a library of chemicals coupled with a direct quantification of their transpiration by thermal imaging. Since evaporation of water through transpiration results in leaf surface cooling, thermal imaging provides a non-invasive approach to investigate changes in stomatal conductance over time. In this protocol, Helianthus annuus seedlings are grown hydroponically and then treated by root feeding, in which the primary root is cut and dipped into the chemical being tested. Thermal imaging followed by statistical analysis of cotyledonary temperature changes over time allows for the identification of bioactive molecules modulating stomatal aperture. Our proof-of-concept experiments demonstrate that a chemical can be carried from the cut root to the cotyledon of the sunflower seedling within 10 minutes. In addition, when plants are treated with ABA as a positive control, an increase in leaf surface temperature can be detected within minutes. Our method thus allows the efficient and rapid identification of novel molecules regulating stomatal aperture.

Identification of Novel Regulators of Plant Transpiration by Large-Scale Thermal Imaging Screening in Helianthus Annuus

We provide a method for identifying modulators of foliar transpiration by large-scale screening of a compound library.

Plant adaptation to biotic and abiotic stresses is governed by a variety of factors, among which the regulation of stomatal aperture in response to water ...

A Semiautomated ChIP-Seq Procedure for Large-scale Epigenetic Studies

Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-Seq) is a powerful and widely used approach to profile chromatin DNA associated with specific histone modifications, such as H3K27ac, to help identify cis-regulatory DNA elements. The manual process to complete a ChIP-Seq is labor intensive, technically challenging, and often requires large-cell numbers (&#62;100,000 cells). The method described here helps to overcome those challenges. A complete semiautomated, microscaled H3K27ac ChIP-Seq procedure including cell fixation, chromatin shearing, immunoprecipitation, and sequencing library preparation, for batch of 48 samples for cell number inputs less than 100,000 cells is described in detail. The semiautonomous platform reduces technical variability, improves signal-to-noise ratios, and drastically reduces labor. The system can thereby reduce costs by allowing for reduced reaction volumes, limiting the number of expensive reagents such as enzymes, magnetic beads, antibodies, and hands-on time required. These improvements to the ChIP-Seq method suit perfectly for large-scale epigenetic studies of clinical samples with limited cell numbers in a highly reproducible manner.

This paper describes a semiautomated, microscaled ChIP-Seq protocol of DNA regions associated with a specific histone modification (H3K27ac) using a ChIP liquid-handler platform, followed by library preparation using tagmentation. The procedure includes control assessment for quality and quantity purposes and can be adopted to other histone modifications or transcription factors.

Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-Seq) is a powerful and widely used approach to profile chromatin DNA associated with specific ...