Live Imaging of the Zebrafish Embryonic Brain by Confocal Microscopy

Summary

In this video, we demonstrate a method by which to analyze the developing vertebrate brain in live zebrafish embryos at single cell resolution by confocal microscopy. This includes the method by which we inject the single-cell zebrafish embryo and subsequently mount and image the developing brain.

Abstract

In this video, we demonstrate the method our lab has developed to analyze the cell shape changes and rearrangements required to bend and fold the developing zebrafish brain (Gutzman et al, 2008). Such analysis affords a new understanding of the underlying cell biology required for development of the 3D structure of the vertebrate brain, and significantly increases our ability to study neural tube morphogenesis. The embryonic zebrafish brain is shaped beginning at 18 hours post fertilization (hpf) as the ventricles within the neuroepithelium inflate. By 24 hpf, the initial steps of neural tube morphogenesis are complete. Using the method described here, embryos at the one cell stage are injected with mRNA encoding membrane-targeted green fluorescent protein (memGFP). After injection and incubation, the embryo, now between 18 and 24 hpf, is mounted, inverted, in agarose and imaged by confocal microscopy. Notably, the zebrafish embryo is transparent making it an ideal system for fluorescent imaging. While our analyses have focused on the midbrain-hindbrain boundary and the hindbrain, this method could be extended for analysis of any region in the zebrafish to a depth of 80-100 μm.

Protocol

1. Preparing the mRNA for Injection

1. The mRNA used in this procedure is transcribed from a plasmid encoding CAAX-eGFP (memGFP) mRNA. First linearize the plasmid according to Gutzman et al, 2008.
2. Then transcribe memGFP mRNA using the mMessage mMachine kit.
3. Dilute the resulting mRNA to 1μg/μl, aliquot, and store at -80°C.
4. Prepare an injection mold of 1% agarose with lanes the width of embryos at the one cell stage.
5. On the day before injection, set up mating cages separating the male from the females.
6. On the day of injection, pull capillary needles using a micropipette puller to prepare for injection.

Discussion

In this video, we demonstrate a method for mRNA injection into single cell zebrafish embryos. Here, we use mRNA encoding a membrane-targeted GFP to label each cell. We then demonstrate how to mount and image the developing brain at single cell resolution. This technique has allowed us to study a novel type of cell shape change, basal constriction, required for formation of the midbrain-hindbrain boundary (Gutzman et al, 2008). Similar analysis of other phenomena has the potential to significantly expand our understanding.......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
SeaKem GTG agarose	Reagent	Lonza Inc.	50027
3-aminobenzoic acid ethyl ester (Tricaine)	Reagent	Sigma-Aldrich	A-5040
Capillary tubing	Tool	Frederick Haer and Co.	30-30-1	Borosil 1.0mmOD x 0.5mm ID/fiber 100mm
Silicone vacuum grease	Reagent	VWR international	W0S717
Forceps	Tool	Fine Science Tools	11232-20	Dumont #5 Bio Inox
1-200 μl Pipette tips	Tool	USA Scientific, Inc.	111-0806	These are the correct size for 24 hpf embryos.
mMessage mMachine transcription kit	Reagent	Ambion	AM1340	SP6 RNA polymerase
Zeiss LSM 510 scanning confocal	Microscope	Carl Zeiss, Inc.
Micromanipulator	Tool	Narishige International
Microinjector	Tool	Harvard Apparatus	PLI-100
Micropipette puller	Tool	Sutter Instrument Co.