This work was supported by research grants (NRF-2018-R1D1A1B07050175, HURF-2017-66) from the National Research Foundation (NRF) of Korea and Hallym University Research Fund.

All research protocols involving ICR mice were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) of Yonsei University at Wonju College of Medicine. Experiments were performed according to the Code of Ethics of the World Medical Association. In this protocol, pregnant ICR mice were kept in a 12/12 h light/dark cycle with free access to food and water.
1. Cochleae dissection
<ol>
	<li>Sterilize the laminar flow tissue culture hood by turning on the ultraviolet light for ~30 min, and spray all surfaces with 70% ethanol prior to use. Allow the surfaces to dry.</li>
	<li>Place dissection instruments in 70% ethanol for 10 min, and dry before using.</li>
	<li>Use an operating blade to decapitate postnatal 3-4 day-old mice (Figure 2A).</li>
	<li>Place the skull under a stereomicroscope in the laminar flow hood, and soak the tissue in 70% ethanol.</li>
	<li>Quickly soak the tissue in tissue dissection solution (1x Hank&#39;s Balanced Salt Solution, 1 mM HEPES) to remove the ethanol.</li>
	<li>Cut the centerline of the skull with a surgical blade (Figure 2B,C).</li>
	<li>Expose the skull by pulling down the skin anteriorly and cutting the external auditory canal of the ear (Figure 2D).</li>
	<li>Cut from the anterior to the posterior part of the cranium across the eye line (Figure 2E).</li>
	<li>Open the skull and remove the forebrain, cerebellum, and brainstem with blunt forceps (Figure 2F,G).</li>
	<li>Using micro forceps, separate the cochlea from the temporal bone (Figure 2H).</li>
	<li>Transfer the cochleae to a Petri dish containing tissue dissection solution.</li>
	<li>Carefully dissect all of the cochlear otic capsule, leaving only the internal cochlear soft tissue (Figure 2I,J).</li>
	<li>Hold the modiolus of the cochleae with forceps and the cochlear duct with another pair of forceps, and slowly separate the two tissues (Figure 2K).</li>
	<li>Remove the stria vascularis and tectorial membrane by gently peeling them away (Figure 2L,M).</li>
	<li>Place a sterilized plastic coverslip in new tissue dissection solution, and then place the organ of Corti on a coverslip of 9 mm diameter, making sure that the basilar membrane faces downward (Figure 2N-P).</li>
	<li>Immobilize the tissue by pressing the Reissner&#39;s membrane and the remaining modiolus tissue onto the coverslip with forceps (Figure 2N-P).</li>
	<li>Transfer the coverslip with the embedded tissue to the center of a confocal dish of 35 mm diameter.</li>
	<li>Place the glass cloning cylinder on the dish, with the cochlear explant positioned in the center of the dish, and add 100 &#181;L of explant culture medium (DMEM/F12, 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 1% N2 supplement, ampicillin (10 &#181;g/mL))10 inside the cylinder (Figure 2Q).</li>
	<li>Plate 5 &#215; 103 cells of mouse bone marrow-derived green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged MSCs in 2 mL of culture medium (45% DMEM + 45% DMEM/F12, 10% FBS, 1% N2 supplement, 10 &#181;g/mL of ampicillin) outside the glass cylinder (Figure 2R).
	<ol>
		<li>When the MSCs are 80-90% confluent, passage them by detaching them with trypsin-ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Carefully transfer the confocal dish to a humidified incubator and incubate overnight at 37 &#176;C in a 5% CO2 atmosphere.</li>
	<li>Aspirate all medium inside and outside the cylinder, and then remove the glass cylinder from the confocal dish.</li>
	<li>Add 2 mL of fresh culture medium to the confocal dish, and incubate the tissue culture dish in a humidified incubator until ready for analysis.</li>
</ol>
