This work was supported by AMED under Grant Number JP22gm6110025 (to Y.N.) and by the JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number 22H02762 (to Y.N.).

NOTE: See the Table of Materials for details related to all materials, reagents, and equipment used in this protocol.
1. Probe synthesis
<ol>
	<li>RNA extraction
	<ol>
		<li>Place three live Cladonema medusae that are cultured in artificial seawater (ASW) in a 1.5 mL tube using a 3.1 mL transfer pipette with the tip cut off, and remove as much ASW as possible. 
		NOTE: ASW is prepared by dissolving a mixture of mineral salts in tap water with chlorine neutralizer; the final specific gravity (S.G.) is 1.018 or the parts per thousand (ppt) is ~27.</li>
		<li>Freeze the 1.5 mL tubes in liquid nitrogen to inhibit RNase activity. Add 30 &#181;L of lysis buffer from the total RNA isolation kit in which 2-mercaptoethanol (1 &#181;L/100 &#181;L of lysis buffer) has been added and homogenize the samples in the lysis buffer using a homogenizer. 
		NOTE: To avoid overflow of the buffer and sample from the tubes, homogenization with a small amount of lysis buffer is recommended.</li>
		<li>Add 570 &#181;L of lysis buffer and extract the total RNA following the protocol of the total RNA isolation kit (Figure 1).</li>
		<li>Measure the concentration of the extracted RNA using a spectrophotometer and store at &#8722;80 &#176;C until use.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>cDNA synthesis
	<ol>
		<li>Using a kit, synthesize cDNA using the total RNA extracted from the medusae as a template (Figure 1 and Table 1).</li>
		<li>Incubate at 65 &#176;C for 5 min.</li>
		<li>Cool rapidly on ice.</li>
		<li>Perform cDNA synthesis with the mixture from step 1.2.1 (Table 1). Mix thoroughly by pipetting and incubate at 42 &#176;C for 60 min.</li>
		<li>Incubate at 95 &#176;C for 5 min.</li>
		<li>Cool rapidly on ice.</li>
		<li>Measure the concentration of the synthesized cDNA using a spectrophotometer and store at or below &#8722;20 &#176;C until use.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>PCR product synthesis
	<ol>
		<li>To create a PCR template, design the specific primer using Primer-BLAST. Source the reference sequence from NCBI data or RNA-seq data. 
		NOTE: See the Table of Materials for the primers used in this protocol.</li>
		<li>To amplify the target sequence, perform TA cloning, which does not require the use of restriction enzymes. To obtain a PCR product in which an adenine is added at the 3&#39; end, use the following settings: 98 &#176;C for 2 min; 35 cycles of 98 &#176;C for 10 s, 55-60 &#176;C for 30 s, 72 &#176;C for 1 min. Use Taq DNA polymerase for the reactions (Table 1). 
		NOTE: To determine the PCR conditions, follow the protocol that accompanies the DNA polymerase to be used, which generally provides a recommended annealing temperature and extension time.</li>
		<li>Run the PCR product through a 1% agarose gel and cut out the band of interest. Extract the PCR products from the cut gels using a gel extraction kit.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Ligation
	<ol>
		<li>Ligate the PCR product to the vector with 3&#39; thymine overhangs by mixing the reagents (Table 1) and incubating at 37 &#176;C for 30 min (Figure 1). 
		NOTE: The molecular ratio of vector:PCR should be 1:&#62;3. The pTA2 vector size is approximately 3 kb. If the PCR product (insert) is A (kb) and B (ng/&#181;L), the volume of the insert (X in Table 1) to be taken can be calculated by ([50 ng of vector &#215; A kb of insert])/(3 kb vector &#215; [1/3]) = 50&#183;A ng of insert. If the concentration of insert is B ng/&#181;L, then volume taken is 50&#183;A/B &#181;L of insert.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Transformation and plating
	<ol>
		<li>For transformation, thaw the competent cells on ice and dispense them into 20 &#181;L aliquots each. Add 1 &#181;L of the plasmids containing the PCR product (less than 5% of competent cell volume) and vortex for 1 s. Incubate on ice for 5 min, and then incubate at 42 &#176;C for 45 s, and vortex for 1 s.</li>
		<li>Add 180 &#181;L of Super Optimal broth with Catabolite repression (SOC) medium (a nutritionally rich bacterial culture medium) to the competent cells and incubate at 37 &#176;C for 30 min. After 30 min, spread the competent cells onto an agar plate containing ampicillin, 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-beta-D-galacto-pyranoside (X-gal), and isopropyl-&#946;-d-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG), and incubate at 37 &#176;C for 12-16 h (Figure 1). 
		NOTE: X-gal and IPTG are used for selecting blue and white colonies.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Liquid culture
	<ol>
		<li>Pick a white colony out of the white and blue colonies on the plate. Add it to 3-5 mL of LB medium with ampicillin and incubate on a shaker for 12-16 h at 37 &#176;C (Figure 1).</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Miniprep
	<ol>
		<li>Extract the plasmid from the LB medium using a plasmid miniprep (Figure 1).</li>
		<li>Quantify the plasmid concentration using a spectrophotometer.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Read the sequence.
	<ol>
		<li>To read the DNA sequence of the plasmid, send the plasmid for Sanger sequencing and then use software to align it with the genome/transcriptome sequence to confirm whether the target sequence is properly synthesized and assess in which direction the target sequence is inserted into the plasmid (5&#39; to 3&#39; or 3&#39; to 5&#39;). 
		NOTE: If the target sequence is inserted into the plasmid in the 5&#39; to 3&#39; direction from the RNA polymerase binding site near the 3&#39; end, an antisense probe can be generated by in vitro transcription. If the target sequence is inserted in the reverse 3&#39; to 5&#39; direction, a sense probe (negative control) can be generated. If using vectors such as pTA2, two transcription binding sites can be used depending on the purpose.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>In vitro transcription
	<ol>
		<li>Prepare the DNA template from the created plasmid by performing PCR using primers outside the RNA polymerase binding site (e.g., T7/T3 binding sites) in the plasmid (Figure 1). 
		NOTE: Universal primers such as the M13-20 forward primer and the M13 reverse primer can be used to prepare a DNA template that includes RNA polymerase binding sites.</li>
		<li>Purify the template after PCR amplification using a gel/PCR extraction kit.</li>
		<li>Mix the reagents shown below, and perform the transcription reaction at 37 &#176;C for 3 h (Figure 1 and Table 1).</li>
		<li>Add 1.5 &#181;L of DNase and incubate at 37 &#176;C for 30 min.</li>
		<li>Add 10 &#181;L of RNase-free water and purify the probe from the transcription reaction solution using a clean-up column.</li>
		<li>Check the size of the synthesized RNA by loading 1 &#181;L onto a 1% agarose gel and determine the concentration using a spectrophotometer. 
		NOTE: Synthesized RNA probes should have a concentration of at least 100 ng/&#181;L.</li>
		<li>Add 30 &#181;L of formamide for storage at or below &#8722;20 &#176;C.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
2. EdU incorporation and fixation
<ol>
	<li>Place Cladonema medusae (5-10 animals per tube) into 1.5 mL tubes using a 3.5 mL transfer pipette and add ASW up to a total volume of 500 &#181;L. Add 7.5 &#181;L of 10 mM EdU stock solution and incubate the samples for 1 h at 22 &#176;C (Figure 2). The EdU final concentration is 150 &#181;M. 
	NOTE: Use 5-7-day-old medusae to monitor third branch formation (Figure 3A). The day that the medusae detach from the polyp is counted as day 1, and on day 5, medusae typically start to exhibit a third branch on their main tentacles.</li>
