We thank Dr. Gilles Dupuis for critical reading of the manuscript. 
Funding
This work was supported by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, grant # MOP-126173. C.M.D is a member of the Fonds de la Recherche en Sant&#233; (FRSQ)-funded Centre de Recherche Clinique &#201;tienne LeBel.

1. Preparation of Solutions for Cellular pH Calibration
<ol>
	<li>Add the following compounds to five separate 50 ml conical tubes to prepare 5 solutions to be used for calibration:
	<ul>
		<li>NaCl (1 ml of 1 M NaCl) (1 M NaCl = 0.58 g in 10 ml H20)</li>
		<li>KCl (6.75 ml of 1 M KCl) (1 M KCl = 0.75 g in 10 ml H20)</li>
		<li>Glucose (1 ml of 1 M D-Glucose) ( 1M D-Glucose = 1.80 g in 10 ml H20)</li>
		<li>MgS04 (0.05 ml of 1 M MgSO4) (1 M MgSO4= 1.20 g in 10 ml H20)</li>
		<li>20 mM HEPES (1 ml of 1M HEPES) (1 M HEPES = 2.38 g in 10 ml H20)</li>
		<li>CaCl2 (0.05 ml of 1M CaCl2) (1 M CaCl2= 1.47 g in 10 ml H20) 
		Prepare all solutions in double distilled H2O (ddH2O).</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>Complete each solution with 35 ml of ddH2O and mix with a magnetic stirrer until solution is achieved.</li>
	<li>Adjust the pH of each solution with 1 N KOH or 1 N HCl to obtain pH values of 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0 and 7.5. Then, adjust the volume with deionized water to a final volume of 50 ml.</li>
	<li>Measure 5 mg of nigericin and add it to 670 &#956;l of absolute EtOH to prepare a 10 mM nigericin stock solution. 
	Caution: nigericin is highly toxic and must be handled with great care (gloves, safety glasses and mask). Mix the solution by inversion until the nigericin is completely dissolved.</li>
	<li>Add 0.05 ml of 10 mM nigericin (final concentration 10 &#956;M) to each calibration solution. Nigericin is an ionophore that increases cell membrane permeability and causes equilibration of intracellular and extracellular pH in the presence of a depolarizing concentration of extracellular K+.</li>
	<li>Calibration solutions can be stored up to 1 month at 4 &#176;C</li>
</ol>
2. Cell Preparation
<ol>
	<li>Under a biological safety hood, seed cells in 35 mm x 10 mm culture dishes in 2 ml of growth medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and antibiotics. Use the amount of cells needed to ensure approximately 50% confluence after 24 hr. 
	NOTE: In our experiments, we use the HT-1080 cell line and plate 1 x 105 cells per culture dish.</li>
	<li>Determine the number of culture dishes needed for the experiment and plate 5 additional culture dishes to be used for calibration.</li>
	<li>Place culture dishes in a 37 &#176;C/5% CO2 incubator for at least 24 hr.</li>
</ol>
3. Preparation of pH-sensing Probes
<ol>
	<li>Prepare a 1M stock solution of the fluorescent pH probe 8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6 trisulfonic acid, trisodium salt (HPTS/pyranine) in ddH20. This solution must be stored at RT and protected from light.</li>
	<li>Prepare a stock solution of 1 mM 5-(and-6)-carboxyl seminaphthorhodafluor acetoxymethyl ester acetate (C-SNARF-1 AM; called thereafter SNARF-1) by dissolving 1 mg of SNARF-1 in 1.76 ml of DMSO. Thoroughly mix by repeated pipetting. SNARF-1 solution must be stored at -20 &#176;C and protected from light.</li>
</ol>
4. Cell Labeling
<ol>
	<li>Sixteen hours before live-cell imaging, add 2 &#956;l of 1M HPTS stock solution (final concentration 1 mM) to each culture dish containing 2 ml of complete medium.</li>
	<li>Return the culture dishes to the&#160;incubator. The HPTS probe is cell-impermeant, therefore to label organelles the probe must be taken up by pinocytosis. This condition requires that cell incubations with HPTS are performed in serum-supplemented culture medium.</li>
	<li>Following incubation with HPTS, wash the cells twice with sterile PBS and add 2 ml of serum-free medium for at least 2 hr. Incubation with SNARF-1 needs to be performed in serum-free medium because serum may prevent the uptake of the probe.</li>
	<li>Add 10 &#956;l of a 1 mM SNARF-1 stock solution to obtain a final concentration of 5 &#956;M and allow cells to incubate for 20 min at 37&#176; C, under dim light. C-SNARF-1 concentration and time of incubation may vary according to cell type.</li>
	<li>At the end of incubation, wash cells twice in sterile PBS and add 2 ml of serum-free medium.</li>
</ol>
5. Addition of pH Modulators
<ol>
	<li>To assess whether the method can detect pH changes in cells, different reagents that modulate intracellular pH can be used:
	<ul>
		<li>Bafilomycin A1, a specific inhibitor of V-ATPase5</li>
		<li>Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 (NHE-1)6</li>
		<li>NH4Cl, a weak base that increases intracellular pH7</li>
	</ul>
	<ol>
		<li>Prepare stock solutions of the reagents mentioned above:
		<ul>
			<li>Bafilomycin A1: add 10 &#956;g of bafilomycin A1 to 160 &#956;l of DMSO to obtain a stock solution of 100 &#956;M</li>
			<li>EIPA: add 25 mg of EIPA to 1.67 ml of methanol to obtain a final concentration of 50 mM</li>
			<li>NH4Cl: dissolve 0.53 g of ammonium chloride in 10 ml of ddH2O to obtain a final concentration of 1 mM.</li>
		</ul>
		 
