Name: gene transfer into older chicken embryos by ex ovo electroporation
Uploaded: 2012-07-27T12:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Gene Transfer into Older Chicken Embryos by ex ovo Electroporation at JoVE.com

Dette arbeidet ble støttet av et stipend fra det tyske Research Foundation (DFG, LU1455/1-1).

1. Ex ovo Kultur <ol><li> Ferske befruktede egg på den lange siden i en tvungen-utkast inkubator (BSS160, Ehret, Tyskland) ved 37,5 ° C med 60% fuktighet for inkubasjon. Egg oppbevares ved 12 ° C i mer enn én uke må ikke brukes. </li><li> Etter inkubering for 2,5 dager (ca stadium HH17), ta ut eggene og merke toppen med en blyant for å indikere retning for sprekkdannelser. </li><li> Før sprengning, hell ca 20 ml sterilt destillert vann i en ren stor petriskål (diameter 145 mm; Greiner Bio-One GmbH, Ty...

<ol>
	<li>Momose, T., Tonegawa, A., Takeuchi, J., Ogawa, H., Umesono, K., Yasuda, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Efficient+targeting+of+gene+expression+in+chick+embryos+by+microelectroporation.">Efficient targeting of gene expression in chick embryos by microelectroporation.</a> Dev. Growth Differ. 41, 335-344 (1999).</li><li>Luo, J., Ju, M. J., Lin, J., Yan, X., Markus, A., Mix, E., Rolfs, A., Redies, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cadherin-20+expression+by+motor+neurons+is+regulated+by+Sonic+hedgehog+during+spinal+cord+development.">Cadherin-20 expression by motor neurons is regulated by Sonic hedgehog during spinal cord development.</a> NeuroReport. 20, 365-370 (2009).</li><li>Luo, J., Ju, M. J., Redies, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Regionalized+cadherin-7+expression+by+radial+glia+is+regulated+by+Shh+and+Pax7+during+chicken+spinal+cord+development.">Regionalized cadherin-7 expression by radial glia is regulated by Shh and Pax7 during chicken spinal cord development.</a> Neuroscience. 142, 1133-1143 (2006).</li><li>Nakamura, H., Katahira, T., Sato, T., Watanabe, Y., Funahashi, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Gain-+and+loss-of-function+in+chick+embryos+by+electroporation.">Gain- and loss-of-function in chick embryos by electroporation.</a> Mech. Dev. 121, 1137-1143 (2004).</li><li>Dai, F., Yusuf, F., Farjah, G. H., Brand-Saberi, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=RNAi-induced+targeted+silencing+of+developmental+control+genes+during+chicken+embryogenesis.">RNAi-induced targeted silencing of developmental control genes during chicken embryogenesis.</a> Dev. Biol. 258, 80-90 (2005).</li><li>Rao, M., Baraban, J. H., Rajaii, F., Sockanathan, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+vivo+comparative+study+of+RNAi+methodologies+by+in+ovo+electroporation+in+the+chick+embryo.">In vivo comparative study of RNAi methodologies by in ovo electroporation in the chick embryo.</a> Dev. Dyn. 231, 592-600 (2004).</li><li>Kos, R., Tucker, R. P., Hall, R., Duong, T. D., Erickson, C. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Methods+for+introducing+morpholinos+into+the+chicken+embryo.">Methods for introducing morpholinos into the chicken embryo.</a> Dev. Dyn. 226, 470-477 (2003).</li><li>Hamburger, V., Hamilton, H. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+series+of+normal+stages+in+the+development+of+the+chick+embryo.">A series of normal stages in the development of the chick embryo.</a> J. Morphol. 88, 49-92 (1951).</li><li>Auerbach, R., Kubai, L., Knighton, D., Folkman, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+simple+procedure+for+the+long-term+cultivation+of+chicken+embryos.">A simple procedure for the long-term cultivation of chicken embryos.</a> Dev. Biol. 10, 391-394 (1974).</li><li>Luo, J., Treubert-Zimmermann, U., Redies, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cadherins+guide+migrating+Purkinje+cells+to+specific+parasagittal+domains+during+cerebellar+development.">Cadherins guide migrating Purkinje cells to specific parasagittal domains during cerebellar development.</a> Mol. Cell. Neurosci. 25, 138-152 (2004).</li><li>Luo, J., Redies, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ex+ovo+electroporation+for+gene+transfer+into+older+chicken+embryos.">Ex ovo electroporation for gene transfer into older chicken embryos.</a> Dev. Dyn. 233, 1470-1477 (2005).</li><li>Treubert-Zimmermann, U., Heyers, D., Redies, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Targeting+axons+to+specific+fiber+tracts+in+vivo+by+altering+cadherin+expression.">Targeting axons to specific fiber tracts in vivo by altering cadherin expression.</a> J. Neurosci. 22, 7617-7626 (2002).</li></ol>