<img alt="Figure 2" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/61947/61947fig2v2.jpg" /> 
Figure 2. Dissection of a mouse cochlea and coculture of the organ of Corti and MSCs. (A) Decapitation of mouse, (B) and (C) midline sagittal dissection of the head, (D) and (E) coronal dissection of the brain, (F) and (G) removal of the brain and temporal bone, (H) the cochlea, (I) removal of the bony cochlear wall, (J) isolation of the cochlea, (K) separation of the cochlear duct from the modiolus, (L) separation of stria vascularis (SV) and spiral ligament (SL) from the organ of Corti, (M) removal of the tectorial membrane, (N-P) fixation of the cochlea on a plastic cover slip, (Q) location of coverslip and glass cylinder in the confocal dish, (R) inoculation of MSCs. White scale bar (A-E) = 1 cm; orange (F, G, P) and yellow scale bar (H,I) = 1 mm; green scale bar (J-O) = 0.5 mm.&#160;<a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/61947/61947fig2v2large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
2. Time-lapse imaging
<ol>
	<li>For the experiments presented here, use a confocal microscopy system with a stage top incubator system.</li>
	<li>Turn on the confocal microscope, fluorescent light, and computer.</li>
	<li>Set the conditions of the stage-top incubator placed on the stage of the confocal microscope to 37 &#176;C and 5% CO2 atmosphere.</li>
	<li>Place the sample dish on the dish fixing vessel, cover with the dish fixing lid, and close the chamber with the top heater lid.</li>
	<li>Adjust the zoom and focus to localize the organ of Corti and MSCs in the field of view.</li>
	<li>Open the image processing software. Under the locate option, select a 20x Plan-Apochromat objective (numerical aperture 0.8) and a 0.5x crop area.</li>
	<li>Under Acquisition, click on smart setup and select EGFP.</li>
	<li>Open the channel tab under Acquisition, and set the laser power to 0.2%, the pinhole to 44 &#181;m, the master gain to 750 V, and the digital gain to 1.0.</li>
	<li>Click on ESID under imaging setup, and set the ESID gain to 4 and the digital gain to 7.5.</li>
	<li>Click on Tiles and stake to produce 210 tiles.</li>
	<li>Open Focus strategy and select the focus mode.</li>
	<li>Under time series, set the duration to 24 h and the interval to 10 min.</li>
	<li>Under Acquisition, set the frame size to 512 x 512 pixels, scan speed to 8, the direction to bidirectional, the averaging to 4x, and the bits per pixel to 16.</li>
	<li>Click on start experiment to begin the experiment.</li>
</ol>
3. Image file modification
<ol>
	<li>Under processing, click on stitching, and set the minimal overlay to 5% and the maximal shift to 10%.</li>
	<li>Click on movie export, set uncompressed, and set the speed to 7.5.</li>
</ol>
4. Immunostaining
<ol>
	<li>Aspirate the medium carefully, and wash the sample twice with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for 5 min.</li>
	<li>Fix the sample with 4% formalin in PBS for 15 min, and wash the sample 3 times with PBS for 5 min.</li>
	<li>Permeabilize the sample in 0.1% Triton X-100 in PBS for 10 min, and wash 3 times with PBS for 5 min.</li>
	<li>Add 250 &#181;L of phalloidin-iFluor 647 reagent (1:1000 dilution in PBS), and incubate the sample for 1 h at room temperature on the shaker.</li>
	<li>Wash the sample 3 times with PBS for 5 min.</li>
	<li>Transfer the coverslip onto the glass slide, and add 2 drops of mounting solution.</li>
	<li>Place a coverslip on the slide gently.</li>
	<li>Seal the coverslip with clear nail polish and store at 4 &#176;C in the dark until cells are observed.</li>
	<li>Image the slide using a confocal microscope with an appropriate filter at excitation/emission (Ex/Em)=650/665 nm for phalloidin and at Ex/Em=488/507 nm for EGFP.</li>
</ol>

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The authors have nothing to disclose.

Transplantation of MSCs into damaged sites to promote the regeneration of damaged cells has been extensively studied, and the therapeutic effect is evident.The transplantation and subsequent differentiation of MSCs have been reported to restore hearing in rats with hearing loss induced by 3-nitropropionic acid13. Although Lee et al.&#160;applied MSCs to human beings trans-venously, they did not achieve any significant improvement in hearing14. Until recently, nearly 12 expe...

Hearing loss can occur congenitally or can be caused progressively by several factors, including aging, drugs, and noise. Hearing loss is often difficult to treat because it is very challenging to restore impaired function once the hair cells responsible for hearing are damaged1. According to the World Health Organization, 461 million people worldwide are estimated to have hearing loss, which accounts for 6.1% of the world&#39;s population. Of those with hearing loss, 93% are adults, and 7% are children.
A number of approaches have been attempted to treat hearing loss; notably, a regeneration approach using MSCs has emerged as a promising treatment. When tissue is damaged, MSCs are naturally released into the circulatory system and migrate to the injury site where they secrete various molecules to form a microenvironment that promotes regeneration2. Hence, it is important to develop a method to treat damaged tissues through the migration of externally implanted MSCs to target organs and their subsequent secretion of molecules that cause potent immune regulation, angiogenesis, and anti-apoptosis to enhance the restoration of damaged cell function3,4,5.
The homing process in which MSCs migrate to damaged tissues may be the most important obstacle to overcome. MSCs have a systemic homing mechanism with sequential steps of tethering/rolling, activation, arrest, transmigration/diapedesis, and migration6,7,8. Currently, efforts are underway to identify ways to improve these steps. Various strategies, including genetic modification, cell surface engineering, in vitro priming, and magnetic guidance, have been tested6,7. In addition, several attempts have been made to promote the protection and regeneration of auditory hair cells by homing MSCs to the site of damaged cochlea. However, tracking MSCs in vivo is time-consuming and labor-intensive and requires highly specialized skills9.
To solve this problem, a method was developed to observe the homing of MSCs in the cochlea through time-lapse confocal microscopy that photographs the migration of cells over several hours (Figure 1). It was developed in the early 20th century and has recently become a powerful tool for studying migration of specific cells.
<img alt="Figure 1" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/61947/61947fig01.jpg" style="font-size: 14px;" /> 
Figure 1: Graphical abstract. (A)&#160;After the dissected organ of Corti is adhered on a plastic coverslip using forceps, the coverslip is placed on a 35 mm glass-bottomed confocal microscopic dish, and (B) the glass cylinder is positioned. (C) After filling the inside of the glass cylinder with medium, (D) GFP-labeled MSCs with medium are added carefully outside the cylinder. (E) After incubation overnight, (F) the glass cylinder is removed, and images are taken with a confocal microscope. Abbreviations: GFP = green fluorescent protein; MSCs = mesenchymal stem cells.&#160;<a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/61947/61947fig01large.jpg" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>10X PBS Buffer</td>
			<td>GenDEPOT</td>
			<td>P2100-104</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4% Formalin</td>
			<td>T&#38;I</td>
			<td>BPP-9004</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ampicillin</td>
			<td>sigma&#160;</td>
			<td>A5354-10ml</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BSA</td>
			<td>sigma&#160;</td>
			<td>A4503-100G</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>confocal dish</td>
			<td>SPL</td>
			<td>200350</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>confocal microscope&#160;</td>
			<td>ZEISS</td>
			<td>LSM800</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>coverslip</td>
			<td>SPL</td>
			<td>20009</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DMEM/F12</td>
			<td>Gibco</td>
			<td>10565-018</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fetal Bovine Serum</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher scientific</td>
			<td>16140071</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fluorsheild with DAPI</td>
			<td>sigma&#160;</td>
			<td>F6057</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Forcep</td>
			<td>Dumont</td>
			<td>0508-L5-P0</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>HBSS</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher scientific</td>
			<td>14065056</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>HEPES</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher scientific</td>
			<td>15630080</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>N2 supplement</td>
			<td>Gibco</td>
			<td>17502-048</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Phalloidin-iFluor 647 Reagent</td>
			<td>abcam</td>
			<td>ab176759</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stage Top Incubator</td>
			<td>TOKAI HIT</td>
			<td>WELSX</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Strain C57BL/6 mouse messenchymal stem cells with GFP</td>
			<td>cyagen</td>
			<td>MUBMX-01101</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Triton X-100</td>
			<td>sigma&#160;</td>
			<td>T8787</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

in vitro time-lapse live-cell imaging to explore cell migration toward the organ of corti

To study the effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on cell regeneration and treatment, this method tracks MSC migration and morphological changes after co-culture with cochlear epithelium. The organ of Corti was immobilized on a plastic coverslip by pressing a portion of the Reissner's membrane generated during the dissection. MSCs confined by a glass cylinder migrated toward cochlear epithelium when the cylinder was removed. Their predominant localization was observed in the modiolus of the organ of Corti, aligned in a direction similarly to that of the nerve fibers. However, some MSCs were localized in the limbus area and showed a horizontally elongated shape. In addition, migration into the hair cell area was increased, and the morphology of the MSCs changed to various forms after kanamycin treatment. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that the coculture of MSCs with cochlear epithelium will be useful for the development of therapeutics via cell transplantation and for studies of cell regeneration that can examine various conditions and factors.

