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Stamm K, Dirks JH. Semi-automated differentiation of insect exo- and endocuticle in X-ray microtomography. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2022; 66:101139. [PMID: 35101658 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2021.101139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
One of the most versatile and complex biological composite materials, the insect exoskeleton shows a huge range in biomechanical properties. The cuticle exoskeleton can be differentiated into two main histologically different layers with distinct properties: the outer, more sclerotized exocuticle and inner, softer endocuticle. For most biomechanical research questions, it is of great importance to be able to selectively characterize geometrical features of these layers. However, most conventional preparation methods (cross-sections, histological staining, SEM) require complex and destructive sample preparation, which provides only two-dimensional information. Here, we present a novel, simple staining method using X-ray microtomography to distinguish between exo- and endocuticle in a 3D environment without sample destruction. We illustrate the power of our method using locust (Locusta migratoria) hindleg tibia, a well characterized biomechanical sample. Our method allows an easy and direct measurement of exo- and endocuticle and their respective geometric features. Applying our method will help to understand the biomechanical role of exo- and endocuticle within an insect exoskeleton and will allow us to understand its composition and morphological features in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Stamm
- Biomimetics-Innovation-Centre, Hochschule Bremen - City University of Applied Sciences, Neustadtswall 30, 28199, Bremen, Germany.
| | - Jan-Henning Dirks
- Biomimetics-Innovation-Centre, Hochschule Bremen - City University of Applied Sciences, Neustadtswall 30, 28199, Bremen, Germany.
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2
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Three-Dimensional X-ray Imaging of β-Galactosidase Reporter Activity by Micro-CT: Implication for Quantitative Analysis of Gene Expression. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11060746. [PMID: 34199780 PMCID: PMC8230009 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11060746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acquisition of detailed anatomical and molecular knowledge from intact biological samples while preserving their native three-dimensional structure is still a challenging issue for imaging studies aiming to unravel a system's functions. Three-dimensional micro-CT X-ray imaging with a high spatial resolution in minimally perturbed naive non-transparent samples has recently gained increased popularity and broad application in biomedical research. Here, we describe a novel X-ray-based methodology for analysis of β-galactosidase (lacZ) reporter-driven gene expression in an intact murine brain ex vivo by micro-CT. The method relies on detection of bromine molecules in the product of the enzymatic β-galactosidase reaction. Enhancement of the X-ray signal is observed specifically in the regions of the murine brain where expression of the lacZ reporter gene is also detected histologically. We performed quantitative analysis of the expression levels of lacZ reporter activity by relative radiodensity estimation of the β-galactosidase/X-gal precipitate in situ. To demonstrate the feasibility of the method, we performed expression analysis of the Tsen54-lacZ reporter gene in the murine brain in a semi-quantitative manner. Human mutations in the Tsen54 gene cause pontocerebellar hypoplasia (PCH), a group of severe neurodegenerative disorders with both mental and motor deficits. Comparing relative levels of Tsen54 gene expression, we demonstrate that the highest Tsen54 expression is observed in anatomical brain substructures important for the normal motor and memory functions in mice.
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Agrawal A, Singh B, Kashyap Y, Shukla M, Gadkari SC. Synchrotron-based X-ray microimaging facility for biomedical research. JOURNAL OF RADIATION AND CANCER RESEARCH 2017. [DOI: 10.4103/jrcr.jrcr_29_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Ziegler A, Neues F, Janáček J, Beckmann F, Epple M. Mineral in skeletal elements of the terrestrial crustacean Porcellio scaber: SRμCT of function related distribution and changes during the moult cycle. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2017; 46:63-76. [PMID: 27288588 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2016.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Terrestrial isopods moult first the posterior and then the anterior half of the body, allowing for storage and recycling of CaCO3. We used synchrotron-radiation microtomography to estimate mineral content within skeletal segments in sequential moulting stages of Porcellio scaber. The results suggest that all examined cuticular segments contribute to storage and recycling, however, to varying extents. The mineral within the hepatopancreas after moult suggests an uptake of mineral from the ingested exuviae. The total maximum loss of mineral was 46% for the anterior and 43% for the posterior cuticle. The time course of resorption of mineral and mineralisation of the new cuticle suggests storage and recycling of mineral in the posterior and anterior cuticle. The mineral in the anterior pereiopods decreases by 25% only. P. scaber has long legs and can run fast; therefore, a less mineralised and thus lightweight cuticle in pereiopods likely serves to lower energy consumption during escape behaviour. Differential demineralisation occurs in the head cuticle, in which the cornea of the complex eyes remains completely mineralised. The partes incisivae of the mandibles are mineralised before the old cuticle is demineralised and shed. Probably, this enables the animal to ingest the old exuviae after each half moult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Ziegler
- Central Facility for Electron Microscopy, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89069, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Frank Neues
- Inorganic Chemistry and Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CeNIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstrasse 5-7, 45117, Essen, Germany
| | - Jiří Janáček
- Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Vídeňská 1083, 14220, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Felix Beckmann
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Institute of Materials Research, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Matthias Epple
- Inorganic Chemistry and Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CeNIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstrasse 5-7, 45117, Essen, Germany