	<li>After 1 h, remove as much ASW containing EdU as possible.</li>
	<li>To anesthetize the medusae, add 7% MgCl2 in H2O and incubate for 5 min.</li>
	<li>Remove the 7% MgCl2 in H2O and fix the medusae overnight (O.N.) at 4 &#176;C with 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA) in ASW (Figure 2). 
	NOTE: When performing FISH without EdU incorporation, samples can be fixed similarly to those treated with EdU following anesthetization (steps 2.3-2.4).</li>
</ol>
3. Fluorescent&#160;&#160;in situ hybridization
<ol>
	<li>Proteinase treatment and post fixation
	<ol>
		<li>Remove the PFA and wash the samples with PBS containing 0.1% Tween-20 (PBST) for 3 x 10 min. Use 300-500 &#181;L of PBST per wash. 
		NOTE: From this step to the end of hybridization, the experiment should be performed in an RNase-free environment, wearing gloves and a mask. The 1x PBS in this step must be made with DEPC-treated water. After hybridization, 1x PBS made with water without DEPC treatment can be used. Some ISH and FISH protocols dehydrate samples using methanol steps, which makes it possible to save the fixed samples at &#8722;20 &#176;C until use. To avoid superfluous work, the dehydration process is omitted from this protocol, particularly since the samples can be kept in PBST for up to a few days.</li>
		<li>After fixation, place the sample in 1.5 mL tubes on a shaker, except for the anti-DIG-POD antibody O.N. incubation step (step 3.4.2). After washing, add 10 mg/mL Proteinase K stock solution in PBST and incubate the medusae with Proteinase K (final concentration: 10 &#181;g/mL) at 37 &#176;C for 10 min.</li>
		<li>Remove the Proteinase K solution and wash the samples for 2 x 1 min with PBST.</li>
		<li>To postfix the medusae, add 4% PFA in 1x PBS and incubate at 37 &#176;C for 15 min.</li>
		<li>Remove the PFA solution and wash the samples for 2 x 10 min with PBST. 
		NOTE: If the target gene is highly expressed with low background signal, steps 3.1.2-3.1.5 can be skipped.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Hybridization
	<ol>
		<li>Remove the PBST and add Hybridization Buffer (HB Buffer, Table 1). Incubate the samples in HB Buffer for 15 min at room temperature (RT). Use 300-400 &#181;L of HB Buffer, which provides enough volume for successful hybridization. 
		NOTE: HB Buffer, Wash Buffer 1, and Wash Buffer 2 are prepared with 20x SSC stock. HB Buffer is stored at or below &#8722;20 &#176;C and must be brought to RT before use.</li>
		<li>Remove the HB Buffer and add new HB Buffer. Prehybridize at 55 &#176;C for at least 2 h in a hybridization incubator.</li>
		<li>Remove the HB Buffer and incubate with HB Buffer containing the probes that were stored in step 1.9.7 (final probe concentration: 0.5-1 ng/&#181;L in HB Buffer). Hybridize at 55 &#176;C for 18-24 h (Figure 2) in a hybridization incubator. 
		NOTE: FISH signal intensity and specificity can vary due to target gene expression, as well as probe length and specificity. To increase the intensity, parameters such as hybridization duration (18-72 h) and temperature (50-65 &#176;C) can be adjusted, and different probes can be tested. To avoid non-specific signals, Proteinase K treatment (concentration and duration) can be modified19.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Probe removal
	<ol>
		<li>Remove the HB Buffer containing probes, and then add Wash Buffer 1 (Table 1). Wash the samples with Wash Buffer 1 for 2 x 15 min at 55 &#176;C. Use 300-400 &#181;L of wash buffer. 
		&#8203;NOTE: HB Buffer containing probes can be used repeatedly, up to about ten times. Instead of discarding, store the used HB Buffer containing probes at or below &#8722;20 &#176;C. Preheat Wash Buffer 1, Wash Buffer 2, 2x SSC, and PBST at 55 &#176;C before use.</li>
		<li>Remove Wash Buffer 1, and then add Wash Buffer 2 (Table 1). Wash the samples with Wash Buffer 2 for 2 x 15 min at 55 &#176;C.</li>
		<li>Remove Wash Buffer 2, and then add 2x SSC. Wash the samples with 2x SSC for 2 x 15 min at 55 &#176;C.</li>
		<li>Remove 2x SSC, and then add preheated PBST. Wash the samples for 1 x 15 min with PBST at RT.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Anti-DIG antibody incubation
	<ol>
		<li>Remove PBST, and then add 1% blocking buffer. Incubate the samples for at least 1 h at RT while shaking slowly on a rocker. 
		NOTE: Prepare 1% blocking buffer freshly by diluting 5% blocking buffer stock (Table 1). Check the samples before the next antibody reaction because the sample tends to stick to the back of the lid or the wall as a result of shaking.</li>
		<li>After blocking, remove the 1% blocking buffer, add anti-DIG-POD solution (1:500, in 1% blocking buffer), and incubate the samples O.N. at 4 &#176;C (Figure 2). 
		NOTE: Be careful to keep the incubation time within 12-16 h to prevent the detection of non-specific signals.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Detection of DIG-labeled probe
	<ol>
		<li>Remove the anti-DIG-POD solution, and then add Tris-NaCl-Tween Buffer (TNT, Table 1). Wash the samples with TNT for 3 x 10 min at RT. 
		NOTE: The use of the tyramide signal amplification (TSA) technique provides a better resolution image against horseradish peroxidase-labeled reagents (e.g., anti-DIG-POD).</li>
		<li>Dilute fluorescent dye-conjugated tyramide (Cy5-tyramide) stock solution (1:50) in the amplification diluent buffer to make the active Cy5-tyramide solution (Figure 2).</li>
		<li>Remove as much TNT as possible, and then add the active Cy5-tyramide solution. Incubate the samples for 10 min in the dark.</li>
		<li>Wash the samples with PBST for 3 x 10 min in the dark.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Detection of EdU 
	NOTE: The EdU kit detects incorporated EdU as fluorescent signals (Figure 2).
	<ol>
		<li>To prepare the EdU detection cocktail, mix the components as shown in Table 1. Use 100 &#181;L of EdU detection cocktail for each sample. 
		NOTE: Prepare 1x Reaction Buffer additive by diluting 10x Reaction Buffer additive with ultrapure water.</li>
		<li>Remove PBST, and then add the EdU detection cocktail. Incubate in the dark for 30 min.</li>
		<li>Wash with PBST for 3 x 10 min in the dark.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>DNA staining
	<ol>
		<li>Dilute Hoechst 33342 (1:500) in PBST to prepare the Hoechst solution. Remove the PBST, and then add the Hoechst solution. Incubate the samples for 30 min in the dark (Figure 2).</li>
		<li>Wash the samples with PBST for 3-4 x 10 min in the dark.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Mounting
	<ol>
		<li>Make a bank on the glass slide to prevent the sample from being crushed. Apply vinyl tape to the glass slide and hollow out the center.</li>
		<li>Transfer the medusae to the bank on the slide glass using a 3.1 mL transfer pipette with the tip cut off. 
		NOTE: Be careful not to let the tentacles overlap.</li>
		<li>Remove any PBST with a P200 pipette, and then slowly add 70% glycerol as the mounting medium (Figure 2). 
		NOTE: Instead of 70% glycerol, anti-fading mounting medium can be used to prevent the fluorescence from fading.</li>
		<li>Gently place a coverslip on the medusae with forceps, and seal the side of the coverslip with clear nail polish.</li>
		<li>Keep the slides at 4 &#176;C in the dark if not immediately performing microscopy observation.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Imaging
	<ol>
		<li>Use a laser scanning confocal microscope to acquire images. For single-cell resolution, use a 40x oil lens or a lens for higher magnification.</li>
		<li>After image acquisition, open the images using ImageJ/FIJI software and count cells that are positive for EdU+ and/or Nanos1+&#160;by the multipoint tool20.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>

