Name: determining bile duct density in the mouse liver
Uploaded: 2019-04-30T14:45:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Determining Bile Duct Density in the Mouse Liver at JoVE.com

Los autores reconocen el apoyo de los Institutos Nacionales de Salud (NIH) (R01 GM084135 y R01 DK109982), un Premio de Pilot/Viabilidad del Centro Médico de Enfermedad Digestiva de Texas bajo NIH P30 DK56338, y un Premio Acelerador del Síndrome de Alagille La Fundación Médica.

Todos los animales fueron alojados en una instalación de animales de barrera en Baylor College of Medicine según las directrices del Comité Institucional de Cuidado y Uso de Animales y bajo protocolos de animales aprobados.
1. Colección de tejido hepático de ratón
<ol><li>
Preparación del ratón para la cosecha hepática
	<ol>
<li>Eutanasia el ratón usando isoflurano.</li>
		<li>Realizar la luxación cervical del ratón para asegurar la muerte.</li>
		<li>Haga una in...

<ol>
	<li>Zong, Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Notch+signaling+controls+liver+development+by+regulating+biliary+differentiation.">Notch signaling controls liver development by regulating biliary differentiation.</a> Development. 136 (10), 1727-1739 (2009).</li><li>Clotman, F., 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=Control+of+liver+cell+fate+decision+by+a+gradient+of+TGF&#946;+signaling+modulated+by+Onecut+transcription+factors.">Control of liver cell fate decision by a gradient of TGF&#946; signaling modulated by Onecut transcription factors.</a> Genes &amp; Development. 19 (16), 1849-1854 (2005).</li><li>Karpen, S. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Update+on+the+etiologies+and+management+of+neonatal+cholestasis.">Update on the etiologies and management of neonatal cholestasis.</a> Clin Perinatol. 29 (1), 159-180 (2002).</li><li>Roskams, T. 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=Nomenclature+of+the+finer+branches+of+the+biliary+tree:+canals,+ductules,+and+ductular+reactions+in+human+livers.">Nomenclature of the finer branches of the biliary tree: canals, ductules, and ductular reactions in human livers.</a> Hepatology. 39 (6), 1739-1745 (2004).</li><li>Oda, T., 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=Mutations+in+the+human+Jagged1+gene+are+responsible+for+Alagille+syndrome.">Mutations in the human Jagged1 gene are responsible for Alagille syndrome.</a> Nature Genetics. 16 (3), 235 (1997).</li><li>Li, L., 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=Alagille+syndrome+is+caused+by+mutations+in+human+Jagged1,+which+encodes+a+ligand+for+Notch1.">Alagille syndrome is caused by mutations in human Jagged1, which encodes a ligand for Notch1.</a> Nature Genetics. 16 (3), 243 (1997).</li><li>Xue, Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Embryonic+lethality+and+vascular+defects+in+mice+lacking+the+Notch+ligand+Jagged1.">Embryonic lethality and vascular defects in mice lacking the Notch ligand Jagged1.</a> Human Molecular Genetics. 8 (5), 723-730 (1999).</li><li>Thakurdas, S. 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=Jagged1+heterozygosity+in+mice+results+in+a+congenital+cholangiopathy+which+is+reversed+by+concomitant+deletion+of+one+copy+of+Poglut1+(Rumi).">Jagged1 heterozygosity in mice results in a congenital cholangiopathy which is reversed by concomitant deletion of one copy of Poglut1 (Rumi).</a> Hepatology. 63 (2), 550-565 (2016).</li><li>Hadchouel, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Paucity+of+interlobular+bile+ducts.">Paucity of interlobular bile ducts.</a> Seminars in Diagnostic Pathology. 9 (1), 24-30 (1992).</li><li>Emerick, K. 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=Features+of+Alagille+syndrome+in+92+patients:+frequency+and+relation+to+prognosis.">Features of Alagille syndrome in 92 patients: frequency and relation to prognosis.</a> Hepatology. 29 (3), 822-829 (1999).</li><li>Poncy, 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=Transcription+factors+SOX4+and+SOX9+cooperatively+control+development+of+bile+ducts.">Transcription factors SOX4 and SOX9 cooperatively control development of bile ducts.</a> Dev Biol. 404 (2), 136-148 (2015).</li><li>Hofmann, J. 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=Jagged1+in+the+portal+vein+mesenchyme+regulates+intrahepatic+bile+duct+development:+insights+into+Alagille+syndrome.">Jagged1 in the portal vein mesenchyme regulates intrahepatic bile duct development: insights into Alagille syndrome.</a> Development. 137 (23), 4061-4072 (2010).