A Simple Hanging Drop Cell Culture Protocol for Generation of 3D Spheroids
Department of Surgery, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
We describe a simple, rapid method of generating 3D tissue-like spheroids and their potential application to quantify differences in cell-cell interactions.
Isolation of Mammary Epithelial Cells from Three-dimensional Mixed-cell Spheroid Co-culture
Molecular Oncology Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center
A simple method is described for analyzing effects of tissue fibroblasts on associated epithelial cells. The combination of this method and three-dimensional tissue culture can facilitate analysis of cells after isolation from 3D. The technique is applicable to cells of varying malignant potential, allowing systematic study of effects of tumor-associated stroma on tumor cells.
Measurement of Aggregate Cohesion by Tissue Surface Tensiometry
Department of Surgery, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
We describe a method of measuring binding energy, expressible as tissue surface tension, between cells within 3D tissue-like aggregates. Differences in tissue surface tension have been demonstrated to correlate with invasiveness of lung, muscle, and brain tumors, and are fundamental determinants of establishing spatial relationships between different cell types.
Human Neuroendocrine Tumor Cell Lines as a Three-Dimensional Model for the Study of Human Neuroendocrine Tumor Therapy
1Raymond and Beverly Sackler Foundation, 2The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, 3School of Natural Sciences, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, New Jersey
We present a simple agarose overlay platform to grow 3D multicellular spheroids using neuroendocrine cancer cell lines. This method provides a very convenient way to examine the effect of therapeutic drugs on the neuroendocrine tumor cells. It could also help us establish human neuroendocrine tumor spheroids for cancer therapy.
Derivation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells from Murine Embryonic Stem Cells
Childrens Hospital, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical School
This protocol details the derivation of transplantable hematopoietic stem cells from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESC) and their subsequent injection into lethally irradiated recipient mice. Briefly, ESC are differentiated as embryoid bodies, which are then infected with retroviral HoxB4 and co-cultured with OP9 stromal cells and hematopoietic cytokines.
Alginate Hydrogels for Three-Dimensional Organ Culture of Ovaries and Oviducts
Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Illinois at Chicago
Culture of normal cells in their three-dimensional context represents an alternative method to study early events required for cellular transformation and tumorigenesis. This method is used to grow normal ovarian and oviductal cells to study early events in ovarian cancer formation.
Use of LysoTracker to Detect Programmed Cell Death in Embryos and Differentiating Embryonic Stem Cells
We present a simple protocol to visualize regions of programmed cell death (PCD) in mouse embryos and differentiating embryonic stem (ES) cell cultures using a highly soluble dye called LysoTracker.
Adult and Embryonic Skeletal Muscle Microexplant Culture and Isolation of Skeletal Muscle Stem Cells
School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham
The micro-dissected explants technique is a robust and reliable method for isolating proliferative skeletal muscle cells from juvenile, adult or embryonic muscles as a source of skeletal muscle stem cells. Uniquely, these cells have been clonally derived to produce skeletal muscle stem cell lines used for in vivo transplantation.
In vitro Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem (mES) Cells Using the Hanging Drop Method
Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University
This video demonstrates how to conduct in vitro differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells to embryoid bodies using the hanging drop method.
The Preparation of Drosophila Embryos for Live-Imaging Using the Hanging Drop Protocol
Department of Biology, University of Waterloo
A simple, inexpensive, and effective method of preparing Drosophila embryos for live-imaging analysis is presented. Our protocol provides humidity and gas exchange and does not compress the Drosophila embryo. This method is suitable for GFP-based live imaging of Drosophila embryos using a stereomicroscope or upright compound microscope.
Collection, Isolation and Enrichment of Naturally Occurring Magnetotactic Bacteria from the Environment
1School of Earth Sciences, The Ohio State University, 2School of Environment & Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, 3Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
We demonstrate a method to collect magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) that can be applied to natural waters. MTB can be isolated and enriched from sediment samples using a relatively simple setup that takes advantage of the bacteria's natural magnetism. Isolated MTB can then be examined in detail using both light and electron microscopy.
Modified Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell based Assay for Quantifying Cardiogenic Induction Efficiency
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 3Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 4Research Medicine, Veterans Administration TVHS
We describe the use of a mouse ES cell based assay to identify critical time windows for Wnt/β-catenin and BMP signal activation during cardiogenic induction. The method provides a standardized platform that reliably quantifies cardiogenic efficiency, and it is applicable to the study of other cell lineages.