		Note: All stock solutions must be kept at 4 &#176;C except for bafilomycin A1 which must be stored at -20 &#176;C and protected from light.</li>
		<li>In separate culture dishes, add one of the reagents as described below:
		<ul>
			<li>2 &#956;l of 100 &#956;M bafilomycin A1 (final concentration 100 nM)</li>
			<li>1 &#956;l of 50 mM EIPA (final concentration 25 &#956;M)</li>
			<li>40 &#956;l of 1M NH4Cl (final concentration 20 mM)</li>
		</ul>
		</li>
		<li>Incubate the cells for 30 min at 37 &#176;C.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Proceed to image acquisition.</li>
</ol>
6. Specifications of the Live-cell Imaging Microscope and Acquisition Settings
<ol>
	<li>Perform live-cell imaging using a 40X objective mounted on a spectral inverted scanning confocal microscope equipped with a motorized XY stage, a chamber that accommodates glass bottom culture dishes in an environmentally controlled (temperature, humidity, CO2) stage incubator.</li>
	<li>The confocal instrument (Olympus FV1000) used here is equipped with:
	<ul>
		<li>A diode laser 405 nm</li>
		<li>A 40 mW argon laser (458 nm, 488 nm, 515 nm)</li>
		<li>A helium neon laser (543 nm)</li>
		<li>Fluorite 10X objective, NA0.4</li>
		<li>A LUCPLFLN 40X objective, NA0.60</li>
		<li>A PLAPONSC PLAN APO 60X oil objective, NA1.4</li>
		<li>A dichroic mirror DM 405/458/488/543</li>
		<li>A SDM 560 and a SDM 640 dichroic filters</li>
		<li>A BA655-755 barrier filter</li>
		<li>A beam splitter BS20/80</li>
		<li>Data analysis software for image acquisition and analysis,</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>Once the stage incubator has warmed up to 37 &#176;C and the microscope is set up, place a culture dish previously incubated with HPTS and SNARF-1 into the confocal stage imaging chamber.</li>
	<li>After locating an area of interest, adjust the software acquisition settings Figure 1.
	<ul>
		<li>Set up two virtual channel sets.</li>
		<li>Initiate the first phase that corresponds to HPTS excitation at 405 nm and emission collection at 505 - 525 nm and SNARF-1 excitation at 543 nm and emission collection at 570 - 600 nm.</li>
		<li>Initiate the second phase that corresponds to HPTS excitation at 458 nm and emission collection at 505 - 525 nm and SNARF-1 excitation at 543 nm and emission collection at 640 - 650 nm.</li>
		<li>The confocal aperture is set to 175 &#956;m by default and optimal aperture needs to be manually set at 300 &#956;m.</li>
		<li>Take Image by stacking serial horizontal optical sections (800 x 800 pixels) of 0.4 &#956;m thickness.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ol>
NOTE: A 40X objective is useful to observe several cells simultaneously and works well for organelle viewing. However, spatial resolution and signal intensity are better achieved using a 60X oil objective. In addition, there is no excitation or emission cross-talk between the two dyes.
7. Calibration of pH-sensing Probes
<ol>
	<li>Before calibration, remove medium from the culture dish previously incubated with HPTS and SNARF-1, wash twice with sterile PBS and then add 2 ml of one of the five calibration solutions.</li>
	<li>Place the culture dish into the confocal stage chamber.</li>
	<li>Proceed to time-lapse image acquisition according to the following settings:
	<ol>
		<li>Set the number of images and interval duration times for the experiment. 
		NOTE: We typically use a 1 min interval between images for up to 30 min.</li>
		<li>Program the shutter to close between the acquisition of each image.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Record the fluorescence intensity per min in a spreadsheet software and determine the time when fluorescence intensity is steady. Intracellular pH is usually stable after 15 - 20 min.</li>
	<li>Repeat steps 7.1 to 7.4 using a new culture dish for each remaining calibration solution.</li>
</ol>
8. Data Acquisition
<ol>
	<li>Once calibration has been done, acquire sample data from 4-5 randomly chosen fields containing 15-20 cells per field. Two images are obtained for each field: one for HPTS labeling (vesicles) and the second for SNARF-1 labeling (cytosol).</li>
	<li>Background fluorescence (extracellular area) is digitally subtracted from fluorescent images of both probes. Labeled vesicles and cytosol from their respective stored images are selected using a binary mask. For each pH-sensing probe, fluorescence intensities are measured on a numerical scale (0-4,095 gray level scale). A mean intensity for all pixels in the organelle or cytoplasm is calculated and values are used to calculate fluorescence ratios.</li>