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A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+situ+hybridization+protocol+for+enhanced+detection+of+gene+expression+in+the+planarian+Schmidtea+mediterranea.">In situ hybridization protocol for enhanced detection of gene expression in the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea.</a> BMC Developmental Biology. 13 (1), 8 (2013).</li><li>Flici, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=An+evolutionarily+conserved+SoxB-Hdac2+crosstalk+regulates+neurogenesis+in+a+cnidarian.">An evolutionarily conserved SoxB-Hdac2 crosstalk regulates neurogenesis in a cnidarian.</a> Cell Reports. 18 (6), 1395-1409 (2017).</li><li>He, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=An+axial+Hox+code+controls+tissue+segmentation+and+body+patterning+in+Nematostella+vectensis.">An axial Hox code controls tissue segmentation and body patterning in Nematostella vectensis.</a> Science. 361 (6409), 1377-1380 (2018).</li><li>Govindasamy, N., Murthy, S., Ghanekar, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Slow-cycling+stem+cells+in+hydra+contribute+to+head+regeneration.">Slow-cycling stem cells in hydra contribute to head regeneration.</a> Biology Open. 3 (12), 1236-1244 (2014).</li><li>Passamaneck, Y. J., Martindale, M. Q. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cell+proliferation+is+necessary+for+the+regeneration+of+oral+structures+in+the+anthozoan+cnidarian+Nematostella+vectensis.">Cell proliferation is necessary for the regeneration of oral structures in the anthozoan cnidarian Nematostella vectensis.</a> BMC Developmental Biology. 12 (1), 34 (2012).</li><li>Gold, D. 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=Structural+and+developmental+disparity+in+the+tentacles+of+the+moon+jellyfish+Aurelia+sp.1.">Structural and developmental disparity in the tentacles of the moon jellyfish Aurelia sp.1.</a> PLoS One. 10 (8), 0134741 (2015).</li><li>Gold, D. A., Nakanishi, N., Hensley, N. M., Hartenstein, V., Jacobs, D. K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cell+tracking+supports+secondary+gastrulation+in+the+moon+jellyfish+Aurelia.">Cell tracking supports secondary gastrulation in the moon jellyfish Aurelia.</a> Development Genes and Evolution. 226 (6), 383-387 (2016).</li><li>Cheng, L. -. C., Alvarado, A. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Whole-mount+BrdU+staining+with+fluorescence+in+situ+hybridization+in+planarians.">Whole-mount BrdU staining with fluorescence in situ hybridization in planarians.</a> Planarian Regeneration. 1774, 423-434 (2018).</li></ol>

The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Proliferating cells and stem cells are important cellular sources in various processes such as morphogenesis, growth, and regeneration21,22. This paper describes a method for co-staining the stem cell marker Nanos1 by FISH and EdU labeling in Cladonema medusae. Previous work using EdU or BrdU labeling has suggested that proliferative cells localize to the tentacle bulbs16,17, but their m...

