A Graphical User Interface for Software-assisted Tracking of Protein Concentration in Dynamic Cellular Protrusions

Summary

We present a software solution for semi-automated tracking of relative protein concentration along the length of dynamic cellular protrusions.

Abstract

Filopodia are dynamic, finger-like cellular protrusions associated with migration and cell-cell communication. In order to better understand the complex signaling mechanisms underlying filopodial initiation, elongation and subsequent stabilization or retraction, it is crucial to determine the spatio-temporal protein activity in these dynamic structures. To analyze protein function in filopodia, we recently developed a semi-automated tracking algorithm that adapts to filopodial shape-changes, thus allowing parallel analysis of protrusion dynamics and relative protein concentration along the whole filopodial length. Here, we present a detailed step-by-step protocol for optimized cell handling, image acquisition and software analysis. We further provide instructions for the use of optional features during image analysis and data representation, as well as troubleshooting guidelines for all critical steps along the way. Finally, we also include a comparison of the described image analysis software with other programs available for filopodia quantification. Together, the presented protocol provides a framework for accurate analysis of protein dynamics in filopodial protrusions using image analysis software.

Introduction

Spatio-temporal control of actin regulatory proteins is associated with filopodium dynamics ^1,2. Tracking spatially resolved protein concentration along the whole filopodial length through time is thus crucial to advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying initiation, elongation, stabilization or collapse of these dynamic structures ^3,4. Unlike protein analysis in the cytosol, where many cell shape changes occur at a larger scale, filopodia are dynamic micro structures that constantly buckle ⁵ and bend, thus precludin....

Protocol

1. Cell Culture

1. Culture HeLa or COS cells in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) containing 4.5 g/L D-glucose, L-alanine-L-glutamine dipeptide, pyruvate, 10% fetal bovine serum, and 10 units/ml of penicillin/streptomycin. Culture neurons in culture-media without L-glutamine, glutamic acid or aspartic acid, supplemented with 0.5 mM L-alanine-L-glutamine dipeptide, serum-free neuronal supplements and 10 units/ml of penicillin/streptomycin.
2. Once 40% confluency is reached, transfect cells with constructs of choice using a transfection reagent as per manufacturer's instructions. Keep transfected cells in incubator at 37 °C and 5% CO₂ fo....

Results

Using COS cells transfected with a marker for filamentous actin (f-tractin¹⁸, red) and a cytosolic reference (green), we found actin-rich filopodial protrusions (Figure 3A, top panel). Time series showed that filopodia rapidly extend and retract (Figure 3A, middle panel). Using the image analysis software, we then traced individual filopodia. Comparison of filopodial length measured by hand vs. the image a.......

Discussion

Here we present a detailed protocol for tracking filopodial growth dynamics and analysis of relative protein concentrations in these dynamic structures via the convex-hull algorithm. Using the software, up to 3 channels can be compared pair-wise in a single run, whereby the relative concentrations of two channels (i.e. proteins) is determined throughout the extension/retraction cycle and stored as image and data files in separate folders. In addition to the routine operations, the software also provides a number.......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
DMEM	Life Technologies	31966-021
10% Fetal bovine serum	Biochrom AG	L11-044
Lipofectamine 2000	Life Technologies	11668-027
1% penicillin/streptomycin	Biochrom AG	12212
Neurobasal Medium	Life Technologies	21103-049
B27	Life Technologies	17504-044
HEPES (1M stock solution)	Life Technologies	15630
Citrine-N1	Addgene	54593
Labtech	Thermo	155411
Glutamax-I	Thermo	35050-061
Hela	Leibniz Institute DSMZ	ACC-57
COS 7	Leibniz Institute DSMZ	ACC-60
3T3 cells	Leibniz Institute DSMZ	ACC-59
Microscope	Nicon Eclipse
Camera	Andor	DU888 Ultra
Confocal Unit	Yokagawa	CSU-X1
Pyruvate	Gibco	31966-021