</li><li>McCright, B., Lozier, J., Gridley, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+mouse+model+of+Alagille+syndrome:+Notch2+as+a+genetic+modifier+of+Jag1+haploinsufficiency.">A mouse model of Alagille syndrome: Notch2 as a genetic modifier of Jag1 haploinsufficiency.</a> Development. 129 (4), 1075-1082 (2002).</li><li>Andersson, E. 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=Mouse+Model+of+Alagille+Syndrome+and+Mechanisms+of+Jagged1+Missense+Mutations.">Mouse Model of Alagille Syndrome and Mechanisms of Jagged1 Missense Mutations.</a> Gastroenterology. 154 (4), 1080-1095 (2018).</li><li>Loomes, K. 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=Bile+duct+proliferation+in+liver-specific+Jag1+conditional+knockout+mice:+effects+of+gene+dosage.">Bile duct proliferation in liver-specific Jag1 conditional knockout mice: effects of gene dosage.</a> Hepatology. 45 (2), 323-330 (2007).</li><li>Brulet, P., Babinet, C., Kemler, R., Jacob, F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Monoclonal+antibodies+against+trophectoderm-specific+markers+during+mouse+blastocyst+formation.">Monoclonal antibodies against trophectoderm-specific markers during mouse blastocyst formation.</a> Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 77 (7), 4113-4117 (1980).</li><li>Skalli, O., 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=A+monoclonal+antibody+against+alpha-smooth+muscle+actin:+a+new+probe+for+smooth+muscle+differentiation.">A monoclonal antibody against alpha-smooth muscle actin: a new probe for smooth muscle differentiation.</a> J Cell Biol. 103 (6 Pt 2), 2787-2796 (1986).</li><li>Kamath, B. 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=A+longitudinal+study+to+identify+laboratory+predictors+of+liver+disease+outcome+in+Alagille+syndrome.">A longitudinal study to identify laboratory predictors of liver disease outcome in Alagille syndrome.</a> Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 50 (5), 526 (2010).</li><li>Mouzaki, 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=Early+life+predictive+markers+of+liver+disease+outcome+in+an+International,+Multicentre+Cohort+of+children+with+Alagille+syndrome.">Early life predictive markers of liver disease outcome in an International, Multicentre Cohort of children with Alagille syndrome.</a> Liver International. 36 (5), 755-760 (2016).</li><li>Shiojiri, N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+and+differentiation+of+bile+ducts+in+the+mammalian+liver.">Development and differentiation of bile ducts in the mammalian liver.</a> Microsc Res Tech. 39 (4), 328-335 (1997).</li><li>Crawford, J. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+of+the+intrahepatic+biliary+tree.">Development of the intrahepatic biliary tree.</a> Semin Liver Dis. 22 (3), 213-226 (2002).</li><li>Kaneko, K., Kamimoto, K., Miyajima, A., Itoh, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Adaptive+remodeling+of+the+biliary+architecture+underlies+liver+homeostasis.">Adaptive remodeling of the biliary architecture underlies liver homeostasis.</a> Hepatology. 61 (6), 2056-2066 (2015).</li><li>Schaub, J. 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=De+novo+formation+of+the+biliary+system+by+TGFbeta-mediated+hepatocyte+transdifferentiation.">De novo formation of the biliary system by TGFbeta-mediated hepatocyte transdifferentiation.</a> Nature. 557 (7704), 247-251 (2018).</li><li>Sparks, E. E., Huppert, K. A., Brown, M. A., Washington, M. K., Huppert, S. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Notch+signaling+regulates+formation+of+the+three-dimensional+architecture+of+intrahepatic+bile+ducts+in+mice.">Notch signaling regulates formation of the three-dimensional architecture of intrahepatic bile ducts in mice.</a> Hepatology. 51 (4), 1391-1400 (2010).</li><li>Tanimizu, 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=Intrahepatic+bile+ducts+are+developed+through+formation+of+homogeneous+continuous+luminal+network+and+its+dynamic+rearrangement+in+mice.">Intrahepatic bile ducts are developed through formation of homogeneous continuous luminal network and its dynamic rearrangement in mice.</a> Hepatology. 64 (1), 175-188 (2016).</li><li>Walter, T. J., Sparks, E. E., Huppert, S. 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(68), e4272 (2012).</li><li>Popper, H., Kent, G., Stein, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ductular+cell+reaction+in+the+liver+in+hepatic+injury.">Ductular cell reaction in the liver in hepatic injury.</a> J Mt Sinai Hosp N Y. 24 (5), 551-556 (1957).</li><li>Yimlamai, D., 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=Hippo+pathway+activity+influences+liver+cell+fate.">Hippo pathway activity influences liver cell fate.</a> Cell. 157 (6), 1324-1338 (2014).</li></ol>

