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Bartenschlager F, Klymiuk N, Gruber AD, Mundhenk L. Genomic, biochemical and expressional properties reveal strong conservation of the CLCA2 gene in birds and mammals. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14202. [PMID: 36389428 PMCID: PMC9651043 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have revealed the dynamic and complex evolution of CLCA1 gene homologues in and between mammals and birds with a particularly high diversity in mammals. In contrast, CLCA2 has only been found as a single copy gene in mammals, to date. Furthermore, CLCA2 has only been investigated in few mammalian species but not in birds. Here, we established core genomic, protein biochemical and expressional properties of CLCA2 in several bird species and compared them with mammalian CLCA2. Chicken, turkey, quail and ostrich CLCA2 were compared to their mammalian orthologues using in silico, biochemical and expressional analyses. CLCA2 was found highly conserved not only at the level of genomic and exon architecture but also in terms of the canonical CLCA2 protein domain organization. The putatively prototypical galline CLCA2 (gCLCA2) was cloned and immunoblotting as well as immunofluorescence analyses of heterologously expressed gCLCA2 revealed protein cleavage, glycosylation patterns and anchoring in the plasma membrane similar to those of most mammalian CLCA2 orthologues. Immunohistochemistry found highly conserved CLCA2 expression in epidermal keratinocytes in all birds and mammals investigated. Our results suggest a highly conserved and likely evolutionarily indispensable role of CLCA2 in keratinocyte function. Its high degree of conservation on the genomic, biochemical and expressional levels stands in contrast to the dynamic structural complexities and proposed functional diversifications between mammalian and avian CLCA1 homologues, insinuating a significant degree of negative selection of CLCA2 orthologues among birds and mammals. Finally, and again in contrast to CLCA1, the high conservation of CLCA2 makes it a strong candidate for studying basic properties of the functionally still widely unresolved CLCA gene family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Bartenschlager
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nikolai Klymiuk
- Large Animal Models in Cardiovascular Research, Internal Medical Department I, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany,Center for Innovative Medical Models, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Achim D. Gruber
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lars Mundhenk
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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2
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Aruwa CE, Pillay C, Nyaga MM, Sabiu S. Poultry gut health - microbiome functions, environmental impacts, microbiome engineering and advancements in characterization technologies. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2021; 12:119. [PMID: 34857055 PMCID: PMC8638651 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-021-00640-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) health impacts animal productivity. The poultry microbiome has functions which range from protection against pathogens and nutrients production, to host immune system maturation. Fluctuations in the microbiome have also been linked to prevailing environmental conditions. Healthy poultry birds possess a natural resistance to infection. However, the exploration of environmental impacts and other relevant factors on poultry growth and health have been underplayed. Since good performance and growth rate are central to animal production, the host-microbiome relationship remains integral. Prior to the emergence of metagenomic techniques, conventional methods for poultry microbiome studies were used and were low-throughput and associated with insufficient genomic data and high cost of sequencing. Fortunately, the advent of high-throughput sequencing platforms have circumvented some of these shortfalls and paved the way for increased studies on the poultry gut microbiome diversity and functions. Here, we give an up-to-date review on the impact of varied environments on microbiome profile, as well as microbiome engineering and microbiome technology advancements. It is hoped that this paper will provide invaluable information that could guide and inspire further studies on the lingering pertinent questions about the poultry microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiana Eleojo Aruwa
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Charlene Pillay
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Martin M Nyaga
- Next Generation Sequencing Unit, Division of Virology, Faculty of Heath Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Saheed Sabiu
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa.