Cnidaria is considered a basally branching metazoan phylum containing animals with nerves and muscles, placing them in a unique position for understanding the evolution of animal development and physiology1,2. Cnidarians are categorized into two main groups: Anthozoa (e.g., sea anemones and corals) possess only planula larvae and sessile polyp stages, while Medusozoa (members of Hydrozoa, Staurozoa, Scyphozoa, and Cubozoa) typically take the form of free-swimming medusae, or jellyfish, as well as planula larvae and polyps. Cnidarians commonly exhibit high regenerative capacity, and their underlying cellular mechanisms, particularly their possession of adult stem cells and proliferative cells, have attracted much attention3,4. Initially identified in Hydra, hydrozoan stem cells are located in the interstitial spaces between ectodermal epithelial cells and are commonly referred to as interstitial cells or i-cells3.
Hydrozoan i-cells share common characteristics that include multipotency, the expression of widely conserved stem cell markers (e.g., Nanos, Piwi, Vasa), and migration potential3,5,6,7,8. As functional stem cells, i-cells are extensively involved in the development, physiology, and environmental responses of hydrozoan animals, which attests to their high regenerative capacity and plasticity3. While stem cells, similar to i-cells, have not been identified outside of hydrozoans, even in the established model species Nematostella, proliferative cells are still involved in the maintenance and regeneration of somatic tissue, as well as the germ line9. As studies in cnidarian development and regeneration have been predominantly conducted on polyp-type animals such as Hydra, Hydractinia, and Nematostella, the cellular dynamics and functions of stem cells in jellyfish species remain largely unaddressed.
The hydrozoan jellyfish Clytia hemisphaerica, a cosmopolitan jellyfish species with different habitats around the world, including the Mediterranean Sea and North America, has been utilized as an experimental model animal in several developmental and evolutionary studies10. With its small size, easy handling, and large eggs, Clytia is suitable for lab maintenance, as well as for the introduction of genetic tools such as the recently established transgenesis and knockout methods11, opening up the opportunity for detailed analysis of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying jellyfish biology. In the Clytia medusa tentacle, i-cells are localized in the proximal region, called the bulb, and progenitors such as nematoblasts migrate to the distal tip while differentiating into distinct cell types, including nematocytes12.
During regeneration of the Clytia manubrium, the oral organ of jellyfish, Nanos1+ i-cells that are present in the gonads migrate to the region where the manubrium is lost in response to damage and participate in the regeneration of the manubrium7. These findings support the idea that i-cells in Clytia also behave as functional stem cells that are involved in morphogenesis and regeneration. However, given that the properties of i-cells differ among representative polyp-type animals such as Hydra and Hydractinia3, it is possible that the characteristics and functions of stem cells are diversified among jellyfish species. Furthermore, with the exception of Clytia, experimental techniques have been limited for other jellyfish, and the detailed dynamics of proliferative cells and stem cells are unknown13.
The hydrozoan jellyfish Cladonema pacificum is an emerging model organism that can be kept in a laboratory environment without a water pump or filtration system. The Cladonema medusa has branched tentacles, a common characteristic in the Cladonematidae family, and a photoreceptor organ called the ocellus on the ectodermal layer near the bulb14. The tentacle branching process occurs at a new branching site that appears along the adaxial side of the tentacle. Over time, the tentacles continue to elongate and branch, with the older branches being pushed out toward the tip15. In addition, Cladonema tentacles can regenerate within a few days upon amputation. Recent studies have suggested the role of proliferating cells and stem-like cells in tentacle branching and regeneration in Cladonema16,17. However, while conventional in situ hybridization (ISH) has been utilized to visualize gene expression in Cladonema, due to its low resolution, it is currently difficult to observe stem cell dynamics at the cellular level in detail.
This paper describes a method for visualizing stem-like cells in Cladonema by FISH and co-staining with EdU, a marker of cell proliferation18. We visualize the expression pattern of Nanos1, a stem cell marker5,17, by FISH, which allows for the identification of stem-like cell distribution at the single-cell level. In addition, the co-staining of Nanos1 expression with EdU labeling makes it possible to distinguish actively proliferating stem-like cells. This method for monitoring both stem-like cells and proliferative cells can be applied to a wide range of investigative areas, including tentacle branching, tissue homeostasis, and organ regeneration in Cladonema, and a similar approach can be applied to other jellyfish species.