In vitro migration of MSCs in three-dimensional mode has been assessed by a Transwell system or by the traditional wound healing method to observe migration in two-dimensional (2D) mode11. The organ of Corti is a complex structure composed of various cells such as Boettcher cells, Claudius cells, Deiters cells, pillar cells, Hensen&#39;s cells, outer hair cells, inner hair cells, nerve fibers, basilar membrane, and reticular lamina12. When M...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about In vitro Time-lapse Live-Cell Imaging to Explore Cell Migration toward the Organ of Corti at JoVE.com

In vitro Time-lapse Live-Cell Imaging to Explore Cell Migration toward the Organ of Corti

In this study, we present a real-time imaging method using confocal microscopy to observe cells moving toward damaged tissue by ex vivo incubation with the cochlear epithelium containing the organ of Corti.

To study the effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on cell regeneration and treatment, this method tracks MSC migration and morphological changes after ...

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3.7K Views.  Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine. In this study, we present a real-time imaging method using confocal microscopy to observe cells moving toward damaged tissue by ex vivo incubation with the cochlear epithelium containing the organ of Corti.

Video: In vitro Time-lapse Live-Cell Imaging to Explore Cell Migration toward the Organ of Corti

Evaluation of Cancer Stem Cell Migration Using Compartmentalizing Microfluidic Devices and Live Cell Imaging

In the last 40 years, the United States invested over 200 billion dollars on cancer research, resulting in only a 5% decrease in death rate. A major obstacle for improving patient outcomes is the poor understanding of mechanisms underlying cellular migration associated with aggressive cancer cell invasion, metastasis and therapeutic resistance1. Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), the most prevalent primary malignant adult brain tumor2, exemplifies this difficulty. Despite standard surgery, radiation and chemotherapies, patient median survival is only fifteen months, due to aggressive GBM infiltration into adjacent brain and rapid cancer recurrence2. The interactions of aberrant cell migratory mechanisms and the tumor microenvironment likely differentiate cancer from normal cells3. Therefore, improving therapeutic approaches for GBM require a better understanding of cancer cell migration mechanisms. Recent work suggests that a small subpopulation of cells within GBM, the brain tumor stem cell (BTSC), may be responsible for therapeutic resistance and recurrence. Mechanisms underlying BTSC migratory capacity are only starting to be characterized1,4.
Due to a limitation in visual inspection and geometrical manipulation, conventional migration assays5 are restricted to quantifying overall cell populations. In contrast, microfluidic devices permit single cell analysis because of compatibility with modern microscopy and control over micro-environment6-9.
We present a method for detailed characterization of BTSC migration using compartmentalizing microfluidic devices. These PDMS-made devices cast the tissue culture environment into three connected compartments: seeding chamber, receiving chamber and bridging microchannels. We tailored the device such that both chambers hold sufficient media to support viable BTSC for 4-5 days without media exchange. Highly mobile BTSCs initially introduced into the seeding chamber are isolated after migration though bridging microchannels to the parallel receiving chamber. This migration simulates cancer cellular spread through the interstitial spaces of the brain. The phase live images of cell morphology during migration are recorded over several days. Highly migratory BTSC can therefore be isolated, recultured, and analyzed further. 
Compartmentalizing microfluidics can be a versatile platform to study the migratory behavior of BTSCs and other cancer stem cells. By combining gradient generators, fluid handling, micro-electrodes and other microfluidic modules, these devices can also be used for drug screening and disease diagnosis6. Isolation of an aggressive subpopulation of migratory cells will enable studies of underlying molecular mechanisms.

A compartmentalizing microfluidic device for investigating cancer stem cell migration is described. This novel platform creates a viable cellular microenvironment and enables microscopic visualization of live cell locomotion. Highly motile cancer cells are isolated to study molecular mechanisms of aggressive infiltration, potentially leading to more effective future therapies.

