Step 1
<ol>
<li>Plate mitomycin-C ggrowth-inhibited (10 &micro;g/ml for 2.5 hours) MS5 cells at a density of 70,000/cm2 on gelatin-coated (0.01 % for 30 minutes) 6 well plates in &alpha;-MEM media. </li>
<li>When cells are attached and have formed a monolayer (over night growth), switch to SRM. </li>
<li>Manually isolate ES cell colonies from the ES cell cultures using a syringe with a 27 &frac12; G needle. </li>
<li>Tritrurate the colonies carefully with a 1 ml blue tip and plate at low density on the MS5 cells (usually 2-3 colonies per 6 well plate).</li>
</ol>
Note: The ES cells can also be taken from enzymatic propagation using collagenase or trypsin.
Step 2
<ol>
<li>Grow the ES cells on the MS5 feeders for 14-21 days until rosette-containing colonies form. </li>
</ol>
 Note: Change media often. The rosettes are usually at the outer edges of the colonies and their formation can be greatly enhanced if 300-500 ng/ml Noggin is added to the SRM (3). In some differentiation protocols, SRM can be exchanged with N2-A media and supplemented with growth or other factors to promote cell specification (2-5). 
Step 3
<ol>
<li>Isolate and pick the rosettes with a 27 &frac12; G needle under a microscope. </li>
</ol>
Note: Avoid cutting and picking the MS5 stromal cells. If colonies are packed with rosettes, one can also isolate the entire colony. 
 Step 4
<ol>
<li>Aspirate the clusters of rosettes, tritrurate them carefully with a 1 ml blue tip, and plate them on poly-L-ornithine (0.001%) and fibronectin (1 &micro;g/ml) or laminin (1 &micro;g/ml) -coated 6 wells in N2-A media usually supplemented with bFGF (20 ng/ml). The rosettes will reform and expand.</li>
</ol>
Note: To enhance cell survival, one can plate the small clusters in droplets to increase cell density. This step can also be modified by supplementing the N2-A media with additional growth or other factors to promote cell specification (2-5).