<table><tbody><tr><td>2-Mercaptoethanol&amp;nbsp;</td><td>Wako</td><td>137-06862</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>3.1 mL transfer pipette</td><td>Thermo Scientific</td><td>233-20S</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>5-Bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-&amp;beta;-D-galactopyranoside (X-Gal)</td><td>Wako</td><td>029-15043</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>anti-DIG-POD</td><td>Roche</td><td>11207733910</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>&lt;em&gt;Cladonema pacificum Nanos1&lt;/em&gt; forward primer</td><td></td><td></td><td>5&amp;rsquo;-AAGAGACACAGTCATTATCAAGC&lt;br/&gt; GA-3&amp;rsquo;</td></tr><tr><td>&lt;em&gt;Cladonema pacificum Nanos1&lt;/em&gt; reverse primer</td><td></td><td></td><td>5&amp;rsquo;-CGACGTGTCCAATTTTACGTGCT -3&amp;rsquo;</td></tr><tr><td>&lt;em&gt;Cladonema pacificum Piwi&lt;/em&gt; forward primer</td><td></td><td></td><td>5&amp;rsquo;- AAAAGAGCAGCGGCCAGAAAGA&lt;br/&gt; AGGC -3&amp;rsquo;</td></tr><tr><td>&lt;em&gt;Cladonema pacificum Piwi&lt;/em&gt; reverse primer</td><td></td><td></td><td>5&amp;rsquo;- GCGGGTCGCATACTTGTTGGTA&lt;br/&gt; CTGGC -3&amp;rsquo;</td></tr><tr><td>Click-iT EdU Cell Proliferation Kit for Imaging, Alexa Fluor 488 dye</td><td>Invitrogen&amp;nbsp;</td><td>C10337</td><td>EdU kit</td></tr><tr><td>Coroline off</td><td>GEX Co. ltd</td><td>N/A</td><td>chlorine neutralizer</td></tr><tr><td>DIG Nucleic Acid Detection Kit Blocking Reagent</td><td>Roche</td><td>11175041910</td><td>blocking buffer&amp;nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>DIG RNA labeling mix&amp;nbsp;</td><td>Roche</td><td>11277073910</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>DTT&amp;nbsp;</td><td>Promega</td><td>P117B</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>&lt;em&gt;ECOS&lt;/em&gt; competent cell DH5&amp;alpha;</td><td>NIPPON GENE</td><td>316-06233</td><td>competent cell</td></tr><tr><td>Fast gene Gel/PCR Extraction kit</td><td>Fast gene</td><td>FG-91302</td><td>gel extraction kit</td></tr><tr><td>Fast gene plasmid mini kit</td><td>Fast gene</td><td>FG-90502</td><td>plasmid miniprep</td></tr><tr><td>Formamide</td><td>Wako&amp;nbsp;</td><td>068-00426</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Heparin sodium salt from porcine</td><td>SIGMA-ALDRICH&amp;nbsp;</td><td>H3393-10KU</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Isopropyl-&amp;beta;-D(-)-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG)</td><td>Wako</td><td>096-05143</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>LB Agar</td><td>Invitrogen</td><td>22700-025</td><td>agar plate</td></tr><tr><td>LB Broth Base</td><td>Invitrogen</td><td>12780-052</td><td>LB medium</td></tr><tr><td>Maleic acid</td><td>Wako</td><td>134-00495</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>mini Quick spin RNA columns</td><td>Roche</td><td>11814427001</td><td>clean-up column</td></tr><tr><td>NaCl</td><td>Wako&amp;nbsp;</td><td>191-01665</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>NanoDrop OneC Microvolume UV-Vis Spectrophotometer with Wi-Fi</td><td>Thermo Scientific</td><td>ND-ONEC-W</td><td>spectrophotometer</td></tr><tr><td>Polyoxyethlene (20) Sorbitan Monolaurate (Tween-20)</td><td>Wako&amp;nbsp;</td><td>166-21115</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>PowerMasher 2</td><td>nippi&amp;nbsp;</td><td>891300</td><td>homogenizer</td></tr><tr><td>Proteinase K</td><td>Nacarai Tesque&amp;nbsp;</td><td>29442-14</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>RNase Inhibitor</td><td>TaKaRa</td><td>2313A</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>RNeasy Mini kit</td><td>Qiagen&amp;nbsp;</td><td>74004</td><td>total RNA isolation kit</td></tr><tr><td>RQ1 RNase-Free Dnase</td><td>Promega</td><td>M6101</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Saline Sodium Citrate Buffer 20x powder (20x SSC)</td><td>TaKaRa</td><td>T9172</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>SEA LIFE</td><td>Marin Tech</td><td>N/A</td><td>mixture of mineral salts</td></tr><tr><td>T3 RNA polymerase&amp;nbsp;</td><td>Roche</td><td>11031163001</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>T7 RNA polymerase&amp;nbsp;</td><td>Roche</td><td>10881767001</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TAITEC HB-100</td><td>TAITEC</td><td>0040534-000</td><td>Hybridization incuvator</td></tr><tr><td>TaKaRa Ex Taq&amp;nbsp;</td><td>TaKaRa</td><td>RR001A</td><td>Taq DNA polymerase</td></tr><tr><td>TaKaRa PrimeScript 2 1&lt;sup&gt;st&lt;/sup&gt; strand cDNA Synthesis Kit</td><td>TaKaRa</td><td>6210A</td><td>cDNA synthesis kit</td></tr><tr><td>Target Clone</td><td>TOYOBO&amp;nbsp;</td><td>TAK101</td><td>pTA2 Vector</td></tr><tr><td>tRNA</td><td>Roche</td><td>10109541001</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>TSA Plus Cyanine 5</td><td>AKOYA Biosciences</td><td>NEL745001KT</td><td>tyramide signal amplification (TSA) technique</td></tr><tr><td>Zeiss LSM 880</td><td>ZEISS</td><td>N/A</td><td>laser scanning confocal microscope</td></tr></tbody></table>

fluorescent in situ hybridization and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine labeling for stem-like cells in the hydrozoan jellyfish cladonema pacificum

Cnidarians, including sea anemones, corals, and jellyfish, exhibit diverse morphology and lifestyles that are manifested in sessile polyps and free-swimming medusae. As exemplified in established models such as Hydra and Nematostella, stem cells and/or proliferative cells contribute to the development and regeneration of cnidarian polyps. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms in most jellyfish, particularly at the medusa stage, are largely unclear, and, thus, developing a robust method for identifying specific cell types is critical. This paper describes a protocol for visualizing stem-like proliferating cells in the hydrozoan jellyfish Cladonema pacificum. Cladonema medusae possess branched tentacles that continuously grow and maintain regenerative capacity throughout their adult stage, providing a unique platform with which to study the cellular mechanisms orchestrated by proliferating and/or stem-like cells. Whole-mount fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) using a stem cell marker allows for the detection of stem-like cells, while pulse labeling with 5-ethynyl-2&#39;-deoxyuridine (EdU), an S phase marker, enables the identification of proliferating cells. Combining both FISH and EdU labeling, we can detect actively proliferating stem-like cells on fixed animals, and this technique can be broadly applied to other animals, including non-model jellyfish species.

Cladonema tentacles have been used as a model to study the cellular processes of morphogenesis and regeneration15,16,17. The tentacle structure is composed of an epithelial tube where stem-like cells, or i-cells, are located in the proximal region, called the tentacle bulb, and new branches are sequentially added to the rear of the distal region of the bulb along the adaxial side (Figure 3A...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization and 5-Ethynyl-2'-Deoxyuridine Labeling for Stem-Like Cells in the Hydrozoan Jellyfish Cladonema pacificum at JoVE.com

Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization and 5-Ethynyl-2'-Deoxyuridine Labeling for Stem-Like Cells in the Hydrozoan Jellyfish Cladonema pacificum

Here, we describe a protocol for visualizing stem-like proliferating cells in the jellyfish Cladonema. Whole-mount fluorescent in situ hybridization with a stem cell marker allows for the detection of stem-like cells, and 5-ethynyl-2&#39;-deoxyuridine labeling enables the identification of proliferating cells. Together, actively proliferating stem-like cells can be detected.&#160;

Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization and 5-Ethynyl-2'-Deoxyuridine Labeling for Stem-Like Cells in the Hydrozoan Jellyfish Cladonema pacificum

Cnidarians, including sea anemones, corals, and jellyfish, exhibit diverse morphology and lifestyles that are manifested in sessile polyps and ...