El análisis del desarrollo y reparación de BD en ratones es una herramienta importante en el estudio de la patogénesis y el mecanismo de los trastornos colestásicos. Además, el desarrollo de nuevas terapias depende en parte de la creación de un fenotipo reproducible y preferiblemente cuantificable. El fenotipado actual en modelos de ratón generalmente implica química sérica, histología hepática e inmunostaining para marcadores específicos de tipo celular. Aunque estas técnicas generan información valiosa so...

El árbol biliar es una parte crítica del hígado de mamífero, permitiendo el paso de la bilis de los hepatocitos al intestino. Los conductos biliares intrahepáticos (BD) están formados por colangiocitos, que se diferenciande los hepatoblastos bipotenciales a través de la señalización Notch y TGF 1,2. La especificación adecuada y el compromiso de los colangiocitos y su ensamblaje en BDs maduros son críticos para el desarrollo del árbol biliar intrahepático. A medida que el hígado crece durante el desarrollo o después de la regeneración de órganos, el sistema biliar necesita desarrollarse a lo largo del hígado para asegurar el drenaje biliar adecuado. Además, una serie de enfermedades sindrómicas y no sindrómicas dan lugar a la escasez de LOS DE intrahepáticos3. Además, una serie de enfermedades hepáticas agudas y crónicas dan lugar a las llamadas reacciones ductulares en el hígado, que se definen como la presencia de un número significativo de células que expresan marcadores biliares pero no necesariamente surgen de células biliares o forma de patente BDs4. En el trastorno multisistema Síndrome de Alagille (ALGS), haploinsuficiencia del ligando Notch irregular1 (JAG1) resulta en mala formación de BD y colestasis5,6. Nuestro laboratorio demostró recientemente que una línea de ratón heterocigoto Jag1 previamente generada7 es un modelo animal de la escasez BD en ALGS8. En este modelo de ratón de ALGS, los colangiocitos todavía están presentes. Sin embargo, no se comprometen a incorporarse a los DE de patente8. Por lo tanto, el análisis del hígado en un modelo de escasez de BD requiere más que la presencia aparente o ausencia de colangiocitos. Es importante evaluar con precisión el grado en que los BDmaduros están presentes en el hígado.
En patología anatómica, existen métodos cuantitativos aceptados para evaluar si la escasez de BD existe9. Por ejemplo, los estudios sobre ALGS en pacientes humanos a menudo cuantifican la relación BD a vena porta (PV) mediante el análisis de al menos 10 vasos de portal por biopsia hepática9,10. El análisis de la forma y la presencia o ausencia general de LOS BD de patentes, combinados con la química sérica, pueden proporcionar información valiosa sobre el desarrollo de BD en ratones11,12,13. Sin embargo, los ratones pueden perder un número significativo de BDs con sólo un aumento modesto en el niveldebilirrubina sérica 8. En consecuencia, un método cuantitativo que evalúe el número de BD presentes por PV puede proporcionar una medida más directa del grado de escasez de BD en ratones. En un informe reciente, cuantificamos el número de BDs por PV en todos los lóbulos hepáticos y reportamos una disminución significativa en la relación BD a PV en Jag1+/– animales8. Durante el transcurso de nuestro análisis, nos dimos cuenta de que a pesar de la variación significativa en el grado de respuesta inflamatoria y reacciones ductulares, la relación BD a PV no muestra mucha variabilidad8. Además, la cuantificación de la relación BD a PV nos permitió demostrar que la eliminación de una copia del gen de la glicoseltransferasa Poglut1 en Jag1+/– los animales pueden mejorar significativamente su escasez de BD8. En un fondo Jag1+/+, la pérdida condicional de Poglut1 en las células musculares lisas vasculares da como resultado un aumento progresivo en el número de BD, que es modesto (20-30%) en P7 pero sehace prominente en adultos 8. Una vez más, esta técnica nos permitió mostrar que incluso en P7, el aumento de la densidad de BD en estos animales es estadísticamente significativo. Cabe destacar que el aumento de la densidad de BD en este genotipo a los cuatro meses de edad también se validó mediante el análisis de fundición de resina. 8 Estas observaciones y otros informes que midieron la densidad de BD en diferentes modelos de ratón ALGS14,15 nos llevaron a incorporar este método en nuestra estrategia general para analizar defectos biliares en varios mutantes y ratones transgénicos.
Aquí, detallamos una técnica sencilla que se puede utilizar para examinar el grado de escasez de BD en modelos de ratón de enfermedad hepática (Figura1). En este método, la co-tinción con marcadores de colangiocitos cytoqueratina (CK) 8 y CK19 (en adelante CK de amplio espectro, wsCK) se utiliza para visualizar BDs y cholangiocitos no incorporados en el hígado del ratón. Se añade un anticuerpo contra la actina muscular alfa-suave (-SMA) a la tinción para etiquetar los vasos. El análisis sistemático de la relación BD a PV en una sección que cubre todos los lóbulos hepáticos garantiza que se analice un gran número de PV para cada genotipo. Dado que nuestro método se basa en la cuantificación de BDs y PV en imágenes 2D, no es adecuado para estudiar los efectos de una mutación dada en la estructura 3D del árbol biliar o la integridad de los pequeños conductos biliares. Sin embargo, proporciona una estrategia simple y objetiva para que los investigadores evalúen el desarrollo biliar en el ratón.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Isothesia (Isoflurane)</td>
			<td>Henry Schein</td>
			<td>11695-6776-2</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Desiccator</td>
			<td>Bel-Art</td>
			<td>16-800-552</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>10% PFA</td>
			<td>Electron Microscopy Sciences</td>
			<td>15712</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>50mL tube</td>
			<td>ThermoScientific</td>
			<td>339653</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>70% Ethanol</td>
			<td>Decon Laboratories</td>
			<td>2401</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>95% Ethanol</td>
			<td>Decon Laboratories</td>
			<td>2801</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>100% Ethanol</td>
			<td>Decon Laboratories</td>
			<td>2701</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>HistoChoice</td>
			<td>VWR Life Sciences</td>
			<td>H103-4L</td>
			<td>clearing agent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Omnisette Tissue Cassette</td>
			<td>Fisher HealthCare</td>
			<td>15-197-710E</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Macrosette</td>
			<td>Simport</td>
			<td>M512</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Paraplast X-TRA</td>
			<td>McCormick Scientific</td>
			<td>39503002</td>
			<td>Parrafin</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tissue Mold</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>62528-32</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microtome</td>
			<td>Microm</td>
			<td>HM 325</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Superfrost Plus Microscope Slides</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>12-550-15</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Xylene</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>C8H10</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tris-Based Antigen Retrieval</td>
			<td>Vector Laboratories</td>
			<td>H-3301</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pressure Cooker</td>
			<td>Instant Pot</td>
			<td>Lux Mini</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mini Pap Pen</td>
			<td>Life Technologies</td>
			<td>8877</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Polyoxyethylene 20 Sorbitan Monolaurate (Tween-20)</td>
			<td>J.T. Baker</td>
			<td>X251-07</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Octyl Phenol Ethoxylate (Triton-X-100)</td>
			<td>J.T. Baker</td>
			<td>X198-07</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Normal Goat Serum</td>
			<td>Jackson Immunoresearch</td>
			<td>005-000-121</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>anti-CK8</td>
			<td>Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank</td>
			<td>TROMA-I</td>
			<td>Antibody Registry ID AB531826</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>anti-CK19</td>
			<td>Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank</td>
			<td>TROMA-III</td>
			<td>Antibody Registry ID AB2133570</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>anti-&#945;SMA</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>A2547, Clone 1A4</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>anti-rat-Alexa488</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher</td>
			<td>A21208</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>anti-mouse-Cy5</td>
			<td>Jackson Immunoresearch</td>
			<td>715-175-151</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DAPI</td>
			<td>Vector Laboratories</td>
			<td>H-1000</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>22x50 micro cover glass</td>
			<td>VWR Life Sciences</td>
			<td>48393 059</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fluorescence Microscope</td>
			<td>Leica</td>
			<td>DMI6000 B</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Kimwipes</td>
			<td>Kimtech Science</td>
			<td>05511</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>VECTASHIELD</td>
			<td>Vector Laboratories</td>
			<td>H-1000</td>
			<td>Antifade Mounting Medium</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