<ol>
	<li>Kawasaki, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Induction+of+midbrain+dopaminergic+neurons+from+ES+cells+by+stromal+cell-derived+inducing+activity.">Induction of midbrain dopaminergic neurons from ES cells by stromal cell-derived inducing activity.</a> Neuron. 28, 31-40 (2000).</li><li>Perrier, A. L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Derivation+of+midbrain+dopamine+neurons+from+human+embryonic+stem+cells.">Derivation of midbrain dopamine neurons from human embryonic stem cells.</a> Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 101, 12543-12548 (2004).</li><li>Pruszak, J., Isacson, O., Sullivan, S., Cowan, C., Eggan, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Directed+differentiation+of+human+embryonic+stem+cells+into+dopaminergic+neurons.">Directed differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into dopaminergic neurons.</a> Human Embryonic Stem Cells: The Practical Handbook. , (2007).</li><li>Pruszak, J., Sonntag, K. C., Aung, M. H., Sanchez-Pernaute, R., Isacson, O. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Markers+and+methods+for+cell+sorting+of+human+embryonic+stem+cell-derived+neural+cell+populations.">Markers and methods for cell sorting of human embryonic stem cell-derived neural cell populations.</a> Stem Cells. 25, 2257-2268 (2007).</li><li>Sonntag, K. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Enhanced+yield+of+neuroepithelial+precursors+and+midbrain-like+dopaminergic+neurons+from+human+embryonic+stem+cells+using+the+bone+morphogenic+protein+antagonist+noggin.">Enhanced yield of neuroepithelial precursors and midbrain-like dopaminergic neurons from human embryonic stem cells using the bone morphogenic protein antagonist noggin.</a> Stem Cells. 25, 411-418 (2007).</li><li>Kawasaki, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Generation+of+dopaminergic+neurons+and+pigmented+epithelia+from+primate+ES+cells+by+stromal+cell-derived+inducing+activity.">Generation of dopaminergic neurons and pigmented epithelia from primate ES cells by stromal cell-derived inducing activity.</a> Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 99, 1580-1585 (2002).</li><li>Ko, J. Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Human+embryonic+stem+cell-derived+neural+precursors+as+a+continuous,+stable,+and+on-demand+source+for+human+dopamine+neurons.">Human embryonic stem cell-derived neural precursors as a continuous, stable, and on-demand source for human dopamine neurons.</a> J Neurochem. 103, 1417-1429 (2007).</li><li>Hong, S., Kang, U. J., Isacson, O., Kim, K. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Neural+precursors+derived+from+human+embryonic+stem+cells+maintain+long-term+proliferation+without+losing+the+potential+to+differentiate+into+all+three+neural+lineages,+including+dopaminergic+neurons.">Neural precursors derived from human embryonic stem cells maintain long-term proliferation without losing the potential to differentiate into all three neural lineages, including dopaminergic neurons.</a> J Neurochem. , (2007).</li><li>Zhang, S. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Neural+subtype+specification+from+embryonic+stem+cells.">Neural subtype specification from embryonic stem cells.</a> Brain Pathol. 16, 132-142 (2006).</li><li>Pankratz, M. T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Directed+neural+differentiation+of+human+embryonic+stem+cells+via+an+obligated+primitive+anterior+stage.">Directed neural differentiation of human embryonic stem cells via an obligated primitive anterior stage.</a> Stem Cells. 25, 1511-1520 (2007).</li><li>Lazzari, G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Direct+derivation+of+neural+rosettes+from+cloned+bovine+blastocysts:+a+model+of+early+neurulation+events+and+neural+crest+specification+in+vitro.">Direct derivation of neural rosettes from cloned bovine blastocysts: a model of early neurulation events and neural crest specification in vitro.</a> Stem Cells. 24, 2514-2521 (2006).</li><li>Pomp, O., Brokhman, I., Ben-Dor, I., Reubinoff, B., Goldstein, R. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Generation+of+peripheral+sensory+and+sympathetic+neurons+and+neural+crest+cells+from+human+embryonic+stem+cells.">Generation of peripheral sensory and sympathetic neurons and neural crest cells from human embryonic stem cells.</a> Stem Cells. 23, 923-930 (2005).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

This protocol demonstrates the different steps in generating and isolating neuroepithelial cells from human ES cells using SDIA. The application of this method is manifold and has been used in many protocols to produce specified neurons (e.g. 1, 2, 5-9). The rosettes are thought to resemble neural tube cells with an anterior phenotype (2, 5, 10) and also contain neural crest progenitors (11, 12). In addition, they retain a certain level of plasticity, since they can be patterned by specific factors in defined culture con...

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		<div>
		<table border="1">
		<thead>
		<tr>
		<th>Material Name</th>
		<th>Type</th>
		<th>Company</th>
		<th>Catalogue Number</th>
		<th>Comment</th>
		</tr>
		</thead>
		<tbody>
		
