Germ-free Chickens
Germ-free Chickens - Related Videos
02:59
Cell Fate Reprogramming of Nematode Germ Cells into Neurons
0 Views •
2025
This video demonstrates cell fate reprogramming of nematode germ cells into neurons. Transgenic larvae of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans are subjected to RNA interference (RNAi) to knock down a specific chromatin-regulating factor, making the germ cells of their progeny more susceptible to cell fate reprogramming. Heat shock is applied to the progeny, inducing the germ cells to express a neuron-specific transcription factor that triggers their transformation into neurons, which is...
02:57
Analyzing Tooth Germ and Trigeminal Ganglia Interactions Using a Microfluidic Co-culture System
0 Views •
2025
This video demonstrates the utilization of a microfluidic device to study the interactions between tooth germ pulp and trigeminal ganglia. It showcases the placement of tissues inside the microfluidic device and provides a detailed visualization of trigeminal neurite growth toward the tooth germ through the device's microgrooves. Additionally, it highlights the role of tooth-derived molecular factors in promoting or inhibiting neurite extension into the tooth germ pulp, which is crucial for...
10:41
Germ Cell Transplantation and Testis Tissue Xenografting in Mice
0 Views •
Cited by 16 •
2012
Protocols for germ cell transplantation and testis tissue xenografting are described. Germ cell transplantation results in donor-derived spermatogenesis in recipient testes and represents a functional reconstitution assay for identification of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Testis tissue xenografting reproduces testis development and spermatogenesis of various donor species in recipient mice.
06:10
Gene Transfer into Older Chicken Embryos by ex ovo Electroporation
0 Views •
Cited by 2 •
2012
A method of gene transfer into chicken embryos at later incubation stages (older than Hamburger and Hamilton stage (HH) 22) is described. This method overcomes disadvantages of in ovo electroporation applied to older chicken embryos and is a useful technique to study gene function and regulation at older developmental stages.
10:14
In Ovo Electroporation in the Chicken Auditory Brainstem
0 Views •
Cited by 6 •
2017
Auditory brainstem neurons of avians and mammals are specialized for fast neural encoding, a fundamental process for normal hearing functions. These neurons arise from distinct precursors of embryonic hindbrain. We present techniques utilizing electroporation to express genes in the hindbrain of chicken embryos to study gene function during auditory development.
FAQs
The model establishes a baseline in which observed changes can be attributed primarily to the bird rather than to an uncontrolled microbial community. Researchers can then compare uncolonized birds with conventionally raised or selectively colonized groups. Differences in immune development, intestinal function, metabolism, or infection resistance help identify processes that depend on microbial exposure.
Introducing defined microbes restores selected microbial influences without recreating the complexity of an uncontrolled community. This allows researchers to test how particular colonizing organisms affect host biology or alter responses to infection. Controlled colonization therefore links a specific microbial exposure with measurable outcomes and supports clearer interpretation than comparisons based only on naturally occurring microbiota.
Germ-free chickens support investigations of several host processes affected by microbial exposure, including immune development, intestinal function, metabolism, and resistance to infection. Because colonization can be withheld or deliberately introduced, researchers can examine both the consequences of microbial absence and the effects of selected microbes. These comparisons clarify host-microbe interactions in poultry biology.
The workflow begins with sterilized eggs, followed by hatching and maintenance in isolators designed to prevent microbial colonization. Researchers use monitored feed and housing to preserve the controlled conditions, while checking that microorganisms remain undetectable. Defined microbes or pathogens can then be introduced under controlled conditions, creating a reproducible system for comparing exposure groups.
Researchers compare birds that remain uncolonized with birds exposed to conventional microbial communities or selected microbes. The same biological outcome, such as immune development or infection resistance, can then be evaluated across these conditions. This design helps distinguish effects associated with microbial presence generally from effects linked to a particular colonization pattern.
They provide a controlled setting for studying how microbial exposure shapes host defenses and disease-related responses. Applications include examining disease mechanisms, evaluating vaccine-related questions, and testing probiotics or other defined microbial interventions. Findings can also contribute to poultry-health research by connecting controlled host-microbe interactions with intestinal function and resistance to infection.