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3
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Khwatenge CN, Nahashon SN. Recent Advances in the Application of CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing System in Poultry Species. Front Genet 2021; 12:627714. [PMID: 33679892 PMCID: PMC7933658 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.627714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 system genome editing is revolutionizing genetics research in a wide spectrum of animal models in the genetic era. Among these animals, is the poultry species. CRISPR technology is the newest and most advanced gene-editing tool that allows researchers to modify and alter gene functions for transcriptional regulation, gene targeting, epigenetic modification, gene therapy, and drug delivery in the animal genome. The applicability of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in gene editing and modification of genomes in the avian species is still emerging. Up to date, substantial progress in using CRISPR/Cas9 technology has been made in only two poultry species (chicken and quail), with chicken taking the lead. There have been major recent advances in the modification of the avian genome through their germ cell lineages. In the poultry industry, breeders and producers can utilize CRISPR-mediated approaches to enhance the many required genetic variations towards the poultry population that are absent in a given poultry flock. Thus, CRISPR allows the benefit of accessing genetic characteristics that cannot otherwise be used for poultry production. Therefore CRISPR/Cas9 becomes a very powerful and robust tool for editing genes that allow for the introduction or regulation of genetic information in poultry genomes. However, the CRISPR/Cas9 technology has several limitations that need to be addressed to enhance its use in the poultry industry. This review evaluates and provides a summary of recent advances in applying CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology in poultry research and explores its potential use in advancing poultry breeding and production with a major focus on chicken and quail. This could aid future advancements in the use of CRISPR technology to improve poultry production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collins N. Khwatenge
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tennessee State University, Nashville, IN, United States
- Department of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Samuel N. Nahashon
- Department of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN, United States
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4
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Melendez J, Sieiro D, Salgado D, Morin V, Dejardin MJ, Zhou C, Mullen AC, Marcelle C. TGFβ signalling acts as a molecular brake of myoblast fusion. Nat Commun 2021; 12:749. [PMID: 33531476 PMCID: PMC7854724 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20290-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Fusion of nascent myoblasts to pre-existing myofibres is critical for skeletal muscle growth and repair. The vast majority of molecules known to regulate myoblast fusion are necessary in this process. Here, we uncover, through high-throughput in vitro assays and in vivo studies in the chicken embryo, that TGFβ (SMAD2/3-dependent) signalling acts specifically and uniquely as a molecular brake on muscle fusion. While constitutive activation of the pathway arrests fusion, its inhibition leads to a striking over-fusion phenotype. This dynamic control of TGFβ signalling in the embryonic muscle relies on a receptor complementation mechanism, prompted by the merging of myoblasts with myofibres, each carrying one component of the heterodimer receptor complex. The competence of myofibres to fuse is likely restored through endocytic degradation of activated receptors. Altogether, this study shows that muscle fusion relies on TGFβ signalling to regulate its pace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Melendez
- Institut NeuroMyoGène (INMG), University Claude Bernard Lyon1, CNRS UMR 5310, INSERM U1217, Lyon, France
| | - Daniel Sieiro
- Institut NeuroMyoGène (INMG), University Claude Bernard Lyon1, CNRS UMR 5310, INSERM U1217, Lyon, France
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Plexus Ventures LLC, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Salgado
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Marseille Medical Genetics (MMG), Aix Marseille University, INSERM U1251, Marseille, France
| | - Valérie Morin
- Institut NeuroMyoGène (INMG), University Claude Bernard Lyon1, CNRS UMR 5310, INSERM U1217, Lyon, France
| | - Marie-Julie Dejardin
- Institut NeuroMyoGène (INMG), University Claude Bernard Lyon1, CNRS UMR 5310, INSERM U1217, Lyon, France
| | - Chan Zhou
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Alan C Mullen
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Christophe Marcelle
- Institut NeuroMyoGène (INMG), University Claude Bernard Lyon1, CNRS UMR 5310, INSERM U1217, Lyon, France.