<tr>
<td>L-glutamine</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Gibco</td>
<td>25030</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>alpha-MEM</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Gibco</td>
<td>12571</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>penicillin/streptomycin</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Gibco</td>
<td>15140</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Knockout-DMEM</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Gibco</td>
<td>10829</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Knockout serum replacement</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Gibco</td>
<td>10828</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>MEM non-essential amino acid solution</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Gibco</td>
<td>12383</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>DMEM/F12</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Gibco</td>
<td>11330</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>N2-A supplement</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Stem Cell Technologies</td>
<td>07152</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>mitomycin-C</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Sigma</td>
<td>M0503</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>gelatine type-A</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Sigma</td>
<td>G1890</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>poly-L-ornithine</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Sigma</td>
<td>P4957</td>
<td>0.01 % solution </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>laminin</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Sigma</td>
<td>L-2020</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>fibronectin</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Sigma</td>
<td>F2006</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Invitrogen</td>
<td>13256</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>1 ml syringe with 27 1/2 G needle</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Becton Dickinson</td>
<td>309623</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>N2-A media</td>
<td>medium</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>DMEM/F12 + 1% N2-A supplement </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Serum replacement media (SRM)</td>
<td>medium</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Knockout-DMEM + 20 % Knockout serum replacement +1% MEM non-essential amino acid solution + 2 mM L-glutamine</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>&#x03B1;-MEM media</td>
<td>medium</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&#x03B1;-MEM + 10 % FBS + 2 mM L-glutamine + 1%penicillin/streptomycin</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MS5</td>
<td>cell line</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>stromal cells </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Microscope</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>6 well plates</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>for tissue culture</td>
</tr>		</tbody>
		</table>
		</div>
			<div>
					</div>

es cell-derived neuroepithelial cell cultures

ES cells have the potential to differentiate into cells from all germ layers, which makes them an attractive tool for the development of new therapies. In general, the differentiation of ES cells follows the concept to first generate immature progenitor cells, which then can be propagated and differentiated into mature cellular phenotypes. This also applies for ES cell-derived neurogenesis, in which the development of neural cells follows two major steps: First, the derivation and expansion of immature neuroepithelial precursors and second, their differentiation into mature neural cells. A common method to produce neural progenitors from ES cells is based on embryoid body (EB) formation, which reveals the differentiation of cells from all germ layers including neuroectoderm. An alternative and more efficient method to induce neuroepithelial cell development uses stromal cell-derived inducing activity (SDIA), which can be achieved by co-culturing ES cells with skull bone marrow-derived stromal cells (1). Both, EB formation and SDIA, reveal the development of rosette-like structures, which are thought to resemble neural tube- and/or neural crest-like progenitors. The neural precursors can be isolated, expanded and further differentiated into specific neurons and glia cells using defined culture conditions. Here, we describe the generation and isolation of such rosettes in co-culture experiments with the stromal cell line MS5 (2-5).

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about ES Cell-derived Neuroepithelial Cell Cultures at JoVE.com

ES Cell-derived Neuroepithelial Cell Cultures

Derivation of neuroepithelial precursors from embryonic stem (ES) cells using stromal cell-derived inducing activity (SDIA).

ES cells have the potential to differentiate into cells from all germ layers, which makes them an attractive tool for the development of new therapies. In ...

es-cell-derived-neuroepithelial-cell-cultures

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

13.5K Views.  Harvard Medical School. Derivazione di precursori neuroepiteliale da staminali embrionali (ES), le cellule stromali utilizzando cellule derivate attività induttiva (SDIA).

Video: ES Cell-derived Neuroepithelial Cell Cultures

Freezing Human ES Cells

Here we demonstrate how our lab freezes HuES human embryonic stem cell lines.  A healthy, exponentially expanding culture is washed with PBS to remove residual media that could otherwise quench the Trypsin reaction.  Warmed 0.05% Trypsin-EDTA is then added to cover the cells, and the plate allowed to incubate for up to 5 mins at room temperature.  During this time cells can be observed rounding, and colonies lifting off the plate surface.  Gentle repeated pipetting will remove cells and colonies from the plate surface.  Trypsinized cells are placed in a standard conical tube containing pre-warmed hES cell media to quench remaining trypsin, and then spun.  Cells are resuspended growth media at a concentration of approximately one million cells in one mL of media, a concentration such that one frozen aliquot is sufficient to resurrect a culture on a 10cm plate.  After cells are adequately resuspended, ice cold freezing media is added at equal volume.  Cell suspensions are mixed thoroughly, aliquoted into freezing vials, and allowed to slowly freeze to -80C over 24 hours.  Frozen cells can then moved to the vapor phase of liquid nitrogen for long term storage, or remain at -80 for approximately six months.

