PUBLICATION

In vivo imaging of zebrafish embryogenesis

Authors
Keller, P.J.
ID
ZDB-PUB-130408-22
Date
2013
Source
Methods (San Diego, Calif.)   62(3): 268-78 (Journal)
Registered Authors
Keller, Philipp
Keywords
zebrafish, fluorescence microscopy, light sheet microscopy, in vivo imaging, quantitative developmental biology, image processing
MeSH Terms
  • Animals
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian/ultrastructure*
  • Embryonic Development
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Larva/growth & development
  • Larva/ultrastructure*
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence/instrumentation*
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence/methods
  • Molecular Imaging/instrumentation*
  • Molecular Imaging/methods
  • Signal-To-Noise Ratio
  • Time-Lapse Imaging
  • Zebrafish/anatomy & histology*
  • Zebrafish/growth & development
PubMed
23523701 Full text @ Methods
Abstract

The zebrafish Danio rerio has emerged as a powerful vertebrate model system that lends itself particularly well to quantitative investigations with live imaging approaches, owing to its exceptionally high optical clarity in embryonic and larval stages. Recent advances in light microscopy technology enable comprehensive analyses of cellular dynamics during zebrafish embryonic development, systematic mapping of gene expression dynamics, quantitative reconstruction of mutant phenotypes and the system-level biophysical study of morphogenesis.

Despite these technical breakthroughs, it remains challenging to design and implement experiments for in vivo long-term imaging at high spatio-temporal resolution. This article discusses the fundamental challenges in zebrafish long-term live imaging, provides experimental protocols and highlights key properties and capabilities of advanced fluorescence microscopes. The article focuses in particular on experimental assays based on light sheet-based fluorescence microscopy, an emerging imaging technology that achieves exceptionally high imaging speeds and excellent signal-to-noise ratios, while minimizing light-induced damage to the specimen. This unique combination of capabilities makes light sheet microscopy an indispensable tool for the in vivo long-term imaging of large developing organisms.

Genes / Markers
Figures
Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping