Multiphoton laser scanning microscopy as a tool for Xenopus oocyte research

Identification of distinctive features in human intracranial tumors by label-free nonlinear multimodal microscopy

Nonlinear multimodal microscopy offers a series of label-free techniques with potential for intraoperative identification of tumor borders in situ using novel endoscopic devices. Here, we combined coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering, two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) and second harmonic generation imaging to analyze biopsies of different human brain tumors, with the aim to understand whether the morphological information carried by single field of view images, similar to what delivered by present endoscopic systems, is sufficient for tumor recognition. We imaged 40 human biopsies of high and low grade glioma, meningioma, as well as brain metastases of melanoma, breast, lung and renal carcinoma, in comparison with normal brain parenchyma. Furthermore, five biopsies of schwannoma were analyzed and compared with nonpathological nerve tissue. Besides the high cellularity, the typical features of tumor, which were identified and quantified, are intracellular and extracellular lipid droplets, aberrant vessels, extracellular matrix collagen and diffuse TPEF. Each tumor type displayed a particular morphochemistry characterized by specific patterns of the above-mentioned features. Nonlinear multimodal microscopy performed on fresh unprocessed biopsies confirmed that the technique has the ability to visualize tumor structures and discern normal from neoplastic tissue likewise in conditions close to in situ.

Nerve regeneration in the cephalopod mollusc Octopus vulgaris: label-free multiphoton microscopy as a tool for investigation

Octopus and cephalopods are able to regenerate injured tissues. Recent advancements in the study of regeneration in cephalopods appear promising encompassing different approaches helping to decipher cellular and molecular machinery involved in the process. However, lack of specific markers to investigate degenerative/regenerative phenomena and inflammatory events occurring after damage is limiting these studies. Label-free multiphoton microscopy is applied for the first time to the transected pallial nerve of Octopus vulgaris Various optical contrast methods including coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS), endogenous two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) and second harmonic generation (SHG) have been used. We detected cells and structures often not revealed with classical staining methods. CARS highlighted the involvement of haemocytes in building up scar tissue; CARS and TPEF facilitated the identification of degenerating fibres; SHG allowed visualization of fibrillary collagen, revealing the formation of a connective tissue bridge between the nerve stumps, likely involved in axon guidance. Using label-free multiphoton microscopy, we studied the regenerative events in octopus without using any other labelling techniques. These imaging methods provided extremely helpful morpho-chemical information to describe regeneration events. The techniques applied here are species-specific independent and should facilitate the comparison among various animal species.

Practical Considerations in Studying Metastatic Lung Colonization in Osteosarcoma Using the Pulmonary Metastasis Assay

The pulmonary metastasis assay (PuMA) is an ex vivo lung explant and closed cell culture system that permits researchers to study the biology of lung colonization in osteosarcoma (OS) by fluorescence microscopy. This article provides a detailed description of the protocol, and discusses examples of obtaining image data on metastatic growth using widefield or confocal fluorescence microscopy platforms. The flexibility of the PuMA model permits researchers to study not only the growth of OS cells in the lung microenvironment, but also to assess the effects of anti-metastatic therapeutics over time. Confocal microscopy allows for unprecedented, high-resolution imaging of OS cell interactions with the lung parenchyma. Moreover, when the PuMA model is combined with fluorescent dyes or fluorescent protein genetic reporters, researchers can study the lung microenvironment, cellular and subcellular structures, gene function, and promoter activity in metastatic OS cells. The PuMA model provides a new tool for osteosarcoma researchers to discover new metastasis biology and assess the activity of novel anti-metastatic, targeted therapies.

Assessing Primary Neurogenesis in Xenopus Embryos Using Immunostaining

Primary neurogenesis is a dynamic and complex process during embryonic development that sets up the initial layout of the central nervous system. During this process, a portion of neural stem cells undergo differentiation and give rise to the first populations of differentiated primary neurons within the nascent central nervous system. Several vertebrate model organisms have been used to explore the mechanisms of neural cell fate specification, patterning, and differentiation. Among these is the African clawed frog, Xenopus, which provides a powerful system for investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for primary neurogenesis due to its rapid and accessible development and ease of embryological and molecular manipulations. Here, we present a convenient and rapid method to observe the different populations of neuronal cells within Xenopus central nervous system. Using antibody staining and immunofluorescence on sections of Xenopus embryos, we are able to observe the locations of neural stem cells and differentiated primary neurons during primary neurogenesis.

Luminal Ca2+ depletion during the unfolded protein response in Xenopus oocytes: cause and consequence

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a Ca(2+) storing organelle that plays a critical role in the synthesis, folding and post-translational modifications of many proteins. The ER enters into a condition of stress when the load of newly synthesized proteins exceeds its folding and processing capacity. This activates a signal transduction pathway called the unfolded protein response (UPR) that attempts to restore homeostasis. The precise role of ER Ca(2+) in the initiation of the UPR has not been defined. Specifically, it has not been established whether ER Ca(2+) dysregulation is a cause or consequence of ER stress. Here, we report that partial depletion of ER Ca(2+) stores induces a significant induction of the UPR, and leads to the retention of a normally secreted protein Carboxypeptidase Y. Moreover, inhibition of protein glycosylation by tunicamycin rapidly induced an ER Ca(2+) leak into the cytosol. However, blockade of the translocon with emetine inhibited the tunicamycin-induced Ca(2+) release. Furthermore, emetine treatment blocked elF2α phosphorylation and reduced expression of the chaperone BiP. These findings suggest that Ca(2+) may be both a cause and a consequence of ER protein misfolding. Thus, it appears that ER Ca(2+) leak is a significant co-factor for the initiation of the UPR.

Bile acids induce Ca2+ release from both the endoplasmic reticulum and acidic intracellular calcium stores through activation of inositol trisphosphate receptors and ryanodine receptors

Gallstones can cause acute pancreatitis, an often fatal disease in which the pancreas digests itself. This is probably because of biliary reflux into the pancreatic duct and subsequent bile acid action on the acinar cells. Because Ca(2+) toxicity is important for the cellular damage in pancreatitis, we have studied the mechanisms by which the bile acid taurolithocholic acid 3-sulfate (TLC-S) liberates Ca(2+). Using two-photon plasma membrane permeabilization and measurement of [Ca(2+)] inside intracellular stores at the cell base (dominated by ER) and near the apex (dominated by secretory granules), we have characterized the Ca(2+) release pathways. Inhibition of inositol trisphosphate receptors (IP(3)Rs), by caffeine and 2-APB, reduced Ca(2+) release from both the ER and an acidic pool in the granular area. Inhibition of ryanodine receptors (RyRs) by ruthenium red (RR) also reduced TLC-S induced liberation from both stores. Combined inhibition of IP(3)Rs and RyRs abolished Ca(2+) release. RyR activation depends on receptors for nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP), because inactivation by a high NAADP concentration inhibited release from both stores, whereas a cyclic ADPR-ribose antagonist had no effect. Bile acid-elicited intracellular Ca(2+) liberation from both the ER and the apical acidic stores depends on both RyRs and IP(3)Rs.