Shrinky-Dink Hanging Drops: A Simple Way to Form and Culture Embryoid Bodies
School of Engineering, University of California Merced - UC Merced
We show a simple and rapid method to load pre-defined numbers of cells into microfabricated wells and maintain them for embryoid body development.
Protein Crystallization for X-ray Crystallography
Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics, Yale University
The 3-D structure of a molecule provides a unique understanding of how the molecule functions. The principal method for structure determination at near-atomic resolution is X-ray crystallography. Here, we demonstrate the current methods for obtaining three-dimensional crystals of any given macromolecule that are suitable for structure determination by X-ray crystallography.
Microfluidic Device for Recreating a Tumor Microenvironment in Vitro
Department of Chemical Engineering, University Of Massachusetts Amherst
We present the procedure for fabrication and operation of a microfluidic device that recreates heterogeneous tumor microenvironments in vitro. The variability in apoptosis within tumor tissue was quantified using fluorescent stains and the effective diffusion coefficient of the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin into tumor tissue was evaluated.
Creation of Murine Experimental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms with Elastase
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 2Department of Vascular Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine
This video shows how to induce abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in mice via transient intraluminal infusion of porcine pancreatic elastase into the infrarenal segment of the abdominal aorta. The model has the ability to add broad insight into the pathobiology of AAA due to the emergence of numerous transgenic and gene knockout mice.
Use of a Hanging-weight System for Liver Ischemia in Mice
1UCH Transplant Center, University of Colorado, Denver, 2Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Denver
We established a novel murine model of a hanging weight system for portal triad occlusion. This technique may be useful for future investigations of ischemia in murine hepatic models.
Use of a Hanging Weight System for Coronary Artery Occlusion in Mice
Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver
A murine model for myocardial ischemia and ischemic preconditioning is an important tool study cardioprotective mechanisms in vivo. Here, we report an easy applicable in situ model for cardiac IP using a hanging-weight system for coronary artery occlusion.
Live Imaging of Glial Cell Migration in the Drosophila Eye Imaginal Disc
Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia - UBC
Here we describe a protocol to examine the migration of glial cells into the developing Drosophila eye using live microscopic analysis paired with GFP tagged glial cells.
Assaying the Ability of Diffusible Signaling Molecules to Reorient Embryonic Spinal Commissural Axons
1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, 2Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California
This assay assesses the ability of a signaling molecule, here Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 (BMP7), to reorient commissural axons. An explant of embryonic dorsal spinal cord is cultured adjacent to an aggregate of COS cells secreting the candidate growth factors. Reoriented commissural axons growing within the explant are visualized by immunohistochemistry.
Use of a Hanging-weight System for Isolated Renal Artery Occlusion
1Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, 2School of Medicine, University of Colorado, 3Department of Anesthesiology, Korea University College of Medicine
A precise murine model for acute kidney injury (AKI) due to ischemia is an important tool to investigate acute kidney injury and possibly find therapeutic tools to treat renal injury. The hanging weight system offers a tool for immediate and reliable renal artery occlusion and reperfusion without causing renal congestion.
A Murine Closed-chest Model of Myocardial Ischemia and Reperfusion
1Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Bonn, Germany, 2Institute of Physiology, University of Bonn, Germany
Surgical trauma induces an inflammatory response. Cytokines and endogenous ligands are known to modulate myocardial infarct size following ischemia and reperfusion. We present a modified closed-chest model of murine ischemia and reperfusion using hanging weights to minimize effects of thoracotomy.
In vivo Liver Endocytosis Followed by Purification of Liver Cells by Liver Perfusion
Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
The study of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs) must be performed with primary cells obtained from the animal as no cell lines exist. This method relies on liver digestion and differential centrifugation for SEC purification for subsequent culturing and experimentation.
High Throughput Single-cell and Multiple-cell Micro-encapsulation
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University
Combining monodisperse drop generation with inertial ordering of cells and particles, we describe a method to encapsulate a desired number of cells or particles in a single drop at kHz rates. We demonstrate efficiencies twice exceeding those of unordered encapsulation for single- and double-particle drops.
Low-Cost Cryo-Light Microscopy Stage Fabrication for Correlated Light/Electron Microscopy
Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis
We demonstrate the fabrication of a low-cost cryogenic stage designed to fit most reflected light microscopes. This lab-built cryogenic stage enables efficient and reliable correlative imaging between cryo-light and cryo-electron microscopy.
Primary Culture of Adult Rat Heart Myocytes
1Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, 2Department of Pharmacology, Columbia University
In this paper, we described a typical way to isolate and culture adult rat heart myocytes. Collagenase and protease are used to digest and isolate single myocytes. Myocytes cultured follow this protocol meet most experiment requirements.