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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5
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Chojnacka-Puchta L, Sawicka D. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in a chicken model: current approaches and applications. J Appl Genet 2020; 61:221-229. [PMID: 31925767 PMCID: PMC7148258 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-020-00537-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Improvements in genome editing technology in birds using primordial germ cells (PGCs) have made the development of innovative era genome-edited avian models possible, including specific chicken bioreactors, production of knock-in/out chickens, low-allergenicity eggs, and disease-resistance models. New strategies, including CRISPR/Cas9, have made gene editing easy and highly efficient in comparison to the well-known process of homologous recombination. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technique enables us to understand the function of genes and/or to modify the animal phenotype to fit a specific scientific or production target. To facilitate chicken genome engineering applications, we present a concise description of the method and current application of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in chickens. Different strategies for delivering sgRNAs and the Cas9 protein, we also present extensively. Furthermore, we describe a new gesicle technology as a way to deliver Cas9/sgRNA complexes into target cells, and we discuss the advantages and describe basal applications of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in a chicken model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Chojnacka-Puchta
- Department of Bioengineering, Lukasiewicz Research Network, Institute of Biotechnology and Antibiotics, Staroscinska 5, 02-516, Warsaw, Poland. .,Department of Chemical, Biological and Aerosol Hazards, Central Institute for Labour Protection-National Research Institute, Czerniakowska 16, 00-701, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Dorota Sawicka
- Department of Bioengineering, Lukasiewicz Research Network, Institute of Biotechnology and Antibiotics, Staroscinska 5, 02-516, Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Chemical, Biological and Aerosol Hazards, Central Institute for Labour Protection-National Research Institute, Czerniakowska 16, 00-701, Warsaw, Poland
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6
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Chu D, Nguyen A, Smith SS, Vavrušová Z, Schneider RA. Stable integration of an optimized inducible promoter system enables spatiotemporal control of gene expression throughout avian development. Biol Open 2020; 9:bio055343. [PMID: 32917762 PMCID: PMC7561481 DOI: 10.1242/bio.055343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Precisely altering gene expression is critical for understanding molecular processes of embryogenesis. Although some tools exist for transgene misexpression in developing chick embryos, we have refined and advanced them by simplifying and optimizing constructs for spatiotemporal control. To maintain expression over the entire course of embryonic development we use an enhanced piggyBac transposon system that efficiently integrates sequences into the host genome. We also incorporate a DNA targeting sequence to direct plasmid translocation into the nucleus and a D4Z4 insulator sequence to prevent epigenetic silencing. We designed these constructs to minimize their size and maximize cellular uptake, and to simplify usage by placing all of the integrating sequences on a single plasmid. Following electroporation of stage HH8.5 embryos, our tetracycline-inducible promoter construct produces robust transgene expression in the presence of doxycycline at any point during embryonic development in ovo or in culture. Moreover, expression levels can be modulated by titrating doxycycline concentrations and spatial control can be achieved using beads or gels. Thus, we have generated a novel, sensitive, tunable, and stable inducible-promoter system for high-resolution gene manipulation in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Chu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, S-1164, San Francisco, CA 94143-0514, USA
| | - An Nguyen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, S-1164, San Francisco, CA 94143-0514, USA
| | - Spenser S Smith
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, S-1164, San Francisco, CA 94143-0514, USA
| | - Zuzana Vavrušová
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, S-1164, San Francisco, CA 94143-0514, USA
| | - Richard A Schneider
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, S-1164, San Francisco, CA 94143-0514, USA
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7
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Ahmadzadeh E, Bayin NS, Qu X, Singh A, Madisen L, Stephen D, Zeng H, Joyner AL, Rosello-Diez A. A collection of genetic mouse lines and related tools for inducible and reversible intersectional mis-expression. Development 2020; 147:dev.186650. [PMID: 32366677 DOI: 10.1242/dev.186650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Thanks to many advances in genetic manipulation, mouse models have become very powerful in their ability to interrogate biological processes. In order to precisely target expression of a gene of interest to particular cell types, intersectional genetic approaches using two promoter/enhancers unique to a cell type are ideal. Within these methodologies, variants that add temporal control of gene expression are the most powerful. We describe the development, validation and application of an intersectional approach that involves three transgenes, requiring the intersection of two promoter/enhancers to target gene expression to precise cell types. Furthermore, the approach uses available lines expressing tTA/rTA to control the timing of gene expression based on whether doxycycline is absent or present, respectively. We also show that the approach can be extended to other animal models, using chicken embryos. We generated three mouse lines targeted at the Tigre (Igs7) locus with TRE-loxP-tdTomato-loxP upstream of three genes (p21, DTA and Ctgf), and combined them with Cre and tTA/rtTA lines that target expression to the cerebellum and limbs. Our tools will facilitate unraveling biological questions in multiple fields and organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Ahmadzadeh