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Developmental Biology

3.0K Views.  Tohoku University. Here, we describe a protocol for visualizing stem-like proliferating cells in the jellyfish Cladonema. Whole-mount fluorescent in situ hybridization with a stem cell marker allows for the detection of stem-like cells, and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine labeling enables the identification of proliferating cells. Together, actively proliferating stem-like cells can be detected. 

Video: Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization and 5-Ethynyl-2'-Deoxyuridine Labeling for Stem-Like Cells in the Hydrozoan Jellyfish Cladonema pacificum

Multi-target Chromogenic Whole-mount In Situ Hybridization for Comparing Gene Expression Domains in Drosophila Embryos

To analyze gene regulatory networks active during embryonic development and organogenesis it is essential to precisely define how the different genes are expressed in spatial relation to each other in situ. Multi-target chromogenic whole-mount in situ hybridization (MC-WISH) greatly facilitates the instant comparison of gene expression patterns, as it allows distinctive visualization of different mRNA species in contrasting colors in the same sample specimen. This provides the possibility to relate gene expression domains topographically to each other with high accuracy and to define unique and overlapping expression sites. In the presented protocol, we describe a MC-WISH procedure for comparing mRNA expression patterns of different genes in Drosophila embryos. Up to three RNA probes, each specific for another gene and labeled by a different hapten, are simultaneously hybridized to the embryo samples and subsequently detected by alkaline phosphatase-based colorimetric immunohistochemistry. The described procedure is detailed here for Drosophila, but works equally well with zebrafish embryos.

Multi-target Chromogenic Whole-mount In Situ Hybridization for Comparing Gene Expression Domains in Drosophila Embryos

We describe a multi-target chromogenic whole-mount in situ hybridization (MC-WISH) procedure in intact Drosophila embryos allowing simultaneous and specific detection of three different mRNA distribution patterns by contrasting color precipitates.

To analyze gene regulatory networks active during embryonic development and organogenesis it is essential to precisely define how the different genes are ...

Labeling Stem Cells with Fluorescent Dyes for non-invasive Detection with Optical Imaging

Optical imaging (OI) is an easy, fast and inexpensive tool for in vivo monitoring of new stem cell based therapies. The technique is based on ex vivo labeling of stem cells with a fluorescent dye, subsequent intravenous injection of the labeled cells and visualization of their accumulation in specific target organs or pathologies. The presented technique demonstrates how we label human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) by simple incubation with the lipophilic fluorescent dye DiD (C67H103CIN2O3S) and how we label human embryonic stem cells (hESC) with the FDA approved fluorescent dye Indocyanine Green (ICG). The uptake mechanism is via adherence and diffusion of the lypophilic dye across the phospholipid cell membrane bilayer. The labeling efficiency is usually improved if the cells are incubated with the dye in serum-free media as opposed to incubation in serum-containing media. Furthermore, the addition of the transfection agent Protamine Sulfate significantly improves contrast agent uptake.

This video shows techniques for labeling of human embryonic stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells with fluorescent dyes. This technique can be used for an in vivo tracking of transplanted stem cells with optical imaging and for histopathological correlations with fluorescence microscopy.

Optical imaging (OI) is an easy, fast and inexpensive tool for in vivo monitoring of new stem cell based therapies. The technique is based on ex vivo ...

Biology

In Situ Hybridization Techniques for Paraffin-Embedded Adult Coral Samples

Corals are important ocean invertebrates that are critical for overall ocean health as well as human health. However, due to human impacts such as rising ocean temperatures and ocean acidification, corals are increasingly under threat. To tackle these challenges, advances in cell and molecular biology have proven to be crucial for diagnosing the health of corals. Modifying some of the techniques commonly used in human medicine could greatly improve researchers&#39; ability to treat and save corals. To address this, a protocol for in situ hybridization used primarily in human medicine and evolutionary developmental biology has been adapted for use in adult corals under stress.
The purpose of this method is to visualize the spatial expression of an RNA probe in adult coral tissue that has been embedded in paraffin and sectioned onto glass slides. This method focuses on removal of the paraffin and rehydration of the sample, pretreatment of the sample to ensure permeability of the sample, pre-hybridization incubation, hybridization of the RNA probe, and visualization of the RNA probe. This is a powerful method when using non-model organisms to discover where specific genes are expressed, and the protocol can be easily adapted for other non-model organisms. However, the method is limited in that it is primarily qualitative, because expression intensity can vary depending on the amount of time used during the visualization step and the concentration of the probe. Furthermore, patience is required, as this protocol can take up to 5 days (and in many cases, longer) depending on the probe being used. Finally, non-specific background staining is common, but this limitation can be overcome.

In Situ Hybridization Techniques for Paraffin-Embedded Adult Coral Samples

The goal of this protocol is to perform in situ hybridization on adult coral samples that have been embedded in paraffin and sectioned onto glass slides. This is a qualitative method used to visualize the spatial expression of an RNA anti-sense probe in paraffin-embedded tissues.

Corals are important ocean invertebrates that are critical for overall ocean health as well as human health. However, due to human impacts such as rising ...

Environment

Visualizing Multiciliated Cells in the Zebrafish Through a Combined Protocol of Whole Mount Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization and Immunofluorescence

In recent years, the zebrafish embryo has emerged as a popular model to study developmental biology due to traits such as ex utero embryo development and optical transparency. In particular, the zebrafish embryo has become an important organism to study vertebrate kidney organogenesis as well as multiciliated cell (MCC) development. To visualize MCCs in the embryonic zebrafish kidney, we have developed a combined protocol of whole-mount fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and whole mount immunofluorescence (IF) that enables high resolution imaging. This manuscript describes our technique for co-localizing RNA transcripts and protein as a tool to better understand the regulation of developmental programs through the expression of various lineage factors.

Visualizing Multiciliated Cells in the Zebrafish Through a Combined Protocol of Whole Mount Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization and Immunofluorescence

Cilia development is vital to proper organogenesis. This protocol describes an optimized method to label and visualize ciliated cells of the zebrafish.

In recent years, the zebrafish embryo has emerged as a popular model to study developmental biology due to traits such as ex utero embryo development and ...