Denne protokollen gir en veiledning for genoverføring til eldre kylling embryoer (f.eks inn i optikken tectum ved E6) ved ex ovo electroporation. Denne metoden utvider bruken av electroporation til eldre kylling embryoer og kan enkelt brukes på mange laboratorier for å studere gen-funksjon in vivo på senere stadier. Embryoer fra E4 til minst E7 kan være vellykket electroporated av denne metoden og de ​​electroporated embryoer kan være overlevelse frem til E15 11. Dessuten hjernen, ...

<table border="1"><tbody><tr><td> Navn </td><td> Firma </td><td> Catalog Number </td></tr><tr><td> Electroporator </td><td> NEPA Gene, Japan </td><td> CUY21-Edit </td></tr><tr><td> Elektroder </td><td> NEPA Gene, Japan </td><td> CUY661-3x7 </td></tr><tr><td> Egg inkubator </td><td> Ehret, Tyskland </td><td> BSS160 </td></tr><tr><td> Embryo inkubator </td><td> BINDER GmbH, Tyskland </td><td></td></tr><tr><td> Fluoriserende mikroskop </td><td> KEYENCE, Deutschland GmbH </td><td> BZ-8000 </td></tr><tr><td> Petriskål </td><td> Greiner Bio-One GmbH, Tyskland </td><td></td></tr><tr><td> Microelectrode avtrekker </td><td> Verden presisjonsutstyr, Tyskland </td><td> PUL-100 </td></tr></tbody></table>

gene transfer into older chicken embryos by ex ovo electroporation

Kyllingen embryo gir en utmerket modellsystem for å studere gen-funksjon og regulering under embryonal utvikling. I ovo electroporation er en kraftig metode for å over-uttrykke eksogene gener eller ned-regulere endogene gener in vivo i kylling embryoer 1. Ulike strukturer som for eksempel DNA plasmider koding gener 2-4, små interfererende RNA (siRNA) 5 plasmider, små syntetiske RNA oligos 6, og Morpholino antisens oligonucleotides 7 kan lett tilført til kylling embryoer ved electroporation. Men anvendelsen av i ovo electroporation begrenset til embryoer ved tidlige stadier inkubering (yngre enn stadium HH20 - ifølge Hamburg og Hamilton) 8 og det er noen ulemper for sin søknad i embryoer på senere stadier (eldre enn stadium HH22 - om lag 3,5 dager med utvikling). For eksempel er vitelline membranen på senere stadier vanligvisalliert stakk til Skal membranen og åpne et vindu i skallet forårsaker brudd på fartøyene, noe som resulterer i død av embryoene; eldre embryoer er dekket av vitelline og allantoic fartøy, der det er vanskelig å få tilgang til og manipulere embryoene; eldre embryoer flytte kraftig og er vanskelig å kontrollere retningen gjennom et relativt lite vindu i skallet. I denne protokollen viser vi en ex ovo electroporation metode for genoverføring til kylling embryoer ved sene stadier (eldre enn scenen HH22). For ex ovo electroporation, er embryoer dyrket i petriskåler 9 og vitelline og allantoic fartøyene utbredt. Under disse forholdene, er de eldre kylling embryoer lett tilgjengelig og manipulert. Derfor overvinner denne metoden ulempene med i ovo electroporation anvendt til de eldre kylling embryoer. Ved hjelp av denne metoden, kan plasmider lett tilført i ulike delerav de eldre kylling embryoer 10-12.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Gene Transfer into Older Chicken Embryos by ex ovo Electroporation at JoVE.com

Gene Transfer into Older Chicken Embryos by ex ovo Electroporation

En metode for genoverføring til kylling embryoer ved senere inkubering stadier (eldre enn hamburger og Hamilton scenen (HH) 22) beskrives. Denne metoden overvinner ulempene ved<em&gt; I ovo</em&gt; Electroporation gjaldt eldre kylling embryoer og er en nyttig teknikk for å studere gen-funksjon og regulering på eldre utviklingsstadier.

