The authors thank Robert Kelsh for kindly sharing the zebrafish sox10 promoter reagent.

1. Embryo Collection for Photoconversion
<ol>
	<li>Set up at least ten pairs of sox10: kaede transgenic zebrafish between 5 and 6pm in the evening.</li>
	<li>The next morning, pull dividers and collect eggs around noon. Transfer them to Petri dishes and put them into 28.5 &deg;C incubator.</li>
	<li>At around 24 hr post fertilization, clean the Petri dishes by removing dead embryos. Check the developmental stage of embryos 13 using light field microscopy and any fluorescent microscope with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) filter. Kaede will be visible through this filter.</li>
	<li>When embryos reach 60 hpf transfer five brightly fluorescent embryos into a separate Petri dish and dechorionate them if necessary.</li>
</ol>
2. Mounting of Embryo for Photoconversion
<ol>
	<li>Mount the embryo using a normal fluorescent microscope. Mounting of embryos on confocal microscope is extremely challenging.</li>
	<li>Use standard E3 water or prepare fresh E3 using the following recipe: 
	Add the following per one liter of distilled water dH2O add the following to make 1x E3L: 
	0.292 g 5.0 mM NaCl 
	0.013 g 0.17mM KCl 
	0.044 g 0.33mM CaCl2 (desiccant, 96%, A.C.S. reagent) 
	0.081 g .33mM MgSO4 (anhydrated) 
	Optional: add 200 &#956;l of 0.05% methylene blue to 1X E3 as a fungicide and stir. 
	Medium keeps at room temperature for 1 week.</li>
	<li>Use standard tricaine or prepare tricaine using following recipe: 
	For 5 L of 0.2% tricaine mix the following ingredients: 
	45 ml tris-Cl (1M pH9.5) 
	5 L H2O 
	10 g tricaine</li>
	<li>Prepare 'movie juice' (50 ml E3, 0.015% tricaine solution), by adding 3.75 ml 0.2% tricaine to 46.25 ml E3.</li>
	<li>Prepare agarose by mixing 46.25 ml E3 water with 46.35 mg low melting point (LMP) agarose in a 50 ml glass flask and dissolve solid particles by microwaving. Then add 3.73 ml 0.2% tricaine to agarose and put glass flask with agarose into 50 &deg;C water bath until usage.</li>
</ol>
3. Preparation and Mounting of Embryo
<ol>
	<li>Anesthetize embryos with E3/0.015% tricaine solution made in step 1.1.2 and transfer embryo to chamber slide.</li>
	<li>Soak up all excess E3 with paper tissue and the put agarose onto embryo.</li>
	<li>Position embryo perfectly dorsal with microloader tips. Make sure the whole embryo does not float on top of the agarose, but push the whole body down. Then pour E3/0.015% tricaine solution over agarose embedded embryo until chamber is fully filled with fluid.</li>
</ol>
4. Adjusting Software Settings on Confocal Microscope
<ol>
	<li>Use 20X air immersible objective (numerical aperture 0.75; pinhole size 20) for focusing the embryo. Then press the L100 light button on the microscope and select channels in software. Open the icons view/acquisition controls/A1settings and click the confocal setup button. Next click &#39;auto&#39; and select following channels before closing the window again: 
	Ch1: DAPI channel- 403.4 nm (wave lengths between 350-410 nm can be used) 
	Ch2: 488.0 nm 
	Ch3: 561.9 nm</li>
</ol>
5. Photoconversion
<ol>
	<li>Turn off Ch1 and 3 and turn on Ch2 before clicking the remove interlock button and scanning.</li>
	<li>Focus on cells of interest for photoconversion, which is best done by starting with 1frame/sec and high voltage (HV) 200 and then going up in the frames/sec and lowering the HV accordingly until reaching 1/32 frames/sec and HV around 100-120, depending on the background noise.</li>
	<li>When the embryo is in focus, look on the right edge of screen, grab the green rim and make it smaller so it fits the area of interest for photoconversion and right click with the mouse. Smaller is better because the photoconversion is irreversible.</li>
	<li>Turn frames/sec to 1 and HV to 200 and hit scan. A zoomed in image of the area of photoconversion is now visible.</li>
	<li>Photoconvert cells by turning on Ch1 (403.4 nm). Expose to the photoconverting laser anywhere from 5-60 seconds, depending on size of the region until green kaede as seen through the GFP channel is nearly absent.</li>
	<li>When the green kaede signal is nearly absent, turn Ch1 off. Turn Ch2 and 3 on. Then click right onto window on A1 scan area field and hit &#39;return to original size&#39; to check if desired cells were photoconverted.</li>
</ol>
6. Making a Z-stack
<ol>
	<li>Find the icon &#39;capture Z-series&#39; in the menu bar and set upper and lower limits of Z-stack before starting it. Set LUTs.</li>
</ol>
7. Software- Settings Time-lapse
<ol>
	<li>Go to A1Simple GUI box and tick following settings: 
	1/32 frames/sec 
	size 1024 
	average 4 or 8X depending on the number of Z-stacks that has to be taken in one loop</li>
	<li>Go to: view/ acquisition controls/ ND sequence acquisition and set time frame (8-30min), click continuous and click Z-stack. Set borders as tested before and start movie.</li>
	<li>Keep adding E3/0.015% tricaine solution chamber slide throughout the day. At night, fill up chamber completely. That will last until the next morning.</li>