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800. Australia
| | - N Sumru Bayin
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Xinli Qu
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800. Australia
| | - Aditi Singh
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800. Australia
| | - Linda Madisen
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Daniel Stephen
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Hongkui Zeng
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Alexandra L Joyner
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Alberto Rosello-Diez
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800. Australia
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8
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Serralbo O, Salgado D, Véron N, Cooper C, Dejardin MJ, Doran T, Gros J, Marcelle C. Transgenesis and web resources in quail. eLife 2020; 9:56312. [PMID: 32459172 PMCID: PMC7286689 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to its amenability to manipulations, to live observation and its striking similarities to mammals, the chicken embryo has been one of the major animal models in biomedical research. Although it is technically possible to genome-edit the chicken, its long generation time (6 months to sexual maturity) makes it an impractical lab model and has prevented it widespread use in research. The Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) is an attractive alternative, very similar to the chicken, but with the decisive asset of a much shorter generation time (1.5 months). In recent years, transgenic quail lines have been described. Most of them were generated using replication-deficient lentiviruses, a technique that presents diverse limitations. Here, we introduce a novel technology to perform transgenesis in quail, based on the in vivo transfection of plasmids in circulating Primordial Germ Cells (PGCs). This technique is simple, efficient and allows using the infinite variety of genome engineering approaches developed in other models. Furthermore, we present a website centralizing quail genomic and technological information to facilitate the design of genome-editing strategies, showcase the past and future transgenic quail lines and foster collaborative work within the avian community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Serralbo
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - David Salgado
- Marseille Medical Genetics (GMGF), Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Nadège Véron
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Caitlin Cooper
- CSIRO Health & Biosecurity, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Australia
| | | | - Timothy Doran
- CSIRO Health & Biosecurity, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Australia
| | - Jérome Gros
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Pasteur Institute, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Marcelle
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), Monash University, Clayton, Australia.,Institut NeuroMyoGène (INMG), University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
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9
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Tsapara G, Andermatt I, Stoeckli ET. Gene Silencing in Chicken Brain Development. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2047:439-456. [PMID: 31552670 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9732-9_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite the development of brain organoids and neural cultures derived from iPSCs (induced pluripotent stem cells), brain development can only be studied in an animal. The mouse is the most commonly used vertebrate model for the analysis of gene function because of the well-established genetic tools that are available for loss-of-function studies. However, studies of gene function during development can be problematic in mammals. Many genes are active during different stages of development. Absence of gene function during early development may cause aberrant neurogenesis or even embryonic lethality and thus prevent analysis of later stages of development. To avoid these problems, precise temporal control of gene silencing is required.In contrast to mammals, oviparous animals are accessible for experimental manipulations during embryonic development. The combination of accessibility and RNAi- or Crispr/Cas9-based gene silencing makes the chicken embryo a powerful model for developmental studies. Depending on the time window during which gene silencing is attempted, chicken embryos can be used in ovo or ex ovo in a domed dish for easier access during later stages of development. Both techniques allow for precise temporal control of gene silencing during embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Tsapara
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Irwin Andermatt
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Esther T Stoeckli
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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10
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Gammill LS, Jacques-Fricke B, Roffers-Agarwal J. Embryological and Genetic Manipulation of Chick Development. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1920:75-97. [PMID: 30737687 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9009-2_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The ability to combine embryological manipulations with gene function analysis in an amniote embryo makes the chick a valuable system for the vertebrate developmental biologist. This chapter describes methods for those unfamiliar with the chick system wishing to initiate experiments in their lab. After outlining methods to prepare chick embryos, protocols are provided for introducing beads or cells expressing secreted factors, and for culturing tissue explants as a means of assessing development in vitro. Approaches to achieve gain of function and loss of function (morpholino oligonucleotides) in chick are outlined, and methods for introducing these reagents by electroporation are detailed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura S Gammill
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Bridget Jacques-Fricke
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Department of Biology, Hamline University, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | - Julaine Roffers-Agarwal
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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