determining bile duct density in the mouse liver

El ratón se utiliza ampliamente como un organismo modelo para estudiar enfermedades biliares. Para evaluar el desarrollo y la función del sistema biliar, se utilizan diversas técnicas, incluyendo la química sérica, el análisis histológico y la inmunomancha para marcadores específicos. Aunque estas técnicas pueden proporcionar información importante sobre el sistema biliar, a menudo no presentan una imagen completa de los defectos de desarrollo del conducto biliar (BD) en todo el hígado. Esto se debe en parte a la robusta capacidad del hígado del ratón para drenar la bilis incluso en animales con deterioro significativo en el desarrollo biliar. Aquí presentamos un método simple para calcular el número promedio de BDs asociados a cada vena porta (PV) en secciones que cubren todos los lóbulos de ratones mutantes/transgénicos. En este método, los hígados se montan y seccionan de manera estereotípica para facilitar la comparación entre varios genotipos y condiciones experimentales. Los BDse identifican mediante microscopía ligera de colangiocitos manchados de citoqueratina, y luego se cuentan y dividen por el número total de PV presentes en la sección hepática. Como ejemplo, mostramos cómo este método puede distinguir claramente entre ratones de tipo salvaje y un modelo de ratón del síndrome de Alagille. El método presentado aquí no puede sustituir a las técnicas que visualizan la estructura tridimensional del árbol biliar. Sin embargo, ofrece una manera fácil y directa de evaluar cuantitativamente el desarrollo de BD y el grado de formación de reacciones ductulares en ratones.

Anteriormente documentamos defectos biliares en Jag1+/– animales, un modelo de ratón de ALGS8. Para determinar la relación BD a PV, seccionamos los hígados de ratón P30 y los colocamos co-teñidos para CK8 y CK19 (wsCK) junto con el marcador vascular SMA. Luego dimos una imagen de todos los PV en cada uno de los lóbulos hepáticos. Tal y como se muestra en de la Figura 2A,definimos los PV como los recipientes manchados ...

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Determining Bile Duct Density in the Mouse Liver

Presentamos un método bastante simple y sensible para la cuantificación precisa de la densidad de las vías biliares en el hígado del ratón. Este método puede ayudar a determinar los efectos de los modificadores genéticos y ambientales y la eficacia de las terapias potenciales en modelos de ratón de enfermedades biliares.

Determinación de la densidad del conducto biliar en el hígado del ratón

Mouse is broadly used as a model organism to study biliary diseases. To evaluate the development and function of the biliary system, various techniques ...