	<li>The next morning, refill E3/0.015% tricaine solution and check if embryo is still alive. Loss of fluorescence indicates death. Continue refills and checks throughout the day.</li>
	<li>When the structure has finished forming, or the embryo has died, finish the movie.</li>
</ol>
8. Post-production Processing
<ol>
	<li>Click &#39;show maximum intensity projection&#39; on tool bar, then right click on the image and create new document. The video is now visible in the best possible quality. Go on to delete frames that are not needed and adjust LUTs. Finally save as .avi. This format will be fine for Windows. For Mac download software to convert to .mov or .wmv.</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Prevalence+at+Birth+of+Cleft+Lip+With+or+Without+Cleft+Palate:+Data+From+the+International+Perinatal+Database+of+Typical+Oral+Clefts+(IPDTOC).">Prevalence at Birth of Cleft Lip With or Without Cleft Palate: Data From the International Perinatal Database of Typical Oral Clefts (IPDTOC).</a> Cleft Palate Craniofac. J. 48 (1), 66-81 (2011).</li><li>Dixon, M. 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=Cleft+lip+and+palate:+understanding+genetic+and+environmental+influences.">Cleft lip and palate: understanding genetic and environmental influences.</a> Nat. Rev. Genet. 12 (3), 167-178 (2011).</li><li>Mangold, E., Ludwig, K. U., Nothen, M. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Breakthroughs+in+the+genetics+of+orofacial+clefting.">Breakthroughs in the genetics of orofacial clefting.</a> Trends Mol. Med. 17 (12), 725-733 (2011).</li><li>Kimmel, C. B., Miller, C. T., Moens, C. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Specification+and+morphogenesis+of+the+zebrafish+larval+head+skeleton.">Specification and morphogenesis of the zebrafish larval head skeleton.</a> Dev. Biol. 233 (2), 239-257 (2001).</li><li>Dougherty, M., 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=Embryonic+Fate+Map+of+First+Pharyngeal+Arch+Structures+in+the+sox10:+kaede+Zebrafish+Transgenic+Model.">Embryonic Fate Map of First Pharyngeal Arch Structures in the sox10: kaede Zebrafish Transgenic Model.</a> J. Craniofac. Surg. 23 (5), 1333-1337 (2012).</li><li>Trainor, P. A., Krumlauf, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Hox+genes,+neural+crest+cells+and+branchial+arch+patterning.">Hox genes, neural crest cells and branchial arch patterning.</a> Curr. Opin. Cell Biol. 13 (6), 698-705 (2001).</li><li>Schilling, T. F., Kimmel, C. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Segment+and+cell+type+lineage+restrictions+during+pharyngeal+arch+development+in+the+zebrafish+embryo.">Segment and cell type lineage restrictions during pharyngeal arch development in the zebrafish embryo.</a> Development. 120 (3), 483-494 (1994).</li><li>Swartz, M. 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=Examination+of+a+palatogenic+gene+program+in+zebrafish.">Examination of a palatogenic gene program in zebrafish.</a> Dev. Dyn. 240 (9), 2204-2220 (2011).</li><li>McCollum, C. W., 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=Developmental+toxicity+screening+in+zebrafish.+Birth+Defects+Res.">Developmental toxicity screening in zebrafish. Birth Defects Res.</a> C. Embryo Today. 93 (2), 67-114 (2011).</li><li>Wada, N., 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=Hedgehog+signaling+is+required+for+cranial+neural+crest+morphogenesis+and+chondrogenesis+at+the+midline+in+the+zebrafish+skull.">Hedgehog signaling is required for cranial neural crest morphogenesis and chondrogenesis at the midline in the zebrafish skull.</a> Development. 132 (17), 3977-3988 (2005).</li><li>Eberhart, J. K., 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=Early+Hedgehog+signaling+from+neural+to+oral+epithelium+organizes+anterior+craniofacial+development.">Early Hedgehog signaling from neural to oral epithelium organizes anterior craniofacial development.</a> Development. 133 (6), 1069-1077 (2006).</li><li>Ando, R., 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+optical+marker+based+on+the+UV-induced+green-to-red+photoconversion+of+a+fluorescent+protein.">An optical marker based on the UV-induced green-to-red photoconversion of a fluorescent protein.</a> Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U S A. 99 (20), 12651-12656 (2002).</li><li>Kimmel, C. 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=Stages+of+embryonic+development+of+the+zebrafish.">Stages of embryonic development of the zebrafish.</a> Dev. Dyn. 203 (3), 253-310 (1993).</li><li>Kawakami, 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+zebrafish-secreted+matrix+protein+you/scube2+is+implicated+in+long-range+regulation+of+hedgehog+signaling.">The zebrafish-secreted matrix protein you/scube2 is implicated in long-range regulation of hedgehog signaling.</a> Curr. Biol. 15 (5), 480-488 (2005).</li><li>Lombardo, V. A., Sporbert, A., Abdelilah-Seyfried, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cell+tracking+using+photoconvertible+proteins+during+zebrafish+development.">Cell tracking using photoconvertible proteins during zebrafish development.</a> J. Vis. Exp. (67), e4350 (2012).</li></ol>