Here we demonstrate how our lab freezes HuES human embryonic stem cell lines.

Here we demonstrate how our lab freezes HuES human embryonic stem cell lines.  A healthy, exponentially expanding culture is washed with PBS to remove ...

Human ES cells: Starting Culture from Frozen Cells

Here we demonstrate how our lab begins a HuES human embryonic stem cell line culture from a frozen stock.  First, a one to two day old ten cm plate of  approximately one (to two) million irradiated mouse embryonic fibroblast feeder cells is rinsed with HuES media to remove residual serum and cell debris, and then HuES media added and left to equilibrate in the cell culture incubator.  A frozen vial of cells from long term liquid nitrogen storage or a -80C freezer is sourced and quickly submerged in a 37C water bath for quick thawing.  Cells in freezing media are then removed from the vial and placed in a large volume of HuES media.  The large volume of HuES media facilitates removal of excess serum and DMSO, which can cause HuES human embryonic stem cells to differentiate.  Cells are gently spun out of suspension, and then re-suspended in a small volume of fresh HuES media that is then used to seed the MEF plate.  It is considered important to seed the MEF plate by gently adding the HuES cells in a drop wise fashion to evenly disperse them throughout the plate.  The newly established HuES culture plate is returned to the incubator for 48 hrs before media is replaced, then is fed every 24 hours thereafter.

Here we demonstrate how our lab begins a HuES human embryonic stem cell line culture from a frozen stock.

Here we demonstrate how our lab begins a HuES human embryonic stem cell line culture from a frozen stock.  First, a one to two day old ten cm plate of  ...

Propagation of Human Embryonic Stem (ES) Cells

Propagation of Human Embryonic Stem ES Cells

Primary Neuronal Cultures from the Brains of Late Stage Drosophila Pupae

In this video, we demonstrate the preparation of primary neuronal cultures from the brains of late stage Drosophila pupae. The procedure begins with the removal of brains from animals at 70-78 hrs after puparium formation. The isolated brains are shown after brief incubation in papain followed by several washes in serum-free growth medium. The process of mechanical dissociation of each brain in a 5 ul drop of media on a coverslip is illustrated. The axons and dendrites of the post-mitotic neurons are sheered off near the soma during dissociation but the neurons begin to regenerate processes within a few hours of plating. Images show live cultures at 2 days. Neurons continue to elaborate processes during the first week in culture. Specific neuronal populations can be identified in culture using GAL4 lines to drive tissue specific expression of fluorescent markers such as  GFP or RFP. Whole cell recordings have demonstrated the cultured neurons form functional, spontaneously active cholinergic and GABAergic synapses. A short video segment illustrates calcium dynamics in the cultured neurons using Fura-2 as a calcium indicator dye to monitor spontaneous calcium transients and nicotine evoked calcium responses in a dish of cultured neurons. These pupal brain cultures are a useful model system in which genetic and pharmacological tools can be used to identify intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence formation and function of central synapses.

This video demonstrates the preparation of primary neuronal cultures from the brains of late stage Drosophila pupae. Views of live cultures show neurite outgrowth and imaging of calcium levels using Fura-2.

In this video, we demonstrate the preparation of primary neuronal cultures from the brains of late stage Drosophila pupae. The procedure begins with the ...