Este protocolo permite al investigador cuantificar el desarrollo de conductos biliares en modelos de ratón de enfermedad hepática. También permite evaluar los efectos de los modificadores genéticos en el desarrollo de conductos biliares. La ventaja de esta técnica es que es un método sencillo, sensible y cuantitativo para la evaluación directa del desarrollo de conductos biliares.Para empezar, con la piel tensa por fórceps, utilice tijeras pequeñas para hacer una incisión transversal aproximadamente una pulgada por debajo de la caja torácica de un ratón eutanizado. Exponga toda la superficie ventral del hígado. Usa tijeras pequeñas para cortar cuidadosamente los ligamentos que conectan el hígado con los otros órganos del abdomen.Luego, corta el conducto biliar común para separar el hígado del intestino. Agárrate a la vesícula biliar y retira cuidadosamente el hígado. Colóquelo inmediatamente en un tubo de 50 mililitros lleno de tres cuartos con 4%paraformaldehído.Para fijar el tejido hepático, incubarlo en 4%PFA a cuatro grados Celsius durante 48 horas. Después de una serie de lavados de etanol, lave el hígado con agente limpiador tres veces durante 30 minutos cada uno a temperatura ambiente. Para comenzar a incrustar, lave un cassette de tejido en un molde de tejido tres veces durante 30 minutos en cera de parafina precalentada a 60 grados Centígrados.Luego, llene el molde de tejido con cera de parafina a tres cuartos de altura y manténgalo en un bloque de calentamiento a 60 grados Centígrados. Coloque el hígado en el molde con el lado ventral hacia arriba. Después de retirar cuidadosamente el molde del bloque de calefacción, coloque la parte superior del cassette en el molde.Rescinda con parafina líquida caliente y dé la calma a temperatura ambiente durante la noche. Después de retirar el bloqueo hepático del molde, utilice un microtoma para comenzar a seccionar a través del lado dorsal superficial del hígado, haciendo secciones de cinco micrómetros. Compruebe las secciones superficiales bajo un microscopio de disección para asegurarse de que las secciones no estén cortadas o dobladas.Para procesar diapositivas para inmunohistoquímica, seleccione una diapositiva por genotipo que se analizará y lávela durante 15 minutos en xileno, 100% etanol, 95% etanol y, finalmente, 70% etanol. Después de lavar el tobogán en el agua ionizada, sumerja en la solución de recuperación de antígeno de alto pH basada en Tris. Luego, calienta bajo presión en una olla a presión durante tres minutos a 10 libras por pulgada cuadrada.Después de dejar que la diapositiva se enfríe a temperatura ambiente, utilice un lápiz PAP para delinear las secciones de la diapositiva. Después de lavar con PBS Tween, bloquee las secciones de tejido añadiendo 100 microlitros de solución de bloqueo por sección e incubar cubierto a cuatro grados Centígrados durante una hora. Aplicar 100 microlitros de la solución de anticuerpos diluidos que contengan los tres anticuerpos primarios en cada sección e incubarlos a cuatro grados centígrados durante la noche.Después de lavar los portaobjetos, añadir 100 microlitros de la solución secundaria de anticuerpos que contengan anticuerpos secundarios e incubar durante una hora a temperatura ambiente. Por último, aplique el medio de montaje y un cubreobjetos a las diapositivas. Utilice un microscopio fluorescente para tomar imágenes de 20x con zoom 1x de cada sección.Asegúrese de que todas las venas porta a través del hígado estén imágenes. Cree una hoja de cálculo con las siguientes columnas: Número de animal/muestra, número de imagen, número de venas porta y número de conductos biliares. Identifique y registre el número de venas porta por imagen para cada imagen.A continuación, identificar los conductos biliares patentados en cada imagen, por la presencia de colangiocitos que rodean un lumen definible. Estas estructuras deben ser distintas y separadas por mesenquimo de otras células citoqueratina-positivas de amplio espectro. Uno de los principales desafíos de esta técnica es identificar los conductos biliares patentados.Determinar qué es un conducto de patente requiere un análisis de la forma del conducto y las células que rodean el lumen. Cuente cada conducto biliar patentado y colóquelo en la misma columna que el número de imagen y repita para cada imagen de vena porta. Por último, calcule la suma de todas las venas porta y todos los conductos biliares en la muestra hepática y calcule la relación entre el conducto biliar y la vena porta para la muestra hepática.Los hígados de ratón P30 fueron seccionados y co-manchados para CK8 y CK19 junto con el marcador vascular, alfa-SMA, para determinar la relación BD a PV. Cuando se visualizan todas las venas porta en cada lóbulo hepático, las venas porta se definieron como vasos manchados de alfa-SMA que tienen manchas adyacentes de citoqueracina de amplio espectro. Las estructuras de tinción alfa-SMA sin citoqueracina de amplio espectro eran venas centrales que fueron excluidas del análisis.Los conductos de patente tienen un lumen claramente definible que está rodeado por colangioctyes citoqueratina-positivas de amplio espectro y generalmente están separados de los conductos cercanos o colangiocitos por mesenquima. Las células citoqueratina-positivas de amplio espectro que no tienen un lumen definible, no se cuentan para el número total de conductos biliares. La sección hepática de un animal de tipo salvaje muestra una vena porta asociada con un conducto completamente patentado junto con varias células no incorporadas.La sección hepática representativa de un animal heterocigoto JAG1 muestra que no hay conductos biliares patentados alrededor de las tres venas porta. Todas las células citoqueratina-positivas de amplio espectro aquí no están incorporadas y, por lo tanto, no deben ser contadas. El análisis de la relación BD a PV para tres animales heterocigotos JAG1 y de tipo salvaje muestra cómo los dos genotipos se pueden distinguir fácilmente en función del recuento de conductos biliares.Es importante evaluar todos los vasos del portal en busca de conductos biliares. Es especialmente crítico para determinar la densidad de los conductos biliares si hay variabilidad fenotípica en todo el hígado. Esta técnica se utilizó para identificar un supresor genético del fenotipo biliar en un modelo de ratón de Helgason.Por lo tanto, puede ser útil en la evaluación de las modalidades de tratamiento de modelos animales de enfermedad biliar.

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Research

JoVE Journal

Developmental Biology

Stimulation of Notch Signaling in Mouse Osteoclast Precursors

Notch signaling is a key component of multiple physiological and pathological processes. The nature of Notch signaling, however, makes in vitro investigation of its varying and sometimes contradictory roles a challenge. As a component of direct cell-cell communication with both receptors and ligands bound to the plasma membrane, Notch signaling cannot be activated in vitro by simple addition of ligands to culture media, as is possible with many other signaling pathways. Instead, Notch ligands must be presented to cells in an immobilized state. 
Variations in methods of Notch signaling activation can lead to different outcomes in cultured cells. In osteoclast precursors, in particular, differences in methods of Notch stimulation and osteoclast precursor culture and differentiation have led to disagreement over whether Notch signaling is a positive or negative regulator of osteoclast differentiation. While closer comparisons of osteoclast differentiation under different Notch stimulation conditions in vitro and genetic models have largely resolved the controversy regarding Notch signaling and osteoclasts, standardized methods of continuous and temporary stimulation of Notch signaling in cultured cells could prevent such discrepancies in the future.
This protocol describes two methods for stimulating Notch signaling specifically in cultured mouse osteoclast precursors, though these methods should be applicable to any adherent cell type with minor adjustments. The first method produces continuous stimulation of Notch signaling and involves immobilizing Notch ligand to a tissue culture surface prior to the seeding of cells. The second, which uses Notch ligand bound to agarose beads allows for temporary stimulation of Notch signaling in cells that are already adhered to a culture surface. This protocol also includes methods for detecting Notch activation in osteoclast precursors as well as representative transcriptional markers of Notch signaling activation.