In the last 40 years, the United States invested over 200 billion dollars on cancer research, resulting in only a 5% decrease in death rate. A major ...

MAME Models for 4D Live-cell Imaging of Tumor: Microenvironment Interactions that Impact Malignant Progression

We have developed 3D coculture models, which we term MAME (mammary architecture and microenvironment engineering), and used them for live-cell imaging in real-time of cell:cell interactions. Our overall goal was to develop models that recapitulate the architecture of preinvasive breast lesions to study their progression to an invasive phenotype. Specifically, we developed models to analyze interactions among pre-malignant breast epithelial cell variants and other cell types of the tumor microenvironment that have been implicated in enhancing or reducing the progression of preinvasive breast epithelial cells to invasive ductal carcinomas. Other cell types studied to date are myoepithelial cells, fibroblasts, macrophages and blood and lymphatic microvascular endothelial cells. In addition to the MAME models, which are designed to recapitulate the cellular interactions within the breast during cancer progression, we have developed comparable models for the progression of prostate cancers. 
Here we illustrate the procedures for establishing the 3D cocultures along with the use of live-cell imaging and a functional proteolysis assay to follow the transition of cocultures of breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) cells and fibroblasts to an invasive phenotype over time, in this case over twenty-three days in culture. The MAME cocultures consist of multiple layers. Fibroblasts are embedded in the bottom layer of type I collagen. On that is placed a layer of reconstituted basement membrane (rBM) on which DCIS cells are seeded. A final top layer of 2% rBM is included and replenished with every change of media. To image proteolysis associated with the progression to an invasive phenotype, we use dye-quenched (DQ) fluorescent matrix proteins (DQ-collagen I mixed with the layer of collagen I and DQ-collagen IV mixed with the middle layer of rBM) and observe live cultures using confocal microscopy. Optical sections are captured, processed and reconstructed in 3D with Volocity visualization software. Over the course of 23 days in MAME cocultures, the DCIS cells proliferate and coalesce into large invasive structures. Fibroblasts migrate and become incorporated into these invasive structures. Fluorescent proteolytic fragments of the collagens are found in association with the surface of DCIS structures, intracellularly, and also dispersed throughout the surrounding matrix. Drugs that target proteolytic, chemokine/cytokine and kinase pathways or modifications in the cellular composition of the cocultures can reduce the invasiveness, suggesting that MAME models can be used as preclinical screens for novel therapeutic approaches.

We have developed 3D coculture models for live-cell imaging in real-time of interactions among breast tumor cells and other cells in their microenvironment that impact progression to an invasive phenotype. These models can serve as preclinical screens for drugs to target paracrine-induced proteolytic, chemokine/cytokine and kinase pathways implicated in invasiveness.

We have developed 3D coculture models, which we term MAME (mammary architecture and microenvironment engineering), and used them for live-cell imaging in ...

The Use of Pharmacological-challenge fMRI in Pre-clinical Research: Application to the 5-HT System

Pharmacological MRI (phMRI) is a new and promising method to study the effects of substances on brain function that can ultimately be used to unravel underlying neurobiological mechanisms behind drug action and neurotransmitter-related disorders, such as depression and ADHD. Like most of the imaging methods (PET, SPECT, CT) it represents a progress in the investigation of brain disorders and the related function of neurotransmitter pathways in a non-invasive way with respect of the overall neuronal connectivity. Moreover it also provides the ideal tool for translation to clinical investigations. MRI, while still behind in molecular imaging strategies compared to PET and SPECT, has the great advantage to have a high spatial resolution and no need for the injection of a contrast-agent or radio-labeled molecules, thereby avoiding the repetitive exposure to ionizing radiations. Functional MRI (fMRI) is extensively used in research and clinical setting, where it is generally combined with a psycho-motor task. phMRI is an adaptation of fMRI enabling the investigation of a specific neurotransmitter system, such as serotonin (5-HT), under physiological or pathological conditions following activation via administration of a specific challenging drug.
The aim of the method described here is to assess brain 5-HT function in free-breathing animals. By challenging the 5-HT system while simultaneously acquiring functional MR images over time, the response of the brain to this challenge can be visualized. Several studies in animals have already demonstrated that drug-induced increases in extracellular levels of e.g. 5-HT (releasing agents, selective re-uptake blockers, etc) evoke region-specific changes in blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) MRI signals (signal due to a change of the oxygenated/deoxygenated hemoglobin levels occurring during brain activation through an increase of the blood supply to supply the oxygen and glucose to the demanding neurons) providing an index of neurotransmitter function. It has also been shown that these effects can be reversed by treatments that decrease 5-HT availability16,13,18,7. In adult rats, BOLD signal changes following acute SSRI administration have been described in several 5-HT related brain regions, i.e. cortical areas, hippocampus, hypothalamus and thalamus9,16,15. Stimulation of the 5-HT system and its response to this challenge can be thus used as a measure of its function in both animals and humans2,11.