</ol>
9. Data Analysis
<ol>
	<li>Various software packages are commercially available for data analysis. i.e.&#160;Fluoview Software.</li>
	<li>In a spreadsheet, record values and calculate fluorescence ratios as follows: In the case of HPTS, R = (F458 nm/F405 nm) and, in the case of SNARF-1, R = (F644 nm/F584 nm).</li>
	<li>Plot the data using scientific graphing software such as GraphPad Prism. The plot should portray fluorescence ratios (Y-axis) as a function of pH (X-axis). Curve fitting is achieved using non-linear regression.</li>
	<li>Collect fluorescence intensities of the samples as described in step 8.2 and calculate fluorescence ratios. Use calibration curves to transform ratios into pH values.</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>Demaurex, N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=pH+Homeostasis+of+cellular+organelles.">pH Homeostasis of cellular organelles.</a> News Physiol Sci. 17, 1-5 (2002).</li><li>Webb, B. A., Chimenti, M., Jacobson, M. P., Barber, D. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Dysregulated+pH:+a+perfect+storm+for+cancer+progression.">Dysregulated pH: a perfect storm for cancer progression.</a> Nat Rev Cancer. 11, 671-677 (2011).</li><li>Hinton, 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=Function+of+a+subunit+isoforms+of+the+V-ATPase+in+pH+homeostasis+and+in+vitro+invasion+of+MDA-MB231+human+breast+cancer+cells.">Function of a subunit isoforms of the V-ATPase in pH homeostasis and in vitro invasion of MDA-MB231 human breast cancer cells.</a> J Biol Chem. 284, 16400-16408 (2009).</li><li>Overly, C. C., Lee, K. D., Berthiaume, E., Hollenbeck, P. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Quantitative+measurement+of+intraorganelle+pH+in+the+endosomal-lysosomal+pathway+in+neurons+by+using+ratiometric+imaging+with+pyranine.">Quantitative measurement of intraorganelle pH in the endosomal-lysosomal pathway in neurons by using ratiometric imaging with pyranine.</a> Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 92, 3156-3160 (1995).</li><li>Drose, S., Altendorf, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Bafilomycins+and+concanamycins+as+inhibitors+of+V-ATPases+and+P-ATPases.">Bafilomycins and concanamycins as inhibitors of V-ATPases and P-ATPases.</a> J Exp Biol. 200, 1-8 (1997).</li><li>Pedersen, S. F., King, S. A., Nygaard, E. B., Rigor, R. R., Cala, P. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=NHE1+inhibition+by+amiloride-+and+benzoylguanidine-type+compounds.+Inhibitor+binding+loci+deduced+from+chimeras+of+NHE1+homologues+with+endogenous+differences+in+inhibitor+sensitivity.">NHE1 inhibition by amiloride- and benzoylguanidine-type compounds. Inhibitor binding loci deduced from chimeras of NHE1 homologues with endogenous differences in inhibitor sensitivity.</a> J Biol Chem. 282, 19716-19727 (2007).</li><li>Alfonso, A., Cabado, A. G., Vieytes, M. R., Botana, L. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Calcium-pH+crosstalks+in+rat+mast+cells:+cytosolic+alkalinization,+but+not+intracellular+calcium+release,+is+a+sufficient+signal+for+degranulation.">Calcium-pH crosstalks in rat mast cells: cytosolic alkalinization, but not intracellular calcium release, is a sufficient signal for degranulation.</a> Br J Pharmacol. 130, 1809-1816 (2000).</li><li>Han, J., Burgess, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Fluorescent+indicators+for+intracellular+pH.">Fluorescent indicators for intracellular pH.</a> Chem Rev. 110, 2709-2728 (2010).</li><li>Giuliano, K. A., Gillies, R. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Determination+of+intracellular+pH+of+BALB/c-3T3+cells+using+the+fluorescence+of+pyranine.">Determination of intracellular pH of BALB/c-3T3 cells using the fluorescence of pyranine.</a> Anal Biochem. 167, 362-371 (1987).</li><li>Willoughby, D., Thomas, R., Schwiening, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+effects+of+intracellular+pH+changes+on+resting+cytosolic+calcium+in+voltage-clamped+snail+neurones.">The effects of intracellular pH changes on resting cytosolic calcium in voltage-clamped snail neurones.</a> J Physiol. 530, 405-416 (2001).</li></ol>