Notch signaling is a form of cellular communication that relies upon direct contact between cells. To properly induce Notch signaling in vitro, Notch ligands must be presented to cells in an immobilized state. This protocol describes methods for in vitro stimulation of Notch signaling in mouse osteoclast precursors.

La estimulación de la señalización de Notch en el ratón osteoclastos precursores

Notch signaling is a key component of multiple physiological and pathological processes. The nature of Notch signaling, however, makes in vitro ...

Investigación

Biología del Desarrollo

Histological Analyses of Acute Alcoholic Liver Injury in Zebrafish

Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD) refers to damage to the liver due to acute or chronic alcohol abuse. It is among the leading causes of alcohol-related morbidity and mortality and affects more than 2 million people in the United States. A better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying alcohol-induced liver injury is crucial for developing effective treatment for ALD. Zebrafish larvae exhibit hepatic steatosis and fibrogenesis after just 24 h of exposure to 2% ethanol, making them useful for the study of acute alcoholic liver injury. This work describes the procedure for acute ethanol treatment in zebrafish larvae and shows that it causes steatosis and swelling of the hepatic blood vessels. A detailed protocol for Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&#38;E) staining that is optimized for the histological analysis of the zebrafish larval liver, is also described. H&#38;E staining has several unique advantages over immunofluorescence, as it marks all liver cells and extracellular components simultaneously and can readily detect hepatic injury, such as steatosis and fibrosis. Given the increasing usage of zebrafish in modeling toxin and virus-induced liver injury, as well as inherited liver diseases, this protocol serves as a reference for the histological analyses performed in all these studies.

This protocol describes histological analyses of the livers from zebrafish larvae that have been treated with 2% ethanol for 24 h. Such acute ethanol treatment results in hepatic steatosis and swelling of the hepatic vasculature.

Análisis histológicos de lesiones hepáticas alcohólicas agudas en peces cebra

Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD) refers to damage to the liver due to acute or chronic alcohol abuse. It is among the leading causes of alcohol-related ...

In Vitro Growth of Mouse Preantral Follicles Under Simulated Microgravity

14 day-old mouse ovarian tissue and preantral follicles isolated from same-aged mice were incubated in a simulated microgravity culture system. We quantitatively assessed follicle survival, measured follicle and oocyte diameters, and examined ultrastructure of the oocytes produced from the system. We observed decreased follicle survival, downregulation of expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and growth differentiation factor 9, as indicators for the development of granulosa cells and oocytes, respectively, and oocyte ultrastructural abnormalities under the simulated microgravity condition. The simulated microgravity experimental setup needs to be optimized to provide a model for investigation of the mechanisms involved in the oocyte/follicle in vitro development.

In Vitro Growth of Mouse Preantral Follicles Under Simulated Microgravity

A highly promising technique to generate tissue constructs without using matrix is to culture cells in a simulated microgravity condition. Using a rotary culture system, we examined ovarian follicle growth and oocyte maturation in terms of follicle survival, morphology, growth, and oocyte function under the simulated microgravity condition.

In Vitro Crecimiento de los folículos Preantral ratón bajo microgravedad simulada

14 day-old mouse ovarian tissue and preantral follicles isolated from same-aged mice were incubated in a simulated microgravity culture system. We ...

Quantifying Branching Density in Rat Mammary Gland Whole-mounts Using the Sholl Analysis Method

An increasing number of studies are utilizing the rodent mammary gland as an endpoint for assessing the developmental toxicity of a chemical exposure. The effects these exposures have on mammary gland development are typically evaluated using either basic dimensional measurements or by scoring morphological characteristics. However, the broad range of methods for interpreting developmental changes could lead to inconsistent translations across laboratories. A common method of assessment is needed so that proper interpretations can be formed from data being compared across studies. The present study describes the application of the Sholl analysis method to quantify mammary gland branching characteristics. The Sholl method was originally developed for use in quantifying neuronal dendritic patterns. By using ImageJ, an open-source image analysis software package, and a plugin developed for this analysis, the mammary gland branching density and the complexity of a mammary gland from a peripubertal female rat were determined. The methods described here will enable the use of the Sholl analysis as an effective tool for quantifying an important characteristic of mammary gland development.

Mammary gland development in the rodent has typically been evaluated using descriptive assessments or by measuring basic physical attributes. Branching density is an indicator of mammary development that is difficult to quantify objectively. This protocol describes a reliable method for the quantitative assessment of mammary gland branching characteristics.

Cuantificación de la densidad de ramificación en las monturas enteras de la glándula mamaria de rata usando el método de análisis Sholl

An increasing number of studies are utilizing the rodent mammary gland as an endpoint for assessing the developmental toxicity of a chemical exposure. The ...

Live Imaging of Mouse Secondary Palate Fusion

The fusion of the secondary palatal shelves to form the intact secondary palate is a key process in mammalian development and its disruption can lead to cleft secondary palate, a common congenital anomaly in humans. Secondary palate fusion has been extensively studied leading to several proposed cellular mechanisms that may mediate this process. However, these studies have been mostly performed on fixed embryonic tissues at progressive timepoints during development or in fixed explant cultures analyzed at static timepoints. Static analysis is limited for the analysis of dynamic morphogenetic processes such a palate fusion and what types of dynamic cellular behaviors mediate palatal fusion is incompletely understood. Here we describe a protocol for live imaging of ex vivo secondary palate fusion in mouse embryos. To examine cellular behaviors of palate fusion, epithelial-specific Keratin14-cre was used to label palate epithelial cells in ROSA26-mTmGflox reporter embryos. To visualize filamentous actin, Lifeact-mRFPruby reporter mice were used. Live imaging of secondary palate fusion was performed by dissecting recently-adhered secondary palatal shelves of embryonic day (E) 14.5 stage embryos and culturing in agarose-containing media on a glass bottom dish to enable imaging with an inverted confocal microscope. Using this method, we have detected a variety of novel cellular behaviors during secondary palate fusion. An appreciation of how distinct cell behaviors are coordinated in space and time greatly contributes to our understanding of this dynamic morphogenetic process. This protocol can be applied to mutant mouse lines, or cultures treated with pharmacological inhibitors to further advance understanding of how secondary palate fusion is controlled.