Zebrafish Whole Mount High-Resolution Double Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization

Whole mount in situ hybridization is one of the most widely used techniques in developmental biology. Here, we present a high-resolution double fluorescent in situ hybridization protocol for analyzing the precise expression pattern of a single gene and for determining the overlap of the expression domains of two genes. The protocol is a modified version of the standard in situ hybridization using alkaline phosphatase and substrates such as NBT/BCIP and Fast Red 1,2. This protocol utilizes standard digoxygenin and fluorescein labeled probes along with tyramide signal amplification (TSA) 3. The commercially available TSA kits allow flexible experimental design as fluorescence emission from green to far-red can be used in combination with various nuclear stains, such as propidium iodide, or fluorescence immunohistochemistry for proteins. TSA produces a reactive fluorescent substrate that quickly covalently binds to moieties, typically tyrosine residues, in the immediate vicinity of the labeled antisense riboprobe. The resulting staining patterns are high resolution in that subcellular localization of the mRNA can be observed using laser scanning confocal microscopy 3,4. One can observe nascent transcripts at the chromosomal loci, distinguish nuclear and cytoplasmic staining and visualize other patterns such as cortical localization of mRNA. Studies in Drosophila indicate that roughly 70% of mRNAs exhibit specific patterns of subcellular localization that frequently correlate with the function of the encoded protein 5. When combined with computer-aided reconstruction of 3D confocal datasets, our protocol allows the detailed analysis of mRNA distribution with sub-cellular resolution in whole vertebrate embryos.

Zebrafish Whole Mount High-Resolution Double Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization

Whole mount in situ hybridization is one of the most widely used techniques in developmental biology. Here, we present a high-resolution double fluorescent in situ hybridization protocol for analyzing the precise expression pattern of a single gene and for determining the overlap of the expression domains of two genes. We include a propidium iodide nuclear counter-stain to highlight tissue organization.

Whole mount in situ hybridization is one of the most widely used techniques in developmental biology.  Here, we present a high-resolution double ...

Fluorescent Calcium Imaging and Subsequent In Situ Hybridization for Neuronal Precursor Characterization in Xenopus laevis

Spontaneous intracellular calcium activity can be observed in a variety of cell types and is proposed to play critical roles in a variety of physiological processes. In particular, appropriate regulation of calcium activity patterns during embryogenesis is necessary for many aspects of vertebrate neural development, including proper neural tube closure, synaptogenesis, and neurotransmitter phenotype specification. While the observation that calcium activity patterns can differ in both frequency and amplitude suggests a compelling mechanism by which these fluxes might transmit encoded signals to downstream effectors and regulate gene expression, existing population-level approaches have lacked the precision necessary to further explore this possibility. Furthermore, these approaches limit studies of the role of cell-cell interactions by precluding the ability to assay the state of neuronal determination in the absence of cell-cell contact. Therefore, we have established an experimental workflow that pairs time-lapse calcium imaging of dissociated neuronal explants with a fluorescence in situ hybridization assay, allowing the unambiguous correlation of calcium activity pattern with molecular phenotype on a single-cell level. We were successfully able to use this approach to distinguish and characterize specific calcium activity patterns associated with differentiating neural cells and neural progenitor cells, respectively; beyond this, however, the experimental framework described in this article could be readily adapted to investigate correlations between any time-series activity profile and expression of a gene or genes of interest.

Fluorescent Calcium Imaging and Subsequent In Situ Hybridization for Neuronal Precursor Characterization in Xenopus laevis

We present a two-part protocol that combines fluorescent calcium imaging with in situ hybridization, allowing the experimenter to correlate patterns of calcium activity with gene expression profiles on a single-cell level.

Spontaneous intracellular calcium activity can be observed in a variety of cell types and is proposed to play critical roles in a variety of physiological ...

Using Whole Mount in situ Hybridization to Link Molecular and Organismal Biology

Whole mount in situ hybridization (WISH) is a common technique in molecular biology laboratories used to study gene expression through the localization of specific mRNA transcripts within whole mount specimen. This technique (adapted from Albertson and Yelick, 2005) was used in an upper level undergraduate Comparative Vertebrate Biology laboratory classroom at Syracuse University. The first two thirds of the Comparative Vertebrate Biology lab course gave students the opportunity to study the embryology and gross anatomy of several organisms representing various chordate taxa primarily via traditional dissections and the use of models. The final portion of the course involved an innovative approach to teaching anatomy through observation of vertebrate development employing molecular techniques in which WISH was performed on zebrafish embryos. A heterozygous fibroblast growth factor 8 a (fgf8a) mutant line, ace, was used. Due to Mendelian inheritance, ace intercrosses produced wild type, heterozygous, and homozygous ace/fgf8a mutants in a 1:2:1 ratio. RNA probes with known expression patterns in the midline and in developing anatomical structures such as the heart, somites, tailbud, myotome, and brain were used. WISH was performed using zebrafish at the 13 somite and prim-6 stages, with students performing the staining reaction in class. The study of zebrafish embryos at different stages of development gave students the ability to observe how these anatomical structures changed over ontogeny. In addition, some ace/fgf8a mutants displayed improper heart looping, and defects in somite and brain development. The students in this lab observed the normal development of various organ systems using both external anatomy as well as gene expression patterns. They also identified and described embryos displaying improper anatomical development and gene expression (i.e., putative mutants).
For instructors at institutions that do not already own the necessary equipment or where funds for lab and curricular innovation are limited, the financial cost of the reagents and apparatus may be a factor to consider, as will the time and effort required on the part of the instructor regardless of the setting. Nevertheless, we contend that the use of WISH in this type of classroom laboratory setting can provide an important link between developmental genetics and anatomy. As technology advances and the ability to study organismal development at the molecular level becomes easier, cheaper, and increasingly popular, many evolutionary biologists, ecologists, and physiologists are turning to research strategies in the field of molecular biology. Using WISH in a Comparative Vertebrate Biology laboratory classroom is one example of how molecules and anatomy can converge within a single course. This gives upper level college students the opportunity to practice modern biological research techniques, leading to a more diversified education and the promotion of future interdisciplinary scientific research.

Using Whole Mount in situ Hybridization to Link Molecular and Organismal Biology

Whole mount in situ hybridization (WISH) was used in an upper level undergraduate Comparative Vertebrate Biology course in addition to vertebrate dissections. This gave students the opportunity to study gene expression patterns as well as gross anatomy, linking the study of molecular and organismal biology within one course.