Preparation of Neuronal Cultures from Midgastrula Stage Drosophila Embryos

This video illustrates the procedure for making primary neuronal cultures from midgastrula stage Drosophila embryos. The methods for collecting embryos and their dechorionation using bleach are demonstrated. Using a glass pipet attached to a mouth suction tube, we illustrate the removal of all cells from single embryos. The method for dispersing cells from each embyro into a small (5 l) drop of medium on an uncoated glass coverslip is demonstrated. A view through the microscope at 1 hour after plating illustrates the preferred cell density. Most of the cells that survive when grown in defined medium are neuroblasts that divide one or more times in culture before extending neuritic processes by 12-24 hours. A view through the microscope illustrates the level of neurite outgrowth and branching expected in a healthy culture at 2 days in vitro. The cultures are grown in a simple bicarbonate based defined medium, in a 5% CO2 incubator at 22-24&deg;C. Neuritic processes continue to elaborate over the first week in culture and when they make contact with neurites from neighboring cells they often form functional synaptic connections. Neurons in these cultures express voltage-gated sodium, calcium, and potassium channels and are electrically excitable. This culture system is useful for studying molecular genetic and environmental factors that regulate neuronal differentiation, excitability, and synapse formation/function.

This video demonstrates the preparation of primary neuronal cultures from midgastrula stage Drosophila embryos. Views of live cultures show cells 1 hour after plating and differentiated neurons after 2 days of growth in a bicarbonate-based defined medium. The neurons are electrically excitable and form synaptic connections.

This video illustrates the procedure for making primary neuronal cultures from midgastrula stage Drosophila embryos. The methods for collecting embryos ...

Mouse Epidermal Neural Crest Stem Cell (EPI-NCSC) Cultures

EPI-NCSC are remnants of the embryonic neural crest in an adult location, the bulge of hair follicles. They are multipotent stem cells that have the physiological property to generate a wide array of differentiated cell types, including neurons, nerve supporting cells, smooth muscle cells, bone/cartilage cells and melanocytes. EPI-NCSC are easily accessible in the hairy skin and can be isolated as a highly pure population of stem cells. This video provides a detailed protocol for preparing mouse EPI-NCSC cultures from whisker follicles. The whisker pad of an adult mouse is removed, and whisker follicles dissected. The follicles are then cut longitudinally and subsequently transversely above and below the bulge region. The bulge is removed from the collagen capsule and placed in a culture plate. EPI-NCSC start to emigrate from the bulge explants 3 to 4 days later.

Mouse Epidermal Neural Crest Stem Cell EPI-NCSC Cultures

Here we show our method to isolate mouse epidermal neural crest stem cells (EPI-NCSC). Technique involves micro-dissecting whisker follicles, isolating the bulge and placeing it into tissue culture. EPI-NCSC start to emigrate from bulge explants onto the substratum within 3 - 4 days.

EPI-NCSC are remnants of the embryonic neural crest in an adult location, the bulge of hair follicles. They are multipotent stem cells that have the ...

Primary Dissociated Midbrain Dopamine Cell Cultures from Rodent Neonates

The ability to create primary cell cultures of dopamine neurons allows for the study of the presynaptic characteristics of dopamine neurons in isolation from systemic input from elsewhere in the brain. In our lab, we use these neurons to assess dopamine release kinetics using carbon fiber amperometry, as well as expression levels of dopamine related genes and proteins using quantitative PCR and immunocytochemistry. In this video, we show you how we generate these cultures from rodent neonates.
The process involves several steps, including the plating of cortical glial astrocytes, the conditioning of neuronal cell culture media by the glial substrate, the dissection of the midbrain in neonates, the digestion, extraction and plating of dopamine neurons and the addition of neurotrophic factors to ensure cell survival.
The applications suitable for such a preparation include electrophysiology, immunocytochemistry, quantitative PCR, video microscopy (i.e., of real-time vesicular fusion with the plasma membrane), cell viability assays and other toxicological screens.

Primary dissociated midbrain dopamine cell cultures allow for the study of presynaptic characteristics of dopamine neurons. They can be used to monitor real-time dopamine release kinetics and protein/mRNA levels of regulators of dopamine exocytosis. Here, we show you how to generate these cultures from rodent neonates.

The ability to create primary cell cultures of dopamine neurons allows for the study of the presynaptic characteristics of dopamine neurons in isolation ...

Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Endothelial Cells for Treatment of Hindlimb Ischemia

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) results from narrowing of the peripheral arteries that supply oxygenated blood and nutrients to the legs