Here, we present a protocol for live imaging of mouse secondary palate fusion using confocal microscopy. This protocol can be used in combination with a variety of fluorescent reporter mouse lines, and with pathway inhibitors for mechanistic insight. This protocol can be adapted for live imaging in other developmental systems.

Imágenes en vivo de la fusión secundaria del paladar del ratón

The fusion of the secondary palatal shelves to form the intact secondary palate is a key process in mammalian development and its disruption can lead to ...

Dissection and Immunofluorescent Staining of Mushroom Body and Photoreceptor Neurons in Adult Drosophila melanogaster Brains

Nervous system development involves a sequential series of events that are coordinated by several signaling pathways and regulatory networks. Many of the proteins involved in these pathways are evolutionarily conserved between mammals and other eukaryotes, such as the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, suggesting that similar organizing principles exist during the development of these organisms. Importantly, Drosophila has been used extensively to identify cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating processes that are required in mammals including neurogenesis, differentiation, axonal guidance, and synaptogenesis. Flies have also been used successfully to model a variety of human neurodevelopmental diseases. Here we describe a protocol for the step-by-step microdissection, fixation, and immunofluorescent localization of proteins within the adult Drosophila brain. This protocol focuses on two example neuronal populations, mushroom body neurons and retinal photoreceptors, and includes optional steps to trace individual mushroom body neurons using Mosaic Analysis with a Repressible Cell Marker (MARCM) technique. Example data from both wild-type and mutant brains are shown along with a brief description of a scoring criteria for axonal guidance defects. While this protocol highlights two well-established antibodies for investigating the morphology of mushroom body and photoreceptor neurons, other Drosophila brain regions and the localization of proteins within other brain regions can also be investigated using this protocol.

Dissection and Immunofluorescent Staining of Mushroom Body and Photoreceptor Neurons in Adult Drosophila melanogaster Brains

This protocol describes the dissection and immunostaining of adult Drosophila melanogaster brain tissues. Specifically, this protocol highlights the use of Drosophila mushroom body and photoreceptor neurons as example neuronal subsets that can be accurately used to uncover general principles underlying many aspects of neuronal development.

Disección y tinción inmunofluorescente de seta del cuerpo y las neuronas fotorreceptoras en cerebros de adultos de Drosophila melanogaster

Nervous system development involves a sequential series of events that are coordinated by several signaling pathways and regulatory networks. Many of the ...

A Novel Use of Three-dimensional High-frequency Ultrasonography for Early Pregnancy Characterization in the Mouse

High-frequency ultrasonography (HFUS) is a common method to non-invasively monitor the real-time development of the human fetus in utero. The mouse is routinely used as an in vivo model to study embryo implantation and pregnancy progression. Unfortunately, such murine studies require pregnancy interruption to enable follow-up phenotypic analysis. To address this issue, we used three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction of HFUS imaging data for early detection and characterization of murine embryo implantation sites and their individual developmental progression in utero. Combining HFUS imaging with 3-D reconstruction and modeling, we were able to accurately quantify embryo implantation site number as well as monitor developmental progression in pregnant C57BL6J/129S mice from 5.5 days post coitus (d.p.c.) through to 9.5 d.p.c. with the use of a transducer. Measurements included: number, location, and volume of implantation sites as well as inter-implantation site spacing; embryo viability was assessed by cardiac activity monitoring. In the immediate post-implantation period (5.5 to 8.5 d.p.c.), 3-D reconstruction of the gravid uterus in both mesh and solid overlay format enabled visual representation of the developing pregnancies within each uterine horn. As genetically engineered mice continue to be used to characterize female reproductive phenotypes derived from uterine dysfunction, this method offers a new approach to detect, quantify, and characterize early implantation events in vivo. This novel use of 3-D HFUS imaging demonstrates the ability to successfully detect, visualize, and characterize embryo-implantation sites during early murine pregnancy in a non-invasive manner. The technology offers a significant improvement over current methods, which rely on the interruption of pregnancies for gross tissue and histopathologic characterization. Here we use a video and text format to describe how to successfully perform ultrasounds of early murine pregnancy to generate reliable and reproducible data with reconstruction of the uterine form in mesh and solid 3-D images.

Mice are widely used to study gestational biology. However, pregnancy termination is required for such studies which precludes longitudinal investigations and necessitates the use of large numbers of animals. Therefore, we describe a non-invasive technique of high-frequency ultrasonography for early detection and monitoring of post-implantation events in the pregnant mouse.

Un nuevo uso de la ecografía tridimensional de alta frecuencia para la caracterización de embarazo temprano en el ratón

High-frequency ultrasonography (HFUS) is a common method to non-invasively monitor the real-time development of the human fetus in utero. The mouse is ...