The authors declare that they have no competing financial interests.

Here a new method for visualization of craniofacial development in the zebrafish model is shown. The sox10: kaede transgenic zebrafish line has been successfully used to describe the migratory pattern of CNCC in detail is used as a model organism 5.
Previous studies have used gross landmarks such as the eye to target cells and have relied on kaede mRNA injection, photoconversion assays or caged fluorescein dextran for photoconversion 10, 11, 14, 15 .The sox:10 kaede trans...

Orofacial clefts represent the most prevalent craniofacial deformity, with 1/700-1,000 deliveries affected 1. Disruption of early embryological craniofacial development can lead to formation of cleft lip and palate (CL/P). While causes for syndromic cleft have been largely shown, the genetic and epigenetic bases of nonsyndromic forms of orofacial clefting still need to be uncovered 2-4. In order to understand the etiology and pathogenesis of these malformations, it is necessary to elucidate the development of craniofacial structures on a cellular basis.
In all vertebrate species cranial neural crest cells (CNCC) migrate from the dorsal neural tube to populate the pharyngeal arches, which will contribute to formation of orofacial structures. Disruption of early embryological neural crest development can lead to formation of craniofacial malformations including CL/P 5-7.
In addition to structural similarities between zebrafish and mammalian craniofacial development (CNCCs reside in homologous regions), the gene regulatory network is highly conserved. It has also been shown that CNCCs develop in the same fashion between amniote species and zebrafish 8, making the zebrafish a powerful organism for the study of developmental and genetic basis of CL/P. It has many advantages, including small size, rapid and ex-utero embryonic development, and high breeding rates. Moreover, the embryo is optically transparent, making it amenable to observation of complex developmental events under the microscope 9. It is an ideal animal model for the study of migration and differentiation of cranial neural crest cells.
Expanding on previously published work 8, 10, 11, the migratory pattern of CNCC was described in detail using the sox10: kaede transgenic model 5. Kaede is a photo- convertible protein that turns from green to red after photo activation and makes it possible to trace CNCCs precisely. During this transformation the peptide backbone is cleaved, suggesting that the conversion is stable, meaning the cells can be tracked to their final destination 12. Transgenic lines labeled with kaede under transcriptional control of sox10 showed that the amniote palate and the ethmoid plate of zebrafish are formed homologously by fusion of bilateral maxillary prominences (MXP) with the frontonasal prominence (FNP) and that the Y shaped fusion seam is analogous between species.
Among other applications, the sox10: kaede transgenic zebrafish model was used to generate videos of zebrafish embryos at different developmental stages to show formation of normal and abnormal craniofacial structures. Photoconversion of specific groups of cells makes it possible to track their development. With this method an approach to create live imaging of developing craniofacial structures in zebrafish is introduced, making it easy to visually demonstrate this complex developmental process.
This protocol is aimed at sharing the experience of generating these videos using the normal development of the ethmoid plate in sox10: kaede transgenic zebrafish as an example. This protocol can further be applied to making time-lapse videos of any structure derived from cranial neural crest cells in zebrafish.

