Ependymal Cell Targeting
Ependymal Cell Targeting - Related Videos
02:56
Live Imaging of Ependymal Cell Ciliary Activity in a Mouse Brain Section
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2025
Source: Al Omran, A. J., et al. Live Imaging of the Ependymal Cilia in the Lateral Ventricles of the Mouse Brain. J. Vis. Exp. (2015). This video demonstrates a live-imaging technique using differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy to observe the beating of ependymal cilia in sagittal mouse brain sections. Ependymal cilia propel cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and their activity is recorded in brain sections maintained in a nutrient-rich medium and imaged in a climate-controlled chamber.
14:33
The Subventricular Zone En-face: Wholemount Staining and Ependymal Flow
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Cited by 199 •
2010
The lateral ventricle walls contain the largest germinal region in the adult mammalian brain. Traditionally, studies on neurogenesis in this region have relied on classical sectioning techniques for histological analysis. Here we present an alternative approach, the wholemount technique, which provides a comprehensive, en-face view of this germinal region.
06:58
Live Imaging of the Ependymal Cilia in the Lateral Ventricles of the Mouse Brain
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Cited by 12 •
2015
Using high-resolution differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy, an ex vivo observation of the beating of motile ependymal cilia located within the mouse brain ventricles is demonstrated by live-imaging. The technique allows a recording of the unique ciliary beating frequency and beating angle as well as their intracellular calcium oscillation pacing properties.
09:24
Molecular Imaging to Target Transplanted Muscle Progenitor Cells
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Cited by 3 •
2013
A non-invasive means to evaluate the success of myoblast transplantation is described. The method takes advantage of a unified fusion reporter gene composed of genes whose expression can be imaged with different imaging modalities. Here, we make use of a fluc reporter gene sequence to target cells via bioluminescence imaging.
08:48
Stable and Efficient Genetic Modification of Cells in the Adult Mouse V-SVZ for the Analysis of Neural Stem Cell Autonomous and Non-autonomous Effects
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Cited by 2 •
2016
Here we describe a procedure based on the use of lentiviral particles for the long-term genetic modification of neural stem cells and/or their adjacent ependymal cells in the adult ventricular-subventricular neurogenic niche which allows the separate analysis of cell autonomous and non-autonomous, niche-dependent effects on neural stem cells.
FAQs
Selectivity depends on choosing cell-surface or lineage-associated molecular markers that distinguish ependymal cells from neighboring neural and glial populations. These markers can guide delivery of genetic, imaging, or pharmacological tools to the intended cells. In developmental studies, marker-based discrimination helps connect an observed cellular change to ependymal biology rather than to surrounding tissue.
Motile cilia are central to how ependymal cells influence cerebrospinal fluid movement. Examining their formation and organization allows researchers to connect cellular architecture with fluid regulation in the ventricular system and spinal cord. Targeted analysis can therefore reveal how ependymal maturation contributes to tissue organization and developmental processes affecting the nervous system.
Selective manipulation makes it possible to examine ependymal cells alongside nearby neural stem or progenitor cells while keeping the targeted population distinguishable. This supports studies of how these cell types interact during nervous system development. The resulting information can clarify relationships between ependymal organization, progenitor behavior, and broader mechanisms of neurodevelopment.
A study generally begins by selecting markers associated with the ependymal population and confirming that they distinguish the cells from nearby neural and glial populations. Researchers then use the selected targeting strategy to deliver a genetic, imaging, or pharmacological tool and examine the resulting cellular or tissue-level changes. The workflow links targeted intervention with developmental interpretation.
The approach can deliver several classes of tools, including genetic reagents for manipulating cellular processes, imaging tools for visualizing targeted cells, and pharmacological tools for testing functional effects. Choosing among them depends on whether the experiment emphasizes mechanism, cell behavior, or observation. Their use can connect ependymal-cell changes with cilia organization, cerebrospinal fluid movement, or tissue development.
Ependymal cell targeting is useful when researchers need to study ependymal contributions to neurodevelopment, tissue organization, or neurological disease with greater cellular precision. It also supports experimental models that examine possible regenerative strategies. By focusing manipulation or observation on ependymal cells, investigators can evaluate their roles without treating the ventricular or spinal tissue as a uniform population.