High and Low Throughput Screens with Root-knot Nematodes Meloidogyne spp.
Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside
Two distinct methods to screen plants with root-knot nematodes are described. The described approaches include high-throughput screens with nematodes in a nondestructive manner facilitating the use of these plants in breeding programs.
Laser Microdissection Applied to Gene Expression Profiling of Subset of Cells from the Drosophila Wing Disc
Dipartimento di Biologia Strutturale e Funzionale, University of Naples
Laser microdissection was applied to analyse gene expression profiling in specific compartments of Drosophila wing disc subjected to localised RNAi in vivo. RNA extracted from equivalent areas of silenced and unsilenced compartments was analysed by quantitative RT-PCR to determine comparative gene expression profiling within the context of native tissue microecology.
Preparation and Pathogen Inactivation of Double Dose Buffy Coat Platelet Products using the INTERCEPT Blood System
Department of Laboratory Medicine, Section for Transfusion Medicine, Örebro University Hospital
This article describes the process used by Örebro University Hospital to produce double dose buffy coat platelet concentrates prepared from whole blood donations and treated with the INTERCEPT Blood System for pathogen inactivation. The in vitro quality of the final platelet units are evaluated over 7 days of storage.
Clinical Testing and Spinal Cord Removal in a Mouse Model for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
1Dept. of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, 2DFG Research Center for the Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CMPB), Göttingen, Germany
A mouse model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is examined clinically and behaviorally. As a prerequisite for an accompanying immunohistological analysis the preparation of the spinal cord is depicted in detail.
Surgical Technique for Spinal Cord Delivery of Therapies: Demonstration of Procedure in Gottingen Minipigs
1Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University, 2Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, 3Division of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham, 4Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 5Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University
Short visual description of the surgical technique and device used for the delivery of (gene and cell) therapies into the spinal cord. The technique is demonstrated in the animal but is entirely translatable and currently being used for human application.
Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation
1Department of Anesthesia, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 2Department of Anesthesia, Children's Hospital of Michigan, 3Department of Anesthesiology, Children's Hospital of Michigan
We describe guidelines to perform a safe and efficient elective fiberoptic intubation in pediatric patients while maintaining spontaneous ventilation.
A Tactile Automated Passive-Finger Stimulator (TAPS)
1Department of Occupational Therapy, Duquesne University, 2Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University
We describe a computer-controlled device for investigating the sense of touch: the Tactile Automated Passive-finger Stimulator (TAPS). We describe the components of TAPS, and show how TAPS is used to administer a two-interval forced-choice tactile grating orientation test.
High Speed Droplet-based Delivery System for Passive Pumping in Microfluidic Devices
1Materials Science Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison
A novel microfluidic system has been developed using the phenomenon of passive pumping and a user controlled fluid delivery system. This microfluidic system has the potential to be used in a wide variety of biological applications given its low cost, ease of use, volumetric precision, high speed, repeatability and automation.
Isolation of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC)
Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine (UCI)
This video protocol illustrates the isolation and culture of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) from human umbilical cord. Once isolated these cells can be used for in vitro angiogenesis assays like the Optimized Fibrin Gel Bead Assay also demonstrated by the Hughes lab.
Design of a Cyclic Pressure Bioreactor for the Ex Vivo Study of Aortic Heart Valves
Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Mississippi State University
A cyclic pressure bioreactor capable of subjecting heart valve tissue to physiological and pathological pressure conditions has been designed. A LabVIEW program allows users to control pressure magnitude, amplitude and frequency. This device can be used to study the mechanobiology of heart valve tissue or isolated cells.
Exploring Cognitive Functions in Babies, Children & Adults with Near Infrared Spectroscopy
1Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 2Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough
Here we describe a data collection and data analysis method for functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), a novel non-invasive brain imaging system used in cognitive neuroscience, particularly in studying child brain development. This method provides a universal standard of data acquisition and analysis vital to data interpretation and scientific discovery.
Intranasal Administration of CNS Therapeutics to Awake Mice
A method to intranasally administer drugs to awake mice for the purpose of targeting the brain is described. This method allows for repeat dosing over long periods using intranasal administration of drug without anesthesia, and nose-to-brain delivery with minimal systemic exposure.