No conflict of interest declared.

Quantitative pH measurement in live-cell imaging of different cellular compartments is needed to accurately measure pH variations in cell responses to external challenges. However, one of the major hurdles that remains is to easily and specifically target cellular compartments. In this respect, a few studies have highlighted the use of HPTS as an intracellular pH indicator introduced into cells by electroporation or microinjection8-10. These techniques suffer from serious drawbacks, namely electroporation caus...

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="872">
	<tbody>
		<tr height="20">
			<td colspan="4" height="20" style="height:20px;width:872px;">Solutions for calibration</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:303px;">Sodium chloride</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">Fischer</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">L-11621</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:303px;">Potassium chloride</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">Fischer</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">M-12445</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:303px;">D-Glucose (dextrose)</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">Fischer</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">D16-1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:303px;">Magnesium sulfate</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">Fischer</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">M65-500</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:303px;">HEPES</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">H3375</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:303px;">Calcium chloride dihydrate</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">Fischer</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">M-1612</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:303px;">Deionized water</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">N/A</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">N/A</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:303px;">Nigericin</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">Calbiochem</td>
			<td align="right" style="width:119px;">481990</td>
			<td>Toxic by inhalation or in contact with skin</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:303px;"></td>
			<td style="width:136px;"></td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td style="width:315px;">Keep protected from the light at 4&#176;C</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:303px;"></td>
			<td style="width:136px;"></td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td style="width:315px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:303px;">Culture dishes &#8709; 35mm</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">BD Biosciences</td>
			<td align="right" style="width:119px;">354456</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:303px;"></td>
			<td style="width:136px;"></td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td colspan="4" height="20" style="height:20px;width:872px;">pH-sensing probes</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:303px;">8-Hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid (HPTS)</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">Life technologies</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">H-348</td>
			<td>Keep away from the light at room temperature</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:303px;">5-(and-6)-Carboxy SNARF&#174;-1, Acetoxymethyl Ester, Acetate</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">Life technologies</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">C-1271</td>
			<td>Keep away from the light and humidity at -20&#176;C</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:303px;"></td>
			<td style="width:136px;"></td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:303px;">Dimethyl Sufoxide (DMSO)</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">Fischer</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">BP231-1&#160;</td>
			<td>Harmful</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:303px;"></td>
			<td style="width:136px;"></td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td colspan="4" height="20" style="height:20px;width:872px;">Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) 100X</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:303px;">Potassium chloride</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">Fischer</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">M-12445</td>
			<td>20 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:303px;">Sodium phosphate monobasic</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">Fischer</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">S369-1</td>
			<td>115 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:303px;">Potassium phosphate monobasic</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">J.T Baker</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">3246-01</td>
			<td>20 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:303px;">Deionized water</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">N/A</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">N/A</td>
			<td>Bring to 1 L</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:303px;">Autoclave and adjust pH to 7.4</td>
			<td style="width:136px;"></td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:303px;"></td>
			<td style="width:136px;"></td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td colspan="4" height="20" style="height:20px;width:872px;">Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) 1X</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:303px;">PBS 100X</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">N/A</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">N/A</td>
			<td>50 mL</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:303px;">Sodium chloride</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">Fischer</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">L-11621</td>
			<td>40,5 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:303px;">Deoinized water</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">N/A</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">N/A</td>
			<td>Bring to 5 L</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:303px;"></td>
			<td style="width:136px;"></td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td colspan="4" height="20" style="height:20px;width:872px;">pH modulators</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:303px;">&#160;Bafilomycin A1</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">B-1793</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">5-(N-Ethyl-N-isopropyl)amiloride (EIPA)</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">A3085</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:303px;">Ammonium chloride</td>
			<td style="width:136px;">Fischer</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">A649-500</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

simultaneous ph measurement in endocytic and cytosolic compartments in living cells using confocal microscopy