Genoverføring til Eldre Chicken Embryoer av<em&gt; Ex ovo</em&gt; Electroporation

The chicken embryo provides an  excellent model system for studying gene function and regulation during  embryonic development. In ovo electroporation is ...

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Gene Transfer into Older Chicken Embryos by ex ovo Electroporation

Nuclear Transfer into Mouse Oocytes

Nuclear transfer into an unfertilized oocyte can restore developmental potential to a differentiated cell. This demonstrates that the processes underlying development, differentiation and aging are epigenetic rather than genetic processes. The reversibility of these processes opens exciting perspectives in basic research, and in the more distant future, in regenerative medicine. In the mouse, embryonic stem cells can be derived from cloned preimplantation stage embryos. Such embryonic stem cells have the ability to give rise to all cell types of the adult organism. Importantly, these cells are genetically identical to the donor. If applicable to human, this would allow the derivation of stem cells from a patient. These cells could then be differentiated into the affected cell type of the patient and studied in vitro, or used to replace the damaged or missing cells. The study of nuclear transfer in the mouse remains important as it can inform us about the principles of nuclear reprogramming. This movie and the accompanying protocol are intended to help learning nuclear transfer in the mouse, a method initially developed in the group of Prof. Yanagimachi (WAKAYAMA et al. 1998).

This movie and the protocol are intended to help learning nuclear transfer.

Nuclear transfer into an unfertilized oocyte can restore developmental potential to a differentiated cell. This demonstrates that the processes underlying ...

In Utero Intraventricular Injection and Electroporation of E15 Mouse Embryos

In-utero in-vivo injection and electroporation of the embryonic mouse neocortex provides a powerful tool for the manipulation of individual progenitors lining the walls of the lateral ventricle. This technique is now widely used to study the processes involved in corticogenesis by over-expressing or knocking down genes and observing the effects on cellular proliferation, migration, and differentiation. In comparison to traditional knockout strategies, in-utero electroporation provides a rapid means to manipulate a population of cells during a specific temporal window. In this video protocol we outline the experimental methodology for preparing mice for surgery, exposing the uterine horns through laporatomy, injecting DNA into the lateral ventricles of the developing embryo, electroporating DNA into the progenitors lining the lateral wall, and caring for animals post-surgery. Our laboratory uses this protocol for surgeries on E13-E16 mice, however, it is most commonly performed at E15, as shown in this video. 

In-utero in-vivo injection and electroporation of the embryonic mouse neocortex provides a powerful tool for the manipulation of individual progenitors ...

Placing Growth Factor-Coated Beads on Early Stage Chicken Embryos

The neural tube expresses many proteins in specific spatiotemporal patterns during development. These proteins have been shown to be critical for cell fate determination, cell migration, and formation of neural circuits. Neuronal induction and patterning involve bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), sonic hedgehog (SHH), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), among others. In particular, the expression pattern of Fgf8 is in close proximity to regions expressing BMP4 and SHH. This expression pattern is consistent with developmental interactions that facilitate patterning in the telencephalon.

Here we provide a visual demonstration of a method in which an in ovo preparation can be used to test the effects of Fgfs in the formation of the forebrain. Beads are coated with protein and placed in the developing neural tube to provide sustained exposure. Because the procedure uses small, carefully placed beads, it is minimally invasive and allows several beads to be placed within a single neural tube. Moreover, the method allows for continued development so that embryos can be analyzed at a more mature stage to detect changes in anatomy and in neural patterning. This simple but useful protocol allows for real time imaging. It provides a means to make spatially and temporally limited changes to endogenous protein levels.

A variety of growth factors and proteins interact to induce cells to take on different cell fates during development. Here we demonstrate the use of an in ovo preparation to address possible interactions between different proteins in development by placing beads on E2.5 chick embryos.

The neural tube expresses many proteins in specific spatiotemporal patterns during development.   These proteins have been shown to be critical for cell ...

In Ovo Electroporations of HH Stage 10 Chicken Embryos

Large size and external development of the chicken embryo have long made it a valuable tool in the study of developmental biology.  With the advent of molecular biological techniques, the chick has become a useful system in which to study gene regulation and function.  By electroporating DNA or RNA constructs into the developing chicken embryo, genes can be expressed or knocked down in order to analyze in vivo gene function.  Similarly, reporter constructs can be used for fate mapping or to examine putative gene regulatory elements.  Compared to similar experiments in mouse, chick electroporation has the advantages of being quick, easy and inexpensive.  This video demonstrates first how to make a window in the eggshell to manipulate the embryo.  Next, the embryo is visualized with a dilute solution of India ink injected below the embryo.  A glass needle and pipette are used to inject DNA and Fast Green dye into the developing neural tube, then platinum electrodes are placed parallel to the embryo and short electrical pulses are administered with a pulse generator.  Finally, the egg is sealed with tape and placed back into an incubator for further development.  Additionally, the video shows proper egg storage and handling and discusses possible causes of embryo loss following electroporation.

Chick in ovo electroporation is a technique which allows genetic manipulation of the avian embryo. Common applications of this technique include functional analysis of genes and putative enhancer elements. This video demonstrates neural tube electroporation in HH 10 chick embryos. Injection technique and proper egg handling are discussed.

Large size and external development of the chicken embryo have long made it a valuable tool in the study of developmental biology.  With the advent of ...

The Preparation of Primary Hematopoietic Cell Cultures From Murine Bone Marrow for Electroporation

It is becoming increasingly apparent that electroporation is the most effective way to introduce plasmid DNA or siRNA into primary cells. The Gene Pulser MXcell  electroporation system and Gene Pulser  electroporation buffer were specifically developed to transfect nucleic acids into mammalian cells and difficult-to-transfect cells, such as primary and stem cells.This video demonstrates how to establish primary hematopoietic cell cultures from murine bone marrow, and then prepare them for electroporation in the MXcell system. We begin by isolating femur and tibia. Bone marrow from both femur and tibia are then harvested and cultures are established. Cultured bone marrow cells are then transfected and analyzed.

This procedure describes how to establish primary hematopoietic cell cultures from murine bone marrow and is followed by transfection using the Gene Pulser MXCell electroporation system.

It is becoming increasingly apparent that electroporation is the most effective way to introduce plasmid DNA or siRNA into primary cells. The Gene Pulser ...

In utero and ex vivo Electroporation for Gene Expression in Mouse Retinal Ganglion Cells

The retina and its sole output neuron, the retinal ganglion cell (RGC), comprise an excellent model in which to examine biological questions such as cell differentiation, axon guidance, retinotopic organization and synapse formation[1]. One drawback is the inability to efficiently and reliably manipulate gene expression in RGCs in vivo, especially in the otherwise accessible murine visual pathways. Transgenic mice can be used to manipulate gene expression, but this approach is often expensive, time consuming, and can produce unwanted side effects. In chick, in ovo electroporation is used to manipulate gene expression in RGCs for examining retina and RGC development. Although similar electroporation techniques have been developed in neonatal mouse pups[2], adult rats[3], and embryonic murine retinae in vitro[4], none of these strategies allow full characterization of RGC development and axon projections in vivo. To this end, we have developed two applications of electroporation, one in utero and the other ex vivo, to specifically target embryonic murine RGCs[5, 6]. 
With in utero retinal electroporation, we can misexpress or downregulate specific genes in RGCs and follow their axon projections through the visual pathways in vivo, allowing examination of guidance decisions at intermediate targets, such as the optic chiasm, or at target regions, such as the lateral geniculate nucleus. Perturbing gene expression in a subset of RGCs in an otherwise wild-type background facilitates an understanding of gene function throughout the retinal pathway. Additionally, we have developed a companion technique for analyzing RGC axon growth in vitro. We electroporate embryonic heads ex vivo, collect and incubate the whole retina, then prepare explants from these retinae several days later. Retinal explants can be used in a variety of in vitro assays in order to examine the response of electroporated RGC axons to guidance cues or other factors. In sum, this set of techniques enhances our ability to misexpress or downregulate genes in RGCs and should greatly aid studies examining RGC development and axon projections.

In utero and ex vivo Electroporation for Gene Expression in Mouse Retinal Ganglion Cells

Here we present two techniques for manipulating gene expression in murine retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) by in utero and ex vivo electroporation. These techniques enable one to examine how alterations in gene expression affect RGC development, axon guidance, and functional properties.

The retina and its sole output neuron, the retinal ganglion cell (RGC), comprise an excellent model in which to examine biological questions such as cell ...

Chick ex ovo Culture and ex ovo CAM Assay: How it Really Works

Chicken eggs in the early phase of breeding are between in vitro and in vivo systems and provide a vascular test environment not only to study angiogenesis but also to study tumorigenesis. After the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) has developed, its blood vessel network can be easily accessed, manipulated and observed and therefore provides an optimal setting for angiogenesis assays. Since the lymphoid system is not fully developed until late stages of incubation, the chick embryo serves as a naturally immunodeficient host capable of sustaining grafted tissues and cells without species-specific restrictions. In addition to nurturing developing allo- and xenografts, the CAM blood vessel network provides a uniquely supportive environment for tumor cell intravasation, dissemination, and vascular arrest and a repository where arrested cells extravasate to form micro metastatic foci.
For experimental purposes, in most of the recent studies the CAM was exposed by cutting a window through the egg shell and experiments were carried out in ovo, resulting in significant limitations in the accessibility of the CAM and possibilities for observation and photo documentation of effects. When shell-less cultures of the chick embryo were used1-4, no experimental details were provided and, if published at all, the survival rates of these cultures were low. We refined the method of ex ovo culture of chick embryos significantly by introducing a rationally controlled extrusion of the egg content. These ex ovo cultures enhance the accessibility of the CAM and chick embryo, enabling easy in vivo documentation of effects and facilitating experimental manipulation of the embryo. This allows the successful application to a large number of scientific questions: (1) As an improved angiogenesis assay5,6, (2) an experimental set up for facilitated injections in the vitreous of the chick embryo eye7-9, (3) as a test environment for dissemination and intravasation of dispersed tumor cells from established cell lines inoculated on the CAM10-12, (4) as an improved sustaining system for successful transplantation and culture of limb buds of chicken and mice13 as well as (5) for grafting, propagation, and re-grafting of solid primary tumor tissue obtained from biopsies on the surface of the CAM14.
In this video article we describe the establishment of a refined chick ex ovo culture and CAM assay with survival rates over 50%. Besides we provide a step by step demonstration of the successful application of the ex ovo culture for a large number of scientific applications. 
Daniel S. Dohle, Susanne D. Pasa, and Sebastian Gustmann contributed equally to this study.

Chick ex ovo Culture and ex ovo CAM Assay: How it Really Works

The chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) is a unique, naturally immunodeficient supportive culture environment to study angiogenesis and tumorigenesis. This video article demonstrates the different steps in chick ex ovo culture, application of potentially angiogenic substances and successful inoculation of tumor cells and tissues on the surface of the CAM.

Chicken eggs in the early phase of breeding are between in vitro and in vivo systems and provide a vascular test environment not only to study ...

Using the Gene Pulser MXcell Electroporation System to Transfect Primary Cells with High Efficiency

It is becoming increasingly apparent that electroporation is the most effective way to introduce plasmid DNA or siRNA into primary cells. The Gene Pulser MXcell electroporation system and Gene Pulser electroporation buffer (Bio-Rad) were specifically developed to easily transfect nucleic acids into mammalian cells and difficult-to-transfect cells, such as primary and stem cells. We will demonstrate how to perform a simple experiment to quickly identify the best electroporation conditions. We will demonstrate how to run several samples through a range of electroporation conditions so that an experiment can be conducted at the same time as optimization is performed. We will also show how optimal conditions identified using 96-well electroporation plates can be used with standard electroporation cuvettes, facilitating the switch from electroporation plates to electroporation cuvettes while maintaining the same electroporation efficiency. In the video, we will also discuss some of the key factors that can lead to the success or failure of electroporation experiments.

This procedure shows how to use the Gene Pulser MXcell electroporation system to rapidly and easily identify the best electroporation conditions for mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) or other primary cells. Considerations for troubleshooting are also discussed in the associated video.

Xenotransplantation of Human Stem Cells into the Chicken Embryo

The chicken embryo is a classical animal model for studying normal embryonic and fetal development and for xenotransplantation experiments to study the behavior of cells in a standardized in vivo environment. The main advantages of the chicken embryo include low cost, high accessibility, ease of surgical manipulation and lack of a fully developed immune system. Xenotransplantation into chicken embryos can provide valuable information about cell proliferation, differentiation and behavior, the responses of cells to signals in defined embryonic tissue niches, and tumorigenic potential. Transplanting cells into chicken embryos can also be a step towards transplantation experiments in other animal models. Recently the chicken embryo has been used to evaluate the neurogenic potential of human stem and progenitor cells following implantation into neural anlage1-6. In this video we document the entire procedure for transplanting human stem cells into the developing central nervous system of the chicken embryo. The procedure starts with incubation of fertilized eggs until embryos of the desired age have developed. The eggshell is then opened, and the embryo contrasted by injecting dye between the embryo and the yolk. Small lesions are made in the neural tube using microsurgery, creating a regenerative site for cell deposition that promotes subsequent integration into the host tissue. We demonstrate injections of human stem cells into such lesions made in the part of the neural tube that forms the hindbrain and the spinal cord, and into the lumen of the part of the neural tube that forms the brain. Systemic injections into extraembryonic veins and arteries are also demonstrated as an alternative way to deliver cells to vascularized tissues including the central nervous system. Finally we show how to remove the embryo from the egg after several days of further development and how to dissect the spinal cord free for subsequent physiological, histological or biochemical analyses.

In this paper we present a method for transplanting human stem cells into various regions of the central nervous system of the chicken embryo. This provides an in vivo model for assessing the proliferation and differentiation of various types of human stem cells in embryonic tissue environments.

The chicken embryo is a classical animal model for studying normal embryonic and fetal development and for xenotransplantation experiments to study the ...

An ex-ovo Chicken Embryo Culture System Suitable for Imaging and Microsurgery Applications

Understanding the relationships between genetic and microenvironmental factors that drive normal and malformed embryonic development is fundamental for discovering new therapeutic strategies. Advancements in imaging technology have enabled quantitative investigation of the organization and maturing of the body plan, but later stage embryonic morphogenesis is less clear. Chicken embryos are an attractive vertebrate animal model system for this application because of its ease of culture and surgical manipulation. Early embryos can be cultured for a short time on filter paper rings, which enables complete optical access for cell patterning and fate studies1,2. Studying advanced developmental processes such as cardiac morphogenesis are traditionally performed through a window of the eggshell3-5, but this technique limits optical access due to window size. We previously developed a simple method to culture whole embryos ex-ovo on hexagonal weigh boats for up to 10 days, which enabled high resolution imaging via ultrasonography6,7. These cultures were difficult to transport, limiting the types of imaging tools available for live experiments. We here present an improved shell-less culture system with a cost-effective, portable environmental chamber. Eggs were cracked onto a hammock created by a polyurethane membrane (cling wrap) affixed circumferentially to a plastic cup partially filled with sterile water. The dimensions of the circumference and depth of the hammock were both critical to maintain surface tension, while the mechanics of the hammock and water beneath helped dampen vibrations induced by transportation. A small footprint circulating water bath was also developed to enable continuous temperature control during experimentation. We demonstrate the ability to culture embryos in this way for at least 14 days without morphogenic defect or delay and employ this system in several microsurgical and imaging applications.

An ex-ovo Chicken Embryo Culture System Suitable for Imaging and Microsurgery Applications

In this article, we present a simple methodology to enable long-term ex-ovo avian embryo culture. This technique is ideal for longitudinal experimentation requiring complete optical accessibility and/or sterile transportation in avian embryos.

Understanding the relationships between genetic and microenvironmental factors that drive normal and malformed embryonic development is fundamental for ...