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Witten PE, Harris MP, Huysseune A, Winkler C. Small teleost fish provide new insights into human skeletal diseases. Methods Cell Biol 2016; 138:321-346. [PMID: 28129851 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Small teleost fish such as zebrafish and medaka are increasingly studied as models for human skeletal diseases. Efficient new genome editing tools combined with advances in the analysis of skeletal phenotypes provide new insights into fundamental processes of skeletal development. The skeleton among vertebrates is a highly conserved organ system, but teleost fish and mammals have evolved unique traits or have lost particular skeletal elements in each lineage. Several unique features of the skeleton relate to the extremely small size of early fish embryos and the small size of adult fish used as models. A detailed analysis of the plethora of interesting skeletal phenotypes in zebrafish and medaka pushes available skeletal imaging techniques to their respective limits and promotes the development of new imaging techniques. Impressive numbers of zebrafish and medaka mutants with interesting skeletal phenotypes have been characterized, complemented by transgenic zebrafish and medaka lines. The advent of efficient genome editing tools, such as TALEN and CRISPR/Cas9, allows to introduce targeted deficiencies in genes of model teleosts to generate skeletal phenotypes that resemble human skeletal diseases. This review will also discuss other attractive aspects of the teleost skeleton. This includes the capacity for lifelong tooth replacement and for the regeneration of dermal skeletal elements, such as scales and fin rays, which further increases the value of zebrafish and medaka models for skeletal research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M P Harris
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - C Winkler
- National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Babaei F, Hong TLC, Yeung K, Cheng SH, Lam YW. Contrast-Enhanced X-Ray Micro-Computed Tomography as a Versatile Method for Anatomical Studies of Adult Zebrafish. Zebrafish 2016; 13:310-6. [PMID: 27058023 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2016.1245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
One attractive quality of zebrafish as a model organism for biological research is that transparency at early developmental stages allows the optical imaging of cellular and molecular events. However, this advantage cannot be applied to adult zebrafish. In this study, we explored the use of contrast-enhanced X-ray micro-computed tomography (microCT) on adult zebrafish in which the organism was stained with iodine, a simple and economical contrasting agent, after fixation. Tomographic reconstruction of the microCT data allowed the three-dimensional (3D) volumetric analyses of individual organs in adult zebrafish. Adipose tissues showed a higher affinity to iodine and were more strongly contrasted in microCT. As traditional histological techniques often involve dehydration steps that remove tissue lipids, iodine-contrasted microCT offers a convenient method for visualizing fat deposition in fish. Utilizing this advantage, we discovered a transient accumulation of lipids around the heart after ventricular amputation, suggesting a correlation between lipid distribution and heart regeneration. Taken together, microCT is a versatile technique that enables the 3D visualization of zebrafish organs, as well as other fish models, in their anatomical context. This simple method is a valuable new addition to the arsenal of techniques available to this model organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Babaei
- 1 Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China .,2 Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tony Liu Chi Hong
- 3 Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kelvin Yeung
- 3 Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shuk Han Cheng
- 2 Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yun Wah Lam
- 1 Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
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Tynyakov J, Bentov S, Abehsera S, Yehezkel G, Roth Z, Khalaila I, Weil S, Berman A, Plaschkes I, Tom M, Aflalo ED, Sagi A. A crayfish molar tooth protein with putative mineralized exoskeletal chitinous matrix properties. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 218:3487-98. [PMID: 26385331 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.123539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Some crustaceans possess exoskeletons that are reinforced with calcium carbonate. In the crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus, the molar tooth, which is part of the mandibular exoskeleton, contains an unusual crystalline enamel-like apatite layer. As this layer resembles vertebrate enamel in composition and function, it offers an interesting example of convergent evolution. Unlike other parts of the crayfish exoskeleton, which is periodically shed and regenerated during the molt cycle, molar mineral deposition takes place during the pre-molt stage. The molar mineral composition transforms continuously from fluorapatite through amorphous calcium phosphate to amorphous calcium carbonate and is mounted on chitin. The process of crayfish molar formation is entirely extracellular and presumably controlled by proteins, lipids, polysaccharides, low-molecular weight molecules and calcium salts. We have identified a novel molar protein termed Cq-M15 from C. quadricarinatus and cloned its transcript from the molar-forming epithelium. Its transcript and differential expression were confirmed by a next-generation sequencing library. The predicted acidic pI of Cq-M15 suggests its possible involvement in mineral arrangement. Cq-M15 is expressed in several exoskeletal tissues at pre-molt and its silencing is lethal. Like other arthropod cuticular proteins, Cq-M15 possesses a chitin-binding Rebers-Riddiford domain, with a recombinant version of the protein found to bind chitin. Cq-M15 was also found to interact with calcium ions in a concentration-dependent manner. This latter property might make Cq-M15 useful for bone and dental regenerative efforts. We suggest that, in the molar tooth, this protein might be involved in calcium phosphate and/or carbonate precipitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Tynyakov
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University, PO Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University, PO Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Shmuel Bentov
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University, PO Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University, PO Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Shai Abehsera
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University, PO Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Galit Yehezkel
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University, PO Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Ziv Roth
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University, PO Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Isam Khalaila