The goal of this technique is to assess serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmitter function in the live and free-breathing animal with pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging (phMRI) and an intravenous challenge with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), fluoxetine.

Pharmacological MRI (phMRI) is a new and promising method to study the effects of substances on brain function that can ultimately be used to unravel ...

Time-lapse Imaging of Primary Preneoplastic Mammary Epithelial Cells Derived from Genetically Engineered Mouse Models of Breast Cancer

Time-lapse imaging can be used to compare behavior of cultured primary preneoplastic mammary epithelial cells derived from different genetically engineered mouse models of breast cancer. For example, time between cell divisions (cell lifetimes), apoptotic cell numbers, evolution of morphological changes, and mechanism of colony formation can be quantified and compared in cells carrying specific genetic lesions. Primary mammary epithelial cell cultures are generated from mammary glands without palpable tumor. Glands are carefully resected with clear separation from adjacent muscle, lymph nodes are removed, and single-cell suspensions of enriched mammary epithelial cells are generated by mincing mammary tissue followed by enzymatic dissociation and filtration. Single-cell suspensions are plated and placed directly under a microscope within an incubator chamber for live-cell imaging. Sixteen 650 &mu;m x 700 &mu;m fields in a 4x4 configuration from each well of a 6-well plate are imaged every 15 min for 5 days. Time-lapse images are examined directly to measure cellular behaviors that can include mechanism and frequency of cell colony formation within the first 24 hr of plating the cells (aggregation versus cell proliferation), incidence of apoptosis, and phasing of morphological changes. Single-cell tracking is used to generate cell fate maps for measurement of individual cell lifetimes and investigation of cell division patterns. Quantitative data are statistically analyzed to assess for significant differences in behavior correlated with specific genetic lesions.

Time-lapse imaging is used to assess behavior of primary preneoplastic mammary epithelial cells derived from genetically engineered mouse models of breast cancer risk to determine if there are correlations between specific behavioral parameters and distinct genetic lesions.

Time-lapse  imaging can be used to compare behavior of cultured primary preneoplastic  mammary epithelial cells derived from different genetically ...

The Use of Reverse Phase Protein Arrays (RPPA) to Explore Protein Expression Variation within Individual Renal Cell Cancers

Currently there is no curative treatment for metastatic clear cell renal cell cancer, the commonest variant of the disease. A key factor in this treatment resistance is thought to be the molecular complexity of the disease 1. Targeted therapy such as the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-sunitinib have been utilized, but only 40% of patients will respond, with the overwhelming majority of these patients relapsing within 1 year 2. As such the question of intrinsic and acquired resistance in renal cell cancer patients is highly relevant 3.
In order to study resistance to TKIs, with the ultimate goal of developing effective, personalized treatments, sequential tissue after a specific period of targeted therapy is required, an approach which had proved successful in chronic myeloid leukaemia 4. However the application of such a strategy in renal cell carcinoma is complicated by the high level of both inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity, which is a feature of renal cell carcinoma5,6 as well as other solid tumors 7. Intertumoral heterogeneity due to transcriptomic and genetic differences is well established even in patients with similar presentation, stage and grade of tumor. In addition it is clear that there is great morphological (intratumoral) heterogeneity in RCC, which is likely to represent even greater molecular heterogeneity. Detailed mapping and categorization of RCC tumors by combined morphological analysis and Fuhrman grading allows the selection of representative areas for proteomic analysis.
Protein based analysis of RCC8 is attractive due to its widespread availability in pathology laboratories; however, its application can be problematic due to the limited availability of specific antibodies 9. Due to the dot blot nature of the Reverse Phase Protein Arrays (RPPA), antibody specificity must be pre-validated; as such strict quality control of antibodies used is of paramount importance. Despite this limitation the dot blot format does allow assay miniaturization, allowing for the printing of hundreds of samples onto a single nitrocellulose slide. Printed slides can then be analyzed in a similar fashion to Western analysis with the use of target specific primary antibodies and fluorescently labelled secondary antibodies, allowing for multiplexing. Differential protein expression across all the samples on a slide can then be analyzed simultaneously by comparing the relative level of fluorescence in a more cost-effective and high-throughput manner.

The Use of Reverse Phase Protein Arrays RPPA to Explore Protein Expression Variation within Individual Renal Cell Cancers

RPPA enables the protein expression of hundreds of samples, printed on nitrocellulose slides to be interrogated simultaneously, using fluorescently labelled antibodies. This technique has been applied to study the effect of drug treatment heterogeneity within clear cell renal carcinoma.

Currently there is no curative treatment for metastatic clear cell renal cell cancer, the commonest variant of the disease. A key factor in this treatment ...

Confocal Time Lapse Imaging as an Efficient Method for the Cytocompatibility Evaluation of Dental Composites

It is generally accepted that in vitro cell material interaction is a useful criterion in the evaluation of dental material biocompatibility. The objective of this study was to use 3D CLSM time lapse confocal imaging to assess the in vitro biocompatibility of dental composites. This method provides an accurate and sensitive indication of viable cell rate in contact with dental composite extracts. The ELS extra low shrinkage, a dental composite used for direct restoration, has been taken as example. In vitro assessment was performed on cultured primary human gingival fibroblast cells using Live/Dead staining. Images were obtained with the FV10i confocal biological inverted system and analyzed with the FV10-ASW 3.1 Software. Image analysis showed a very slight cytotoxicity in the presence of the tested composite after 5 hours of time lapse. A slight decrease of cell viability was shown in contact with the tested composite extracts compared to control cells. The findings highlighted the use of 3D CLSM time lapse imaging as a sensitive method to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the biocompatibility behavior of dental composites.

The most studied aspect of the biocompatibility of dental composites is their cytotoxicity 3D CLSM time lapse imaging combined with fluorescent signal quantification allows sensitive evaluation of the cell fate over time. Utilizing this method could be an efficient tool to assess the cytocompatibility of dental composites.

It is generally accepted that in vitro cell material interaction is a useful criterion in the evaluation of dental material biocompatibility. The ...

Cardiac Catheterization in Mice to Measure the Pressure Volume Relationship: Investigating the Bowditch Effect

Animal models that mimic human cardiac disorders have been created to test potential therapeutic strategies. A key component to evaluating these strategies is to examine their effects on heart function. There are several techniques to measure in vivo cardiac mechanics (e.g., echocardiography, pressure/volume relations, etc.). Compared to echocardiography, real-time left ventricular (LV) pressure/volume analysis via catheterization is more precise and insightful in assessing LV function. Additionally, LV pressure/volume analysis provides the ability to instantaneously record changes during manipulations of contractility (e.g., &#946;-adrenergic stimulation) and pathological insults (e.g., ischemia/reperfusion injury). In addition to the maximum (+dP/dt) and minimum (-dP/dt) rate of pressure change in the LV, an accurate assessment of LV function via several load-independent indexes (e.g., end systolic pressure volume relationship and preload recruitable stroke work) can be attained. Heart rate has a significant effect on LV contractility such that an increase in the heart rate is the primary mechanism to increase cardiac output (i.e., Bowditch effect). Thus, when comparing hemodynamics between experimental groups, it is necessary to have similar heart rates. Furthermore, a hallmark of many cardiomyopathy models is a decrease in contractile reserve (i.e., decreased Bowditch effect). Consequently, vital information can be obtained by determining the effects of increasing heart rate on contractility. Our and others data has demonstrated that the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1) knockout mouse has decreased contractility. Here we describe the procedure of measuring LV pressure/volume with increasing heart rates using the NOS1 knockout mouse model.