<table border="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Name of Reagent/Material</td>
			<td>Company</td>
			<td>Catalog Number</td>
			<td>Comments</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>sox10: kaede transgenic zebrafish line</td>
			<td>MGH</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Available via the Liao lab</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Petri dishes 100x15 mm</td>
			<td>BD Falcon</td>
			<td>351029</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Petri dishes 35 mmx10 mm</td>
			<td>BD Falcon</td>
			<td>351008</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ultrapure Low melting point (LMP) Agarose</td>
			<td>Invitrogen</td>
			<td>15517022</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Lab Tek 2 Chamber SlideSystem</td>
			<td>LabTek</td>
			<td>154453</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microloaders 200/pk</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>E5242956003</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Nikon A1R Si Confocal Ti series</td>
			<td>Nikon</td>
			<td>No Catalog number</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NIS Elements Software AR3.2 64-bit</td>
			<td>Nikon</td>
			<td>No Catalog number</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

visualization of craniofacial development in the sox10: kaede transgenic zebrafish line using time-lapse confocal microscopy

Vertebrate palatogenesis is a highly choreographed and complex developmental process, which involves migration of cranial neural crest (CNC) cells, convergence and extension of facial prominences, and maturation of the craniofacial skeleton. To study the contribution of the cranial neural crest to specific regions of the zebrafish palate a sox10: kaede transgenic zebrafish line was generated. Sox10 provides lineage restriction of the kaede reporter protein to the neural crest, thereby making the cell labeling a more precise process than traditional dye or reporter mRNA injection. Kaede is a photo-convertible protein that turns from green to red after photo activation and makes it possible to follow cells precisely. The sox10: kaede transgenic line was used to perform lineage analysis to delineate CNC cell populations that give rise to maxillary versus mandibular elements and illustrate homology of facial prominences to amniotes. This protocol describes the steps to generate a live time-lapse video of a sox10: kaede zebrafish embryo. Development of the ethmoid plate will serve as a practical example. This protocol can be applied to making a time-lapse confocal recording of any kaede or similar photoconvertible reporter protein in transgenic zebrafish. Furthermore, it can be used to capture not only normal, but also abnormal development of craniofacial structures in the zebrafish mutants.

In the sox10: kaede transgenic line, migratory and post migratory CNCCs are labeled fluorescently green. The CNCC cells labeled with green fluorescent kaede recapitulate endogenous sox10 mRNA expression 5.
Among other applications, this animal model was used to better visualize the development of CNCC dependent craniofacial structures. Normal development of specific structures and also pathologic development of craniofacial malformations, especially cleft lip and palate have been ca...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Visualization of Craniofacial Development in the sox10: kaede Transgenic Zebrafish Line Using Time-lapse Confocal Microscopy at JoVE.com

Visualization of Craniofacial Development in the sox10: kaede Transgenic Zebrafish Line Using Time-lapse Confocal Microscopy

Visualization of experimental data has become a key element in presenting results to the scientific community. Generation of live time-lapse recording of growing embryos contributes to better presentation and understanding of complex developmental processes. This protocol is a step-by-step guide to cell labeling via photoconversion of kaede protein in zebrafish.

Vertebrate palatogenesis is a highly choreographed and complex developmental process, which involves migration of cranial neural crest (CNC) cells, ...

visualization-craniofacial-development-sox10-kaede-transgenic

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

12.7K Views.  Massachusetts General Hospital. Visualization of experimental data has become a key element in presenting results to the scientific community. Generation of live time-lapse recording of growing embryos contributes to better presentation and understanding of complex developmental processes. This protocol is a step-by-step guide to cell labeling via photoconversion of kaede protein in zebrafish.