Intracellular pH is tightly regulated and differences in pH between the cytoplasm and organelles have been reported1. Regulation of cellular pH is crucial for homeostatic control of physiological processes that include: protein, DNA and RNA synthesis, vesicular trafficking, cell growth and cell division. Alterations in cellular pH homeostasis can lead to detrimental functional changes and promote progression of various diseases2. Various methods are available for measuring intracellular pH but very few of these allow simultaneous measurement of pH in the cytoplasm and in organelles. Here, we describe in detail a rapid and accurate method for the simultaneous measurement of cytoplasmic and organellar pH by using confocal microscopy on living cells3. This goal is achieved with the use of two pH-sensing ratiometric dyes that possess selective cellular compartment partitioning. For instance, SNARF-1 is compartmentalized inside the cytoplasm whereas HPTS is compartmentalized inside endosomal/lysosomal organelles. Although HPTS is commonly used as a cytoplasmic pH indicator, this dye can specifically label vesicles along the endosomal-lysosomal pathway after being taken up by pinocytosis3,4. Using these pH-sensing probes, it is possible to simultaneously measure pH within the endocytic and cytoplasmic compartments. The optimal excitation wavelength of HPTS varies depending on the pH while for SNARF-1, it is the optimal emission wavelength that varies. Following loading with SNARF-1 and HPTS, cells are cultured in different pH-calibrated solutions to construct a pH standard curve for each probe. Cell imaging by confocal microscopy allows elimination of artifacts and background noise. Because of the spectral properties of HPTS, this probe is better suited for measurement of the mildly acidic endosomal compartment or to demonstrate alkalinization of the endosomal/lysosomal organelles. This method simplifies data analysis, improves accuracy of pH measurements and can be used to address fundamental questions related to pH modulation during cell responses to external challenges.

For the simultaneous measurement of pH in both intracellular and endosomal/lysosomal cell compartments, the ratiometric fluorescent pH-sensing probes SNARF-1 and HPTS were used. SNARF-1 is restricted to the cytosolic compartment whereas HPTS allows ratiometric pH measurement of the endosomal/lysosomal compartment. Cell loading with HPTS for 16 hr allows its selective localization in endosomes/lysosomes4. A typical example of fluorescence recorded from HT-1080 cells loaded with the pH-sensing probes is shown in...

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Simultaneous pH Measurement in Endocytic and Cytosolic Compartments in Living Cells using Confocal Microscopy

Several methods are available for measuring intracellular pH but very few of these allow simultaneous measurement of cytoplasmic and organellar pH. Here, we describe in detail a rapid and accurate methodology to simultaneously measure cytoplasmic and vesicular pH by ratiometric imaging of living cells.

Intracellular pH is tightly regulated and differences in pH between the cytoplasm and organelles have been reported1. Regulation of cellular pH is crucial ...

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Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

14.9K Views.  Université de Sherbrooke. Several methods are available for measuring intracellular pH but very few of these allow simultaneous measurement of cytoplasmic and organellar pH. Here, we describe in detail a rapid and accurate methodology to simultaneously measure cytoplasmic and vesicular pH by ratiometric imaging of living cells. 

Video: Simultaneous pH Measurement in Endocytic and Cytosolic Compartments in Living Cells using Confocal Microscopy

Imaging Cell Shape Change in Living Drosophila Embryos

The developing Drosophila melanogaster embryo undergoes a number of cell shape changes that are highly amenable to live confocal imaging. Cell shape changes in the fly are analogous to those in higher organisms, and they drive tissue morphogenesis. So, in many cases, their study has direct implications for understanding human disease (Table 1)1-5. On the sub-cellular scale, these cell shape changes are the product of activities ranging from gene expression to signal transduction, cell polarity, cytoskeletal remodeling and membrane trafficking. Thus, the Drosophila embryo provides not only the context to evaluate cell shape changes as they relate to tissue morphogenesis, but also offers a completely physiological environment to study the sub-cellular activities that shape cells.
The protocol described here is designed to image a specific cell shape change called cellularization. Cellularization is a process of dramatic plasma membrane growth, and it ultimately converts the syncytial embryo into the cellular blastoderm. That is, at interphase of mitotic cycle 14, the plasma membrane simultaneously invaginates around each of ~6000 cortically anchored nuclei to generate a sheet of primary epithelial cells. Counter to previous suggestions, cellularization is not driven by Myosin-2 contractility6, but is instead fueled largely by exocytosis of membrane from internal stores7. Thus, cellularization is an excellent system for studying membrane trafficking during cell shape changes that require plasma membrane invagination or expansion, such as cytokinesis or transverse-tubule (T-tubule) morphogenesis in muscle.
Note that this protocol is easily applied to the imaging of other cell shape changes in the fly embryo, and only requires slight adaptations such as changing the stage of embryo collection, or using "embryo glue" to mount the embryo in a specific orientation (Table 1)8-19. In all cases, the workflow is basically the same (Figure 1). Standard methods for cloning and Drosophila transgenesis are used to prepare stable fly stocks that express a protein of interest, fused to Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) or its variants, and these flies provide a renewable source of embryos. Alternatively, fluorescent proteins/probes are directly introduced into fly embryos via straightforward micro-injection techniques9-10. Then, depending on the developmental event and cell shape change to be imaged, embryos are collected and staged by morphology on a dissecting microscope, and finally positioned and mounted for time-lapse imaging on a confocal microscope.

