Whole Mount Immunolabeling of Olfactory Receptor Neurons in the Drosophila Antenna

Summary

Herein we describe the process of whole mount immunostaining of Drosophila antennae, which enables us to better understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the diversification of olfactory receptor neurons (ORN)s.

Abstract

Odorant molecules bind to their target receptors in a precise and coordinated manner. Each receptor recognizes a specific signal and relays this information to the brain. As such, determining how olfactory information is transferred to the brain, modifying both perception and behavior, merits investigation. Interestingly, there is emerging evidence that cellular transduction and transcriptional factors are involved in the diversification of olfactory receptor neuron. Here we provide a robust whole mount immunological labeling method to assay in vivo olfactory receptor neuron organization. Using this method, we identified all olfactory receptor neurons with anti-ELAV antibody, a known pan-neural marker and Or49a-mCD8::GFP, an olfactory receptor neuron specifically expressed in Nba neuron using anti-GFP antibody.

Introduction

The olfactory system is used to distinguish between an immense variety of odor molecules and subsequently to send the resulting information to the higher brain centers. This input is used to precisely control fundamental animal behaviors, such as feeding and mating^1-6. As each olfactory neuron type is associated with a specific set of odors, the diversification of olfactory receptor neurons (ORN)s is essential for proper olfactory system function⁷.

Drosophila genetics enables us to perform single cell level investigation involving molecular mechanisms associated with ORN development and physiological function<....

Protocol

1. Prepare apple plate

1. Mix 12.5 g agar, 125 ml 100% commercially available apple juice, 12.5 g glucose, and 375 ml H₂O. Microwave the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes and pour to the 3 cm cell culture dish. Store at 4 °C.

2. Genetic cross

1. Use the following representative genetic cross:

Or49a-mCD8::GFP/CyO x w¹¹¹⁸

3. Dissection and staining protocol

1. Anesthetize the fly and then cut the fly head vertically by holding it using a forceps.
2. Carefully place the antennae containing portion on an ....

Results

Ensuring that both the dissection and fixation are performed quickly is a key factor in achieving success with this protocol. Using fine scissors and forceps is also crucial. After immunostaining, fluorescent labeled antennae were examined under a confocal microscope. We normally take 1µm sections using a 20x lens. We labeled Nba⁷ ORNs using Or49a-mCD8::GFP and counted the number of Nba ORNs in wild-type antenna. The mCD8-GFP reporter is cell membrane localized and so the expression seen in Figure 2 exhibits t.......

Discussion

The dissection of the Drosophila antenna we describe is simple and easy to perform in a laboratory setting. To ensure a successful dissection, it is essential to utilize fine-edged scissors. While immunostaining the dissected antenna, it is important to incubate them in a moisture-filled container to avoid evaporation of the antibody solution. The dissected antenna has a tendency to float in the solution. Using 0.1% Triton in PBS during the fixation and blocking steps will facilitate submersion of the antenna in.......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Stemi DV4 dissection microscope	Zeiss	Stemi DV4
Glass bottom culture dishes	MatTek corporation	P35G-0-10-C
Dissection scissor	Fine Science Tools	15000-08
Rat anti-ELAV	Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank	7E8A10	Dilution 1:200
Mouse anti-GFP	Invitrogen	A11122	Dilution 1:400
Donkey Anti-Rabbit IgG	Jackson ImmunoResearch Laboratories	711-225-152	Dilution 1:200
Donkey Anti-Rat IgG	Jackson ImmunoResearch Laboratories	712-165-150	Dilution 1:200