The α-test: Rapid Cell-free CD4 Enumeration Using Whole Saliva
1Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, 2Department of Oral Biology, University of Missouri-Kansas City-School of Dentistry, 3Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Missouri Kansas City- School of Pharmacy, 4Regional Hospital, Bamenda, NWP, Cameroon, 5Mezam Polyclinic HIV/AIDS Treatment Center, Cameroon, 6Institute for Human Genetics and Biochemistry
A CD4 enumeration method, the α-test, is described which uses whole saliva to provide rapid and accurate CD4 counts. The α-test costs pennies and eliminates the need for technical training, costly reagents such as monoclonal antibodies, instrumentation, refrigeration, transport of samples, as well as collection and handling of blood.
Antibody Transfection into Neurons as a Tool to Study Disease Pathogenesis
1Research Service, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Memphis, TN, 2Department of Neurology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 3Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
A rapid approach to investigate interactions and effects on molecular mechanisms related to the presence of antibodies in an intracellular environment is described. The method involves transfection of antibodies into live cells using a non-covalent complex formation based on a lipid formulation. The technique is adaptable to immortalized cell lines and primary cells.
Transplantation of Pancreatic Islets Into the Kidney Capsule of Diabetic Mice
Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco - UCSF
Our protocol was developed to cleanly and easily deliver islets or cells under the kidney capsule of mice. Cells are concentrated into pellets in the final tubing used for transplanting the cells under the kidney capsule. The ease of this technique reduces stress to the cells and the mouse.
Isolation of Mouse Salivary Gland Stem Cells
1Department of Cell Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 2Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen
An optimized protocol for the isolation of stem cells from the mouse salivary gland is described. The method employs enzymatic and mechanical digestion, and permits isolation of salispheres containing cells with characteristics of stem cells.
Imaging C. elegans Embryos using an Epifluorescent Microscope and Open Source Software
Human Genetics, University of Michigan
The C. elegans embryo is a powerful system for studying cell biology and development. We present a protocol for live imaging of C. elegans embryos utilizing DIC optics or fluorescence using readily available epifluorescent microscopes and open-source software.
Corneal Donor Tissue Preparation for Endothelial Keratoplasty
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Michigan, 2MidWest Eye Banks
Endothelial corneal transplantation is a surgical technique for treatment of posterior corneal diseases. Mechanical microkeratome dissection to prepare tissue results in thinner, more symmetric grafts with less endothelial cell loss and improved outcomes. Dissections can be performed at the eye bank prior to corneal transplantation surgery.
Development of Whispering Gallery Mode Polymeric Micro-optical Electric Field Sensors
Mechanical Engineering Department, Southern Methodist University
A high-sensitivity photonic micro sensor was developed for electric field detection. The sensor exploits the optical modes of a dielectric sphere. Changes in the external electric field perturb the sphere morphology leading to shifts in its optical modes. The electric field strength is measured by monitoring these optical shifts.
Transurethral Induction of Mouse Urinary Tract Infection
1Earth Systems Program, School of Earth Sciences, Stanford University, 2Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine
This video will demonstrate methods to transurethrally induce mouse urinary tract infections and quantify the extent of resulting infections.
A Lightweight, Headphones-based System for Manipulating Auditory Feedback in Songbirds
1Department of Biology, Emory University, 2Neuroscience Graduate Program, Emory University, 3Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology, Emory University
We describe the design and assembly of miniaturized headphones suitable for replacing a songbird’s natural auditory feedback with a manipulated acoustic signal. Online sound processing hardware is used to manipulate song output, introduce real-time errors in auditory feedback via the headphones, and drive vocal motor learning.
Closed System Cell Culture Protocol Using HYPERStack Vessels with Gas Permeable Material Technology
1Business Development, Corning Life Science, 2Applications, Corning Life Science, 3Product Development, Corning Life Science
An Introduction into the technology, protocol and handling of the Corning HYPERStack Vessels and accessories used for high yield adherent cell culture. The protocol will show how to use the closed system vessels for increasing cell harvesting over current stacked plate products.
Rat Mesentery Angiogenesis Assay
Department of Pathology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg
Normal adult vascularized mammalian tissue that lacks physiologic angiogenesis and that has not been exposed to surgical intervention is used to study: (i) the initiation and development of angiogenesis following intraperitoneal administration of test agents; and (ii) modification of angiogenesis following systemic administration of selected test agents.
Measurement of Factor V Activity in Human Plasma Using a Microplate Coagulation Assay
1Applied Bioscience Program, Faculty of Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2Nursing Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 3Medical Laboratory Science Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ontario Institute of Technology
This study describes a novel microplate assay that measures FV coagulation activity during fibrin clot formation in human plasma which has not been reported previously. The method uses a kinetic microplate reader to continuously measure the change in absorbance at 405nm during fibrin clot formation in human plasma.