Imaging Cell Shape Change in Living Drosophila Embryos

Early development of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is characterized by a number of cell shape changes that are well suited for imaging approaches. This article will describe basic tools and methods required for live confocal imaging of Drosophila embryos, and will focus on a cell shape change called cellularization.

The developing Drosophila melanogaster embryo undergoes a number of cell shape changes that are highly amenable to live confocal imaging.  Cell shape ...

Fluorescence-based Measurement of Store-operated Calcium Entry in Live Cells: from Cultured Cancer Cell to Skeletal Muscle Fiber

Store operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), earlier termed capacitative Ca2+ entry, is a tightly regulated mechanism for influx of extracellular Ca2+ into cells to replenish depleted endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ stores1,2. Since Ca2+ is a ubiquitous second messenger, it is not surprising to see that SOCE plays important roles in a variety of cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, gene transcription and motility. Due to its wide occurrence in nearly all cell types, including epithelial cells and skeletal muscles, this pathway has received great interest3,4. However, the heterogeneity of SOCE characteristics in different cell types and the physiological function are still not clear5-7.
The functional channel properties of SOCE can be revealed by patch-clamp studies, whereas a large body of knowledge about this pathway has been gained by fluorescence-based intracellular Ca2+ measurements because of its convenience and feasibility for high-throughput screening. The objective of this report is to summarize a few fluorescence-based methods to measure the activation of SOCE in monolayer cells, suspended cells and muscle fibers5,8-10. The most commonly used of these fluorescence methods is to directly monitor the dynamics of intracellular Ca2+ using the ratio of F340nm and F380nm (510 nm for emission wavelength) of the ratiometric Ca2+ indicator Fura-2. To isolate the activity of unidirectional SOCE from intracellular Ca2+ release and Ca2+ extrusion, a Mn2+ quenching assay is frequently used. Mn2+ is known to be able to permeate into cells via SOCE while it is impervious to the surface membrane extrusion processes or to ER uptake by Ca2+ pumps due to its very high affinity with Fura-2. As a result, the quenching of Fura-2 fluorescence induced by the entry of extracellular Mn2+ into the cells represents a measurement of activity of SOCE9. Ratiometric measurement and the Mn+2 quenching assays can be performed on a cuvette-based spectrofluorometer in a cell population mode or in a microscope-based system to visualize single cells. The advantage of single cell measurements is that individual cells subjected to gene manipulations can be selected using GFP or RFP reporters, allowing studies in genetically modified or mutated cells. The spatiotemporal characteristics of SOCE in structurally specialized skeletal muscle can be achieved in skinned muscle fibers by simultaneously monitoring the fluorescence of two low affinity Ca2+ indicators targeted to specific compartments of the muscle fiber, such as Fluo-5N in the SR and Rhod-5N in the transverse tubules9,11,12.

The extent of store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) can be monitored using fluorescent Ca2+ indicators. Mn2+ quenching of such indicators assays SOCE in cultured cells and skeletal muscle fibers. A technique allowing spatial and temporal resolution of SOCE by confocal imaging of mechanically skinned muscle fibers is also described.

Store operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), earlier termed capacitative Ca2+ entry, is a tightly regulated mechanism for influx of extracellular Ca2+ into cells to ...

Measurement of Vacuolar and Cytosolic pH In Vivo in Yeast Cell Suspensions

Vacuolar and cytosolic pH are highly regulated in yeast cells and occupy a central role in overall pH homeostasis. We describe protocols for ratiometric measurement of pH in vivo using pH-sensitive fluorophores localized to the vacuole or cytosol. Vacuolar pH is measured using BCECF, which localizes to the vacuole in yeast when introduced into cells in its acetoxymethyl ester form. Cytosolic pH is measured with a pH-sensitive GFP expressed under control of a yeast promoter, yeast pHluorin. Methods for measurement of fluorescence ratios in yeast cell suspensions in a fluorimeter are described. Through these protocols, single time point measurements of pH under different conditions or in different yeast mutants have been compared and changes in pH over time have been monitored. These methods have also been adapted to a fluorescence plate reader format for high-throughput experiments. Advantages of ratiometric pH measurements over other approaches currently in use, potential experimental problems and solutions, and prospects for future use of these techniques are also described.

