Live Imaging of Planaria

Wei Shen, Yun Shen, Yun Wah Lam, Danny Chan

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Planarian regeneration involves a complex series of cellular events, precisely choreographed in space and time. Time-lapse imaging can provide powerful insights into tissue dynamics, as variously demonstrated in other model systems. However, time-lapse imaging of planarians has proven to be a challenge. Especially the requisite immobilization of the animals over extended periods of time is difficult, owing to their photophobic behavior and soft body architecture. Here, we describe a new embedding method using 2% (w/v) low melting agarose, and demonstrate that this method can effectively immobilize animals as long as 7 days. In combination with cell-permeable fluorescent dyes, this immobilization method allows for the time-lapse imaging of planaria during regeneration and other physiological processes.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPlanarian Regeneration
Subtitle of host publicationMethods and Protocols
EditorsJochen C. Rink
PublisherHumana Press Inc.
Pages507-518
Number of pages12
ISBN (Electronic)9781493978021
ISBN (Print)9781493978007, 9781493992898
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 19 Jun 2018
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameMethods in Molecular Biology
VolumeMIMB 1774
ISSN (Print)1064-3745
ISSN (Electronic)1940-6029

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