This article describes the measurement of murine left ventricular function via pressure/volume analysis at different heart rates.

Animal models that mimic human cardiac disorders have been created to test potential therapeutic strategies. A key component to evaluating these ...

Leprdb Mouse Model of Type 2 Diabetes: Pancreatic Islet Isolation and Live-cell 2-Photon Imaging Of Intact Islets

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease affecting 382 million people in 2013, and is expected to rise to 592 million by 2035 1. During the past 2 decades, the role of beta-cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes has been clearly established 2. Research progress has required methods for the isolation of pancreatic islets. The protocol of the islet isolation presented here shares many common steps with protocols from other groups, with some modifications to improve the yield and quality of isolated islets from both the wild type and diabetic Leprdb (db/db) mice. A live-cell 2-photon imaging method is then presented that can be used to investigate the control of insulin secretion within islets.

Leprdb Mouse Model of Type 2 Diabetes: Pancreatic Islet Isolation and Live-cell 2-Photon Imaging Of Intact Islets

We present here a protocol for the isolation of islets from the mouse model of type 2 diabetes, Leprdb and details of a live-cell assay for measurement of insulin secretion from intact islets that utilizes 2 photon microscopy.

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease affecting 382 million people in 2013, and is expected to rise to 592 million by 2035 1. During the past 2 decades, ...

Through the Looking Glass: Time-lapse Microscopy and Longitudinal Tracking of Single Cells to Study Anti-cancer Therapeutics

The response of single cells to anti-cancer drugs contributes significantly in determining the population response, and therefore is a major contributing factor in the overall outcome. Immunoblotting, flow cytometry and fixed cell experiments are often used to study how cells respond to anti-cancer drugs. These methods are important, but they have several shortcomings. Variability in drug responses between cancer and normal cells, and between cells of different cancer origin, and transient and rare responses are difficult to understand using population averaging assays and without being able to directly track and analyze them longitudinally. The microscope is particularly well suited to image live cells. Advancements in technology enable us to routinely image cells at a resolution that enables not only cell tracking, but also the observation of a variety of cellular responses. We describe an approach in detail that allows for the continuous time-lapse imaging of cells during the drug response for essentially as long as desired, typically up to 96 hr. Using variations of the approach, cells can be monitored for weeks. With the employment of genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors numerous processes, pathways and responses can be followed. We show examples that include tracking and quantification of cell growth and cell cycle progression, chromosome dynamics, DNA damage, and cell death. We also discuss variations of the technique and its flexibility, and highlight some common pitfalls.

Here, we describe a method of long-term time-lapse microscopy to longitudinally track single cells in response to anti-cancer therapeutics.

The response of single cells to anti-cancer drugs contributes significantly in determining the population response, and therefore is a major contributing ...

Extended Time-lapse Intravital Imaging of Real-time Multicellular Dynamics in the Tumor Microenvironment

In the tumor microenvironment, host stromal cells interact with tumor cells to promote tumor progression, angiogenesis, tumor cell dissemination and metastasis. Multicellular interactions in the tumor microenvironment can lead to transient events including directional tumor cell motility and vascular permeability. Quantification of tumor vascular permeability has frequently used end-point experiments to measure extravasation of vascular dyes. However, due to the transient nature of multicellular interactions and vascular permeability, the kinetics of these dynamic events cannot be discerned. By labeling cells and vasculature with injectable dyes or fluorescent proteins, high-resolution time-lapse intravital microscopy has allowed the direct, real-time visualization of transient events in the tumor microenvironment. Here we describe a method for using multiphoton microscopy to perform extended intravital imaging in live mice to directly visualize multicellular dynamics in the tumor microenvironment. This method details cellular labeling strategies, the surgical preparation of a mammary skin flap, the administration of injectable dyes or proteins by tail vein catheter and the acquisition of time-lapse images. The time-lapse sequences obtained from this method facilitate the visualization and quantitation of the kinetics of cellular events of motility and vascular permeability in the tumor microenvironment.

This protocol describes the use of multiphoton microscopy to perform extended time-lapse imaging of multicellular interactions in real time, in vivo at single cell resolution.

In the tumor microenvironment, host stromal cells interact with tumor cells to promote tumor progression, angiogenesis, tumor cell dissemination and ...