Measurement of Vacuolar and Cytosolic pH In Vivo in Yeast Cell Suspensions

Vacuolar and cytosolic pH can be measured in live yeast (S. cerevisiae) cells using ratiometric fluorescent dyes localized to specific cellular compartments. We describe procedures for measuring vacuolar pH with BCECF-AM, which localizes to the vacuole in yeast, and cytosolic pH with a cytosolic ratiometric pH-sensitive GFP (yeast pHluorin).

Vacuolar and  cytosolic pH are highly regulated in yeast cells and occupy a central role in  overall pH homeostasis. We describe  protocols for ...

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 ...

In vivo Clonal Tracking of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells Marked by Five Fluorescent Proteins using Confocal and Multiphoton Microscopy

We developed and validated a fluorescent marking methodology for clonal tracking of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) with high spatial and temporal resolution to study in vivo hematopoiesis using the murine bone marrow transplant experimental model. Genetic combinatorial marking using lentiviral vectors encoding fluorescent proteins (FPs) enabled cell fate mapping through advanced microscopy imaging. Vectors encoding five different FPs: Cerulean, EGFP, Venus, tdTomato, and mCherry were used to concurrently transduce HSPCs, creating a diverse palette of color marked cells. Imaging using confocal/two-photon hybrid microscopy enables simultaneous high resolution assessment of uniquely marked cells and their progeny in conjunction with structural components of the tissues. Volumetric analyses over large areas reveal that spectrally coded HSPC-derived cells can be detected non-invasively in various intact tissues, including the bone marrow (BM), for extensive periods of time following transplantation. Live studies combining video-rate multiphoton and confocal time-lapse imaging in 4D demonstrate the possibility of dynamic cellular and clonal tracking in a quantitative manner.

In vivo Clonal Tracking of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells Marked by Five Fluorescent Proteins using Confocal and Multiphoton Microscopy

Combinatorial 5 fluorescent proteins marking of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells allows in vivo clonal tracking via confocal and two-photon microscopy, providing insights into bone marrow hematopoietic architecture during regeneration. This method allows non-invasive fate mapping of spectrally-coded HSPCs-derived cells in intact tissues for extensive periods of time following transplantation.

We developed and validated a fluorescent marking methodology for clonal tracking of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) with high spatial and ...

Cytosolic Calcium Measurements in Renal Epithelial Cells by Flow Cytometry

A variety of cellular processes, both physiological and pathophysiological, require or are governed by calcium, including exocytosis, mitochondrial function, cell death, cell metabolism and cell migration to name but a few. Cytosolic calcium is normally maintained at low nanomolar concentrations; rather it is found in high micromolar to millimolar concentrations in the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondrial matrix and the extracellular compartment. Upon stimulation, a transient increase in cytosolic calcium serves to signal downstream events. Detecting changes in cytosolic calcium is normally performed using a live cell imaging set up with calcium binding dyes that exhibit either an increase in fluorescence intensity or a shift in the emission wavelength upon calcium binding. However, a live cell imaging set up is not freely accessible to all researchers. Alternative detection methods have been optimized for immunological cells with flow cytometry and for non-immunological adherent cells with a fluorescence microplate reader. Here, we describe an optimized, simple method for detecting changes in epithelial cells with flow cytometry using a single wavelength calcium binding dye. Adherent renal proximal tubule epithelial cells, which are normally difficult to load with dyes, were loaded with a fluorescent cell permeable calcium binding dye in the presence of probenecid, brought into suspension and calcium signals were monitored before and after addition of thapsigargin, tunicamycin and ionomycin.

Calcium is involved in numerous physiological and pathophysiological signaling pathways. Live cell imaging requires specialized equipment and can be time consuming. A quick, simple method using a flow cytometer to determine relative changes in cytosolic calcium in adherent epithelial cells brought into suspension was optimized.

A variety of cellular processes, both physiological and pathophysiological, require or are governed by calcium, including exocytosis, mitochondrial ...

High-resolution Time-lapse Imaging and Automated Analysis of Microtubule Dynamics in Living Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

The physiological process by which new vasculature forms from existing vasculature requires specific signaling events that trigger morphological changes within individual endothelial cells (ECs). These processes are critical for homeostatic maintenance such as wound healing, and are also crucial in promoting tumor growth and metastasis. EC morphology is defined by the organization of the cytoskeleton, a tightly regulated system of actin and microtubule (MT) dynamics that is known to control EC branching, polarity and directional migration, essential components of angiogenesis. To study MT dynamics, we used high-resolution fluorescence microscopy coupled with computational image analysis of fluorescently-labeled MT plus-ends to investigate MT growth dynamics and the regulation of EC branching morphology and directional migration. Time-lapse imaging of living Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) was performed following transfection with fluorescently-labeled MT End Binding protein 3 (EB3) and Mitotic Centromere Associated Kinesin (MCAK)-specific cDNA constructs to evaluate effects on MT dynamics. PlusTipTracker software was used to track EB3-labeled MT plus ends in order to measure MT growth speeds and MT growth lifetimes in time-lapse images. This methodology allows for the study of MT dynamics and the identification of how localized regulation of MT dynamics within sub-cellular regions contributes to the angiogenic processes of EC branching and migration.