Video: Visualization of Craniofacial Development in the sox10: kaede Transgenic Zebrafish Line Using Time-lapse Confocal Microscopy

Monitoring Actin Disassembly with Time-lapse Microscopy

Two-photon axotomy and time-lapse confocal imaging in live zebrafish embryos

Zebrafish have long been utilized to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms of development by time-lapse imaging of the living transparent embryo. Here we describe a method to mount zebrafish embryos for long-term imaging and demonstrate how to automate the capture of time-lapse images using a confocal microscope. We also describe a method to create controlled, precise damage to individual branches of peripheral sensory axons in zebrafish using the focused power of a femtosecond laser mounted on a two-photon microscope. The parameters for successful two-photon axotomy must be optimized for each microscope. We will demonstrate two-photon axotomy on both a custom built two-photon microscope and a Zeiss 510 confocal/two-photon to provide two examples.

Zebrafish trigeminal sensory neurons can be visualized in a transgenic line expressing GFP driven by a sensory neuron specific promoter 1. We have adapted this zebrafish trigeminal model to directly observe sensory axon regeneration in living zebrafish embryos. Embryos are anesthetized with tricaine and positioned within a drop of agarose as it solidifies. Immobilized embryos are sealed within an imaging chamber filled with phenylthiourea (PTU) Ringers. We have found that embryos can be continuously imaged in these chambers for 12-48 hours. A single confocal image is then captured to determine the desired site of axotomy. The region of interest is located on the two-photon microscope by imaging the sensory axons under low, non-damaging power. After zooming in on the desired site of axotomy, the power is increased and a single scan of that defined region is sufficient to sever the axon. Multiple location time-lapse imaging is then set up on a confocal microscope to directly observe axonal recovery from injury.

Here we describe a method for mounting zebrafish embryos for long-term imaging, two-photon imaging and tissue-damage techniques, and time-lapse confocal imaging.

Zebrafish have long been utilized to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms of development by time-lapse imaging of the living transparent embryo.  ...

Live Imaging of the Zebrafish Embryonic Brain by Confocal Microscopy

In this video, we demonstrate the method our lab has developed to analyze the cell shape changes and rearrangements required to bend and fold the developing zebrafish brain (Gutzman et al, 2008). Such analysis affords a new understanding of the underlying cell biology required for development of the 3D structure of the vertebrate brain, and significantly increases our ability to study neural tube morphogenesis. The embryonic zebrafish brain is shaped beginning at 18 hours post fertilization (hpf) as the ventricles within the neuroepithelium inflate. By 24 hpf, the initial steps of neural tube morphogenesis are complete. Using the method described here, embryos at the one cell stage are injected with mRNA encoding membrane-targeted green fluorescent protein (memGFP). After injection and incubation, the embryo, now between 18 and 24 hpf, is mounted, inverted, in agarose and imaged by confocal microscopy. Notably, the zebrafish embryo is transparent making it an ideal system for fluorescent imaging. While our analyses have focused on the midbrain-hindbrain boundary and the hindbrain, this method could be extended for analysis of any region in the zebrafish to a depth of 
80-100 &mu;m.

In this video, we demonstrate a method by which to analyze the developing vertebrate brain in live zebrafish embryos at single cell resolution by confocal microscopy. This includes the method by which we inject the single-cell zebrafish embryo and subsequently mount and image the developing brain.

In this video, we demonstrate the method our lab has developed to analyze the cell shape changes and rearrangements required to bend and fold the ...

Time-lapse Imaging of Mitosis After siRNA Transfection

Changes in cellular organization and chromosome dynamics that occur during mitosis are tightly coordinated to ensure accurate inheritance of genomic and cellular content. Hallmark events of mitosis, such as chromosome movement, can be readily tracked on an individual cell basis using time-lapse fluorescence microscopy of mammalian cell lines expressing specific GFP-tagged proteins. In combination with RNAi-based depletion, this can be a powerful method for pinpointing the stage(s) of mitosis where defects occur after levels of a particular protein have been lowered. In this protocol, we present a basic method for assessing the effect of depleting a potential mitotic regulatory protein on the timing of mitosis. Cells are transfected with siRNA, placed in a stage-top incubation chamber, and imaged using an automated fluorescence microscope. We describe how to use software to set up a time-lapse experiment, how to process the image sequences to make either still-image montages or movies, and how to quantify and analyze the timing of mitotic stages using a cell-line expressing mCherry-tagged histone H2B. Finally, we discuss important considerations for designing a time-lapse experiment. This strategy is complementary to other approaches and offers the advantages of 1) sensitivity to changes in kinetics that might not be observed when looking at cells as a population and 2) analysis of mitosis without the need to synchronize the cell cycle using drug treatments. The visual information from such imaging experiments not only allows the sub-stages of mitosis to be assessed, but can also provide unexpected insight that would not be apparent from cell cycle analysis by FACS.

