Microinjection of Recombinant RCAS(A) Retrovirus into Embryonic Chicken Lens

Francisca M. Acosta; Bo Ma; Sumin Gu; Jean X. Jiang

doi:10.3791/65727

Journal

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Biology

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Author Spotlight: Investigating Lens Development and Function Through Microinjection of RCAS(A) Retrovirus in Embryonic Chicken Lens

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Biology

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JoVE Journal Biology

Microinjection of Recombinant RCAS(A) Retrovirus into Embryonic Chicken Lens

Author Spotlight: Investigating Lens Development and Function Through Microinjection of RCAS(A) Retrovirus in Embryonic Chicken Lens

719 Views

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01:18 min

•

September 01, 2023

DOI:

10.3791/65727-v

DOI:

10.3791/65727-v

•

01:18 min

September 01, 2023

•

3 Views

Francisca M. Acosta¹, Bo Ma¹, Sumin Gu¹, Jean X. Jiang¹

¹Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology,University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio

Transcript

The presented methodology of embryonic chicken lens microinjection of a RCAS retrovirus is meant as a tool for studying in situ function and expression of proteins during lens development. Compared to other approaches, such as transgenic models and ex vivo cultures, the RCAS replication-competent avian retrovirus provides a highly-effective, rapid, and customizable system for expressing exogenous proteins in chick embryos. Targeted gene transfer can be confined to proliferative lens fiber cells without the need for promoters.

There is prominent potential for utilizing this methodology to study lens development, differentiation, cellular communication, and disease progression, and for the discovery and testing of therapeutic targets for lens pathological conditions such as cataracts.