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University, PO Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Simy Weil
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University, PO Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Amir Berman
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University, PO Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Inbar Plaschkes
- National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University, PO Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Moshe Tom
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, Haifa 8511911, Israel
| | - Eliahu D Aflalo
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University, PO Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University, PO Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Amir Sagi
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University, PO Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University, PO Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
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Abstract
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is now a widely used model organism in biomedical research. The species is also increasingly used for studying skeletal development and regeneration and for understanding human skeletal diseases. The small size of this model organism is an advantage and an extreme challenge for visualizing and diagnosing the animals' skeleton. This applies especially to early stages of skeletal development. Similar challenges arise for the analysis of the skeleton of other small fish species, such as medaka (Oryzias latipes). High quality histological preparations and knowledge about the special quality of the zebrafish skeleton remain prerequisites for a correct analysis. In addition, new methods for fast and high-resolution 2D and 3D skeletal tissue screening are required for a maximal understanding of skeletal development. We, in this study, review advantages and limitations of adapting current visualization techniques for zebrafish skeletal research. We discuss the methods for in toto visualization, such as X-raying, micro-CT, Alizarin red staining and optical projection tomography. Techniques for in vivo imaging, such as second harmonic generation microscopy and two-photon excitation fluorescence, are also discussed. Finally, we explore the possibilities of light-sheet microscopy for the analysis of the zebrafish skeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Bruneel
- Department of Biology, Research Group Evolutionary Developmental Biology, Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium and
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9
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Gladys FM, Matsuda M, Lim Y, Jackin BJ, Imai T, Otani Y, Yatagai T, Cense B. Developmental and morphological studies in Japanese medaka with ultra-high resolution optical coherence tomography. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2015; 6:297-308. [PMID: 25780725 PMCID: PMC4354602 DOI: 10.1364/boe.6.000297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Revised: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
We propose ultra-high resolution optical coherence tomography to study the morphological development of internal organs in medaka fish in the post-embryonic stages at micrometer resolution. Different stages of Japanese medaka were imaged after hatching in vivo with an axial resolution of 2.8 µm in tissue. Various morphological structures and organs identified in the OCT images were then compared with the histology. Due to the medaka's close resemblance to vertebrates, including humans, these morphological features play an important role in morphogenesis and can be used to study diseases that also occur in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Moses Gladys
- Center for Optical Research and Education (CORE), Utsunomiya University,
Japan
| | - Masaru Matsuda
- Center for Bioscience Research and Education, Utsunomiya University,
Japan
| | - Yiheng Lim
- Center for Optical Research and Education (CORE), Utsunomiya University,
Japan
| | - Boaz Jessie Jackin
- Center for Optical Research and Education (CORE), Utsunomiya University,
Japan
| | - Takuto Imai
- Center for Bioscience Research and Education, Utsunomiya University,
Japan
- United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology,
Japan
| | - Yukitoshi Otani
- Center for Optical Research and Education (CORE), Utsunomiya University,
Japan
| | - Toyohiko Yatagai
- Center for Optical Research and Education (CORE), Utsunomiya University,
Japan
| | - Barry Cense
- Center for Optical Research and Education (CORE), Utsunomiya University,
Japan
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10
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Metscher BD. MicroCT for developmental biology: a versatile tool for high-contrast 3D imaging at histological resolutions. Dev Dyn 2009; 238:632-40. [PMID: 19235724 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 427] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding developmental processes requires accurate visualization and parameterization of three-dimensional embryos. Tomographic imaging methods offer automatically aligned and calibrated volumetric images, but the usefulness of X-ray CT imaging for developmental biology has been limited by the low inherent contrast of embryonic tissues. Here, I demonstrate simple staining methods that allow high-contrast imaging of embryonic tissues at histological resolutions using a commercial microCT system. Quantitative comparisons of images of chick embryos treated with different contrast agents show that three very simple methods using inorganic iodine and phosphotungstic acid produce overall contrast and differential tissue contrast for X-ray imaging at least as high as that obtained with osmium. The stains can be used after any common fixation and after storage in aqueous or alcoholic media, and on a wide variety of species. These methods establish microCT imaging as a useful tool for comparative developmental studies, embryo phenotyping, and quantitative modeling of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D Metscher
- Department of Theoretical Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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11
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Neues F, Epple M. X-ray microcomputer tomography for the study of biomineralized endo- and exoskeletons of animals. Chem Rev 2008; 108:4734-41. [PMID: 18754688 DOI: 10.1021/cr078250m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Frank Neues
- Inorganic Chemistry and Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany
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12
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Recent Papers on Zebrafish and Other Aquarium Fish Models. Zebrafish 2007. [DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2007.9977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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