Here we describe a basic protocol to image and quantify the mitotic timing of live mammalian tissue culture cells after siRNA transfection.

Changes in cellular organization and chromosome dynamics that occur during mitosis are tightly coordinated to ensure accurate inheritance of genomic and ...

Multicolor Time-lapse Imaging of Transgenic Zebrafish: Visualizing Retinal Stem Cells Activated by Targeted Neuronal Cell Ablation

High-resolution time-lapse imaging of living zebrafish larvae can be utilized to visualize how biological processes unfold (for review see 1). Compound transgenic fish which express different fluorescent reporters in neighboring cell types provide a means of following cellular interactions 2 and/or tissue-level responses to experimental manipulations over time. In this video, we demonstrate methods that can be used for imaging multiple transgenically labeled cell types serially in individual fish over time courses that can span from minutes to several days. The techniques described are applicable to any study seeking to correlate the "behavior" of neighboring cells types over time, including: 1) serial 'catch and release' methods for imaging a large number of fish over successive days, 2) simplified approaches for separating fluorophores with overlapping excitation/emission profiles (e.g., GFP and YFP), 3) use of hypopigmented mutant lines to extend the time window available for high-resolution imaging into late larval stages of development, 4) use of membrane targeted fluorescent reporters to reveal fine morphological detail of individual cells as well as cellular details in larger populations of cells, and 5) a previously described method for chemically-induced ablation of transgenically targeted cell types; i.e., nitroreductase (NTR) mediated conversion of prodrug substrates, such as metronidazole (MTZ), to cytotoxic derivatives 3,5.
As an example of these approaches, we will visualize the ablation and regeneration of a subtype of retinal bipolar neuron within individual fish over several days. Simultaneously we will monitor several other retinal cell types, including neighboring non-targeted bipolar cells and potential degeneration-stimulated retinal stem cells (i.e., M&#971;ller glia). This strategy is being applied in our lab to characterize cell- and tissue-level (e.g., stem cell niche) responses to the selective loss and regeneration of targeted neuronal cell types.

In this video, techniques for multicolor confocal time-lapse imaging and targeted cell ablation are provided. Time-lapse imaging is used to monitor the behavior of multiple cell types of interest in vivo. Targeted cell ablation facilitates the study neural circuit function and cell-specific neuronal regeneration paradigms.

High-resolution time-lapse imaging of living zebrafish larvae can be utilized to visualize how biological processes unfold (for review see 1). Compound ...

Time-lapse Microscopy of Early Embryogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans

Caenorhabditis elegans has often been used as a model system in studies of early developmental processes. The transparency of the 
embryos, the genetic resources, and the relative ease of transformation are qualities that make C. elegans an excellent model for early embryogenesis. Laser-based 
confocal microscopy and fluorescently labeled tags allow researchers to follow specific cellular structures and proteins in the developing embryo. For example, 
one can follow specific organelles, such as lysosomes or mitochondria, using fluorescently labeled dyes. These dyes can be delivered to the early embryo by means 
of microinjection into the adult gonad. Also, the localization of specific proteins can be followed using fluorescent protein tags. Examples are presented here 
demonstrating the use of a fluorescent lysosomal dye as well as fluorescently tagged histone and ubiquitin proteins. The labeled histone is used to visualize 
the DNA and thus identify the stage of the cell cycle. GFP-tagged ubiquitin reveals the dynamics of ubiquitinated vesicles in the early embryo. Observations 
of labeled lysosomes and GFP:: ubiquitin can be used to determine if there is colocalization between ubiquitinated vesicles and lysosomes. A technique for 
the microinjection of the lysosomal dye is presented. Techniques for generating transgenenic strains are presented elsewhere (1, 2). For imaging, embryos 
are cut out of adult hermaphrodite nematodes and mounted onto 2% agarose pads followed by time-lapse microscopy on a standard laser scanning confocal 
microscope or a spinning disk confocal microscope. This methodology provides for the high resolution visualization of early embryogenesis.