A Familial Hypercholesterolemia Human Liver Chimeric Mouse Model Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Hepatocytes

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is mostly caused by low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) mutations and results in an increased risk of early-onset cardiovascular disease due to marked elevation of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) in blood. Statins are the first line of lipid-lowering drugs for treating FH and other types of hypercholesterolemia, but new approaches are emerging, in particular PCSK9 antibodies, which are now being tested in clinical trials. To explore novel therapeutic approaches for FH, either new drugs or new formulations, we need appropriate in vivo models. However, differences in the lipid metabolic profiles compared to humans are a key problem of the available animal models of FH. To address this issue, we have generated a human liver chimeric mouse model using FH induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived hepatocytes (iHeps). We used Ldlr-/-/Rag2-/-/Il2rg-/- (LRG) mice to avoid immune rejection of transplanted human cells and to assess the effect of LDLR-deficient iHeps in an LDLR null background. Transplanted FH iHeps could repopulate 5-10% of the LRG mouse liver based on human albumin staining. Moreover, the engrafted iHeps responded to lipid-lowering drugs and recapitulated clinical observations of increased efficacy of PCSK9 antibodies compared to statins. Our human liver chimeric model could thus be useful for preclinical testing of new therapies to FH. Using the same protocol, similar human liver chimeric mice for other FH genetic variants, or mutations corresponding to other inherited liver diseases, may also be generated.

Here, we present a protocol to generate a human liver chimeric mouse model of familial hypercholesterolemia using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocytes. This is a valuable model for testing new therapies for hypercholesterolemia.

Un modelo de ratón quimérico hígado humano de hipercolesterolemia familiar con hepatocitos derivados de células madre pluripotentes inducidas

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is mostly caused by low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) mutations and results in an increased risk of early-onset ...

Visualizing the Node and Notochordal Plate In Gastrulating Mouse Embryos Using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Whole Mount Immunofluorescence

The post-implantation mouse embryo undergoes major shape changes after the initiation of gastrulation and morphogenesis. A hallmark of morphogenesis is the formation of the transient organizers, the node and notochordal plate, from cells that have passed through the primitive streak. The proper formation of these signaling centers is essential for the development of the body plan and techniques to visualize them are of high interest to mouse developmental biologists. The node and notochordal plate lie on the ventral surface of gastrulating mouse embryos around embryonic day (E) 7.5 of development. The node is a cup-shaped structure whose cells possess a single slender cilium each. The proper subcellular localization and rotation of the cilia in the node pit determines left-right asymmetry. The notochordal plate cells also possess single cilia albeit shorter than those of the node cells. The notochordal plate forms the notochord which acts as an important signaling organizer for somitogenesis and neural patterning. Because the cells of the node and notochordal plate are transiently present on the surface and possess cilia, they can be visualized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Among other techniques used to visualize these structures at the cellular level is whole mount immunofluorescence (WMIF) using the antibodies against the proteins that are highly expressed in the node and notochordal plate. In this report, we describe our optimized protocols to perform SEM and WMIF of the node and notochordal plate in developing mouse embryos to help in the assessment of tissue shape and cellular organization in wild-type and gastrulation mutant embryos.

The node and notochordal plate are transient signaling organizers in developing mouse embryos that can be visualized using several techniques. Here, we describe in detail how to perform two of the techniques to study their structure and morphogenesis: 1) scanning electron microscopy (SEM); and 2) whole mount immunofluorescence (WMIF).

Visualización de la placa notocordal en embriones de ratón Gastrulating con microscopía electrónica e inmunofluorescencia de Monte todo y nodo

The post-implantation mouse embryo undergoes major shape changes after the initiation of gastrulation and morphogenesis. A hallmark of morphogenesis is ...

Generation of Organoids from Mouse Extrahepatic Bile Ducts

Cholangiopathies, which affect extrahepatic bile ducts (EHBDs), include biliary atresia, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and cholangiocarcinoma. They have no effective therapeutic options. Tools to study EHBD are very limited. Our purpose was to develop an organ-specific, versatile, adult stem cell-derived, preclinical cholangiocyte model that can be easily generated from wild type and genetically engineered mice. Thus, we report on the novel technique of developing an EHBD organoid (EHBDO) culture system from adult mouse EHBDs. The model is cost-efficient, able to be readily analyzed, and has multiple downstream applications. Specifically, we describe the methodology of mouse EHBD isolation and single cell dissociation, organoid culture initiation, propagation, and long-term maintenance and storage. This manuscript also describes EHBDO processing for immunohistochemistry, fluorescent microscopy, and mRNA abundance quantitation by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). This protocol has significant advantages in addition to producing EHBD-specific organoids. The use of a conditioned medium from L-WRN cells significantly reduces the cost of this model. The use of mouse EHBDs provides almost unlimited tissue for culture generation, unlike human tissue. Generated mouse EHBDOs contain a pure population of epithelial cells with markers of endodermal progenitor and differentiated biliary cells. Cultured organoids maintain homogenous morphology through multiple passages and can be recovered after a long-term storage period in liquid nitrogen. The model allows for the study of biliary progenitor cell proliferation, can be manipulated pharmacologically, and may be generated from genetically engineered mice. Future studies are needed to optimize culture conditions in order to increase plating efficiency, evaluate functional cell maturity, and direct cell differentiation. Development of co-culture models and a more biologically neutral extracellular matrix are also desirable.

This protocol describes the production of a mouse extrahepatic bile duct 3-dimensional organoid system. These biliary organoids can be maintained in culture to study cholangiocyte biology. Biliary organoids express markers of both progenitor and biliary cells and are composed of polarized epithelial cells.

Generación de organoides de conductos biliares extrahepáticos del ratón

Cholangiopathies, which affect extrahepatic bile ducts (EHBDs), include biliary atresia, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and cholangiocarcinoma. They have ...