Whole mount in situ hybridization (WISH) is a common technique in molecular biology laboratories used to study gene expression through the localization of ...

Lineage Labeling of Zebrafish Cells with Laser Uncagable Fluorescein Dextran

A central problem in developmental biology is to deduce the origin of the myriad cell types present in vertebrates as they arise from undifferentiated precursors. Researchers have employed various methods of lineage labeling, such as DiI labeling1 and pressure injection of traceable enzymes2 to ascertain cell fate at later stages of development in model systems. The first fate maps in zebrafish (Danio rerio) were assembled by iontophoretic injection of fluorescent dyes, such as rhodamine dextran, into single cells in discrete regions of the embryo and tracing the labeled cell's fate over time3-5. While effective, these methods are technically demanding and require specialized equipment not commonly found in zebrafish labs. Recently, photoconvertable fluorescent proteins, such as Eos and Kaede, which irreversibly switch from green to red fluorescence when exposed to ultraviolet light, are seeing increased use in zebrafish6-8. The optical clarity of the zebrafish embryo and the relative ease of transgenesis have made these particularily attractive tools for lineage labeling and to observe the migration of cells in vivo7. Despite their utility, these proteins have some disadvantages compared to dye-mediated lineage labeling methods. The most crucial is the difficulty we have found in obtaining high 3-D resolution during photoconversion of these proteins. In this light, perhaps the best combination of resolution and ease of use for lineage labeling in zebrafish makes use of caged fluorescein dextran, a fluorescent dye that is bound to a quenching group that masks its fluorescence9. The dye can then be "uncaged" (released from the quenching group) within a specific cell using UV light from a laser or mercury lamp, allowing visualization of its fluorescence or immunodetection. Unlike iontophoretic methods, caged fluorescein can be injected with standard injection apparatuses and uncaged with an epifluorescence microscope equipped with a pinhole10. In addition, antibodies against fluorescein detect only the uncaged form, and the epitope survives fixation well11. Finally, caged fluorescein can be activated with very high 3-D resolution, especially if two-photon microscopy is employed 12,13. This protocol describes a method of lineage labeling by caged fluorescein and laser uncaging. Subsequenctly, uncaged fluorescein is detected simultaneously with other epitopes such as GFP by labeling with antibodies.

This protocol delineates a way to label and trace the fate of small groups of cells zebrafish embryos using UV-uncaging of caged fluorescein, followed by whole mount immunolabeling to amplify the signal from the uncaged fluorescein.

A central problem in developmental biology is to deduce the origin of the myriad cell types present in vertebrates as they arise from undifferentiated ...

Method for Labeling Transcripts in Individual Escherichia coli Cells for Single-molecule Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Experiments

A method is described for labeling individual messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts in fixed bacteria for use in single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH) experiments in E. coli. smFISH allows the measurement of cell-to-cell variability in mRNA copy number of genes of interest, as well as the subcellular location of the transcripts. The main steps involved are fixation of the bacterial cell culture, permeabilization of cell membranes, and hybridization of the target transcripts with sets of commercially available short fluorescently-labeled oligonucleotide probes. smFISH can allow the imaging of the transcripts of multiple genes in the same cell, with limitations imposed by the spectral overlap between different fluorescent markers. Following completion of the protocol illustrated below, cells can be readily imaged using a microscope coupled with a camera suitable for low-intensity fluorescence. These images, together with cell contours obtained from segmentation of phase contrast frames, or from cell membrane staining, allow the calculation of the mRNA copy number distribution of a sample of cells using open-source or custom-written software. The labeling method described here can also be applied to image transcripts with stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM).

Method for Labeling Transcripts in Individual Escherichia coli Cells for Single-molecule Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Experiments

This manuscript describes a method for labeling individual messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts with fluorescently-labeled DNA probes, for use in single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH) experiments in E. coli. smFISH is a visualization method that allows the simultaneous detection, localization, and quantification of single mRNA molecules in fixed individual cells.

A method is described for labeling individual messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts in fixed bacteria for use in single-molecule fluorescence in situ ...

Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting for the Isolation of Scleractinian Cell Populations

Coral reefs are under threat due to anthropogenic stressors. The biological response of coral to these stressors may occur at a cellular level, but the mechanisms are not well understood. To investigate coral response to stressors, we need tools for analyzing cellular responses. In particular, we need tools that facilitate the application of functional assays to better understand how cell populations are reacting to stress. In the current study, we use fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to isolate and separate different cell populations in stony corals. This protocol includes: (1) the separation of coral tissues from the skeleton, (2) creation of a single cell suspension, (3) labeling the coral cells using various markers for flow cytometry, and (4) gating and cell sorting strategies. This method will enable researchers to work on corals at the cellular level for analysis, functional assays, and gene expression studies of different cell populations.

Corals create biodiverse ecosystems important for both humans and marine organisms. However, we still do not understand the full potential and function of many coral cells. Here, we present a protocol developed for the isolation, labeling, and separation of stony coral cell populations.

Coral reefs are under threat due to anthropogenic stressors. The biological response of coral to these stressors may occur at a cellular level, but the ...

Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization and 5-Ethynyl-2'-Deoxyuridine Labeling for Stem-Like Cells in the Hydrozoan Jellyfish Cladonema pacificum

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Chapters in this video

Multi-target Chromogenic Whole-mount In Situ Hybridization for Comparing Gene Expression Domains in Drosophila Embryos

Labeling Stem Cells with Fluorescent Dyes for non-invasive Detection with Optical Imaging

In Situ Hybridization Techniques for Paraffin-Embedded Adult Coral Samples

Visualizing Multiciliated Cells in the Zebrafish Through a Combined Protocol of Whole Mount Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization and Immunofluorescence

Zebrafish Whole Mount High-Resolution Double Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization

Fluorescent Calcium Imaging and Subsequent In Situ Hybridization for Neuronal Precursor Characterization in Xenopus laevis

Using Whole Mount in situ Hybridization to Link Molecular and Organismal Biology

Lineage Labeling of Zebrafish Cells with Laser Uncagable Fluorescein Dextran

Method for Labeling Transcripts in Individual Escherichia coli Cells for Single-molecule Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Experiments

Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting for the Isolation of Scleractinian Cell Populations