Time-lapse Microscopy of Early Embryogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans

This article describes a technique for the visualization of the early events of embryogenesis in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.

Caenorhabditis elegans has often been used as a model system in studies of early developmental processes.  The transparency of the 
embryos, the genetic ...

Electroporation of Craniofacial Mesenchyme

Electroporation is an efficient method of delivering DNA and other charged macromolecules into tissues at precise time points and in precise locations. For example, electroporation has been used with great success to study neural and retinal development in Xenopus, chicken and mouse 1-10. However, it is important to note that in all of these studies, investigators were not targeting soft tissues. Because we are interested in craniofacial development, we adapted a method to target facial mesenchyme.
When we searched the literature, we found, to our surprise, very few reports of successful gene transfer into cartilaginous tissue. The majority of these studies were gene therapy studies, such as siRNA or protein delivery into chondrogenic cell lines, or, animal models of arthritis 11-13. In other systems, such as chicken or mouse, electroporation of facial mesenchyme has been challenging (personal communications, Dept of Craniofacial Development, KCL). We hypothesized that electroporation into procartilaginous and cartilaginous tissues in Xenopus might work better. In our studies, we show that gene transfer into the facial cartilages occurs efficiently at early stages (28), when the facial primordium is still comprised of soft tissue prior to cartilage differentiation.
Xenopus is a very accessible vertebrate system for analysis of craniofacial development. Craniofacial structures are more readily visible in Xenopus than in any other vertebrate model, primarily because Xenopus embryos are fertilized externally, allowing analyses of the earliest stages, and facilitating live imaging at single cell resolution, as well as reuse of the mothers 14. Among vertebrate models developing externally, Xenopus is more useful for craniofacial analysis than zebrafish, as Xenopus larvae are larger and easier to dissect, and the developing facial region is more accessible to imaging than the equivalent region in fish. In addition, Xenopus is evolutionarily closer to humans than zebrafish (&tilde;100 million years closer) 15. Finally, at these stages, Xenopus tadpoles are transparent, and concurrent expression of fluorescent proteins or molecules will allow easy visualization of the developing cartilages. We anticipate that this approach will allow us to rapidly and efficiently test candidate molecules in an in vivo model system.

Craniofacial cartilages develop in close contact with other tissues and are difficult to manipulate in live animals. We are using electroporation to deliver molecular tools during growth of the craniofacial skeleton while bypassing early embryonic effects. This approach will allow us to efficiently test candidate molecules in vivo.

Electroporation is an efficient method of delivering DNA and other charged macromolecules into tissues at precise time points and in precise locations. ...

Quantitative Analysis of Random Migration of Cells Using Time-lapse Video Microscopy

Cell migration is a dynamic process, which is important for embryonic development, tissue repair, immune system function, and tumor invasion 1, 2. During directional migration, cells move rapidly in response to an extracellular chemotactic signal, or in response to intrinsic cues 3 provided by the basic motility machinery. Random migration occurs when a cell possesses low intrinsic directionality, allowing the cells to explore their local environment.
Cell migration is a complex process, in the initial response cell undergoes polarization and extends protrusions in the direction of migration 2. Traditional methods to measure migration such as the Boyden chamber migration assay is an easy method to measure chemotaxis in vitro, which allows measuring migration as an end point result. However, this approach neither allows measurement of individual migration parameters, nor does it allow to visualization of morphological changes that cell undergoes during migration.
Here, we present a method that allows us to monitor migrating cells in real time using video - time lapse microscopy. Since cell migration and invasion are hallmarks of cancer, this method will be applicable in studying cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro. Random migration of platelets has been considered as one of the parameters of platelet function 4, hence this method could also be helpful in studying platelet functions. This assay has the advantage of being rapid, reliable, reproducible, and does not require optimization of cell numbers. In order to maintain physiologically suitable conditions for cells, the microscope is equipped with CO2 supply and temperature thermostat. Cell movement is monitored by taking pictures using a camera fitted to the microscope at regular intervals. Cell migration can be calculated by measuring average speed and average displacement, which is calculated by Slidebook software.

This method allows monitoring of cells in real time and quantitative measurements of different cell migration parameters such as speed, displacement, and velocity. Unlike the traditional methods, this real time approach is not based on endpoint quantitative migration measurements; instead it allows monitoring and calculating different parameters continuously.