Protocols for Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cell (HUVEC) culture, transient transfection of fluorescently-labeled markers of microtubule growth, live-cell imaging and automated analysis of interphase microtubule growth dynamics are detailed.

The physiological process by which new vasculature forms from existing vasculature requires specific signaling events that trigger morphological changes ...

Simultaneous Measurement of Mitochondrial Calcium and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in Live Cells by Fluorescent Microscopy

Apart from their essential role in generating ATP, mitochondria also act as local calcium (Ca2+) buffers to tightly regulate intracellular Ca2+ concentration. To do this, mitochondria utilize the electrochemical potential across their inner membrane (&#916;&#936;m) to sequester Ca2+. The influx of Ca2+ into the mitochondria stimulates three rate-limiting dehydrogenases of the citric acid cycle, increasing electron transfer through the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes. This stimulation maintains &#916;&#936;m, which is temporarily dissipated as the positive calcium ions cross the mitochondrial inner membrane into the mitochondrial matrix.
We describe here a method for simultaneously measuring mitochondria Ca2+ uptake and &#916;&#936;m in live cells using confocal microscopy. By permeabilizing the cells, mitochondrial Ca2+ can be measured using the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator Fluo-4, AM, with measurement of &#916;&#936;m using the fluorescent dye tetramethylrhodamine, methyl ester, perchlorate (TMRM). The benefit of this system is that there is very little spectral overlap between the fluorescent dyes, allowing accurate measurement of mitochondrial Ca2+ and &#916;&#936;m simultaneously. Using the sequential addition of Ca2+ aliquots, mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake can be monitored, and the concentration at which Ca2+ induces mitochondrial membrane permeability transition and the loss of &#916;&#936;m determined.

Mitochondria can utilize the electrochemical potential across their inner membrane (&#916;&#936;m) to sequester calcium (Ca2+), allowing them to shape cytosolic Ca2+ signaling within the cell. We describe a method for simultaneously measuring mitochondria Ca2+ uptake and &#916;&#936;m in live cells using fluorescent dyes and confocal microscopy.

Apart from their essential role in generating ATP, mitochondria also act as local calcium (Ca2+) buffers to tightly regulate intracellular Ca2+ ...

A Graphical User Interface for Software-assisted Tracking of Protein Concentration in Dynamic Cellular Protrusions

Filopodia are dynamic, finger-like cellular protrusions associated with migration and cell-cell communication. In order to better understand the complex signaling mechanisms underlying filopodial initiation, elongation and subsequent stabilization or retraction, it is crucial to determine the spatio-temporal protein activity in these dynamic structures. To analyze protein function in filopodia, we recently developed a semi-automated tracking algorithm that adapts to filopodial shape-changes, thus allowing parallel analysis of protrusion dynamics and relative protein concentration along the whole filopodial length. Here, we present a detailed step-by-step protocol for optimized cell handling, image acquisition and software analysis. We further provide instructions for the use of optional features during image analysis and data representation, as well as troubleshooting guidelines for all critical steps along the way. Finally, we also include a comparison of the described image analysis software with other programs available for filopodia quantification. Together, the presented protocol provides a framework for accurate analysis of protein dynamics in filopodial protrusions using image analysis software.

We present a software solution for semi-automated tracking of relative protein concentration along the length of dynamic cellular protrusions.

Filopodia are dynamic, finger-like cellular protrusions associated with migration and cell-cell communication. In order to better understand the complex ...

Visualizing Lymph Node Structure and Cellular Localization using Ex-Vivo Confocal Microscopy

Lymph nodes (LNs) are organs spread within the body, where the innate immune responses can connect with the adaptive immunity. In fact, LNs are strategically interposed in the path of the lymphatic vessels, allowing intimate contact of tissue antigens with all resident immune cells in the LN. Thus, understanding the cellular composition, distribution, location and interaction using ex vivo whole LN imaging will add to the knowledge on how the body coordinates local and systemic immune responses. This protocol shows an ex vivo imaging strategy following an in vivo administration of fluorescent-labeled antibodies that allows a very reproducible and easy-to-perform methodology by using conventional confocal microscopes and stock reagents. Through subcutaneous injection of antibodies, it is possible to label different cell populations in draining LNs without affecting tissue structures that can be potentially damaged by a conventional immunofluorescence microscopy technique.

This protocol describes a technique to image different cell populations in draining lymph nodes without alterations in the organ structure.