Cell migration is a dynamic process, which is important for embryonic development, tissue repair, immune system function, and tumor invasion 1, 2. During ...

Long-term, High-resolution Confocal Time Lapse Imaging of Arabidopsis Cotyledon Epidermis during Germination

Imaging in vivo dynamics of cellular behavior throughout a developmental sequence can be a powerful technique for understanding the mechanics of tissue patterning. During animal development, key cell proliferation and patterning events occur very quickly. For instance, in Caenorhabditis elegans all cell divisions required for the larval body plan are completed within six hours after fertilization, with seven mitotic cycles1; the sixteen or more mitoses of Drosophila embryogenesis occur in less than 24 hr2. In contrast, cell divisions during plant development are slow, typically on the order of a day 3,4,5 . This imposes a unique challenge and a need for long-term live imaging for documenting dynamic behaviors of cell division and differentiation events during plant organogenesis. Arabidopsis epidermis is an excellent model system for investigating signaling, cell fate, and development in plants. In the cotyledon, this tissue consists of air- and water-resistant pavement cells interspersed with evenly distributed stomata, valves that open and close to control gas exchange and water loss. Proper spacing of these stomata is critical to their function, and their development follows a sequence of asymmetric division and cell differentiation steps to produce the organized epidermis (Fig. 1).
This protocol allows observation of cells and proteins in the epidermis over several days of development. This time frame enables precise documentation of stem-cell divisions and differentiation of epidermal cells, including stomata and epidermal pavement cells. Fluorescent proteins can be fused to proteins of interest to assess their dynamics during cell division and differentiation processes. This technique allows us to understand the localization of a novel protein, POLAR6, during the proliferation stage of stomatal-lineage cells in the Arabidopsis cotyledon epidermis, where it is expressed in cells preceding asymmetric division events and moves to a characteristic area of the cell cortex shortly before division occurs. Images can be registered and streamlined video easily produced using public domain software to visualize dynamic protein localization and cell types as they change over time.

Long-term, High-resolution Confocal Time Lapse Imaging of Arabidopsis Cotyledon Epidermis during Germination

We describe a protocol using chamber slides and media to immobilize plant cotyledons for confocal imaging of the epidermis over several days of development, documenting stomatal differentiation. Fluorophore-tagged proteins can be tracked dynamically by expression and subcellular localization, increasing understanding of their possible roles during cell division and cell-type differentiation.

Imaging in vivo dynamics of cellular behavior throughout a developmental sequence can be a powerful technique for understanding the mechanics of tissue ...

Analyzing Craniofacial Morphogenesis in Zebrafish Using 4D Confocal Microscopy

Time-lapse imaging is a technique that allows for the direct observation of the process of morphogenesis, or the generation of shape. Due to their optical clarity and amenability to genetic manipulation, the zebrafish embryo has become a popular model organism with which to perform time-lapse analysis of morphogenesis in living embryos. Confocal imaging of a live zebrafish embryo requires that a tissue of interest is persistently labeled with a fluorescent marker, such as a transgene or injected dye. The process demands that the embryo is anesthetized and held in place in such a way that healthy development proceeds normally. Parameters for imaging must be set to account for three-dimensional growth and to balance the demands of resolving individual cells while getting quick snapshots of development. Our results demonstrate the ability to perform long-term in vivo imaging of fluorescence-labeled zebrafish embryos and to detect varied tissue behaviors in the cranial neural crest that cause craniofacial abnormalities. Developmental delays caused by anesthesia and mounting are minimal, and embryos are unharmed by the process. Time-lapse imaged embryos can be returned to liquid medium and subsequently imaged or fixed at later points in development. With an increasing abundance of transgenic zebrafish lines and well-characterized fate mapping and transplantation techniques, imaging any desired tissue is possible. As such, time-lapse in vivo imaging combines powerfully with zebrafish genetic methods, including analyses of mutant and microinjected embryos.

Time-lapse confocal imaging is a powerful technique useful for characterizing embryonic development. Here, we describe the methodology and characterize craniofacial morphogenesis in wild-type, as well as pdgfra, smad5, and smo mutant embryos.

Time-lapse imaging is a technique that allows for the direct observation of the process of morphogenesis, or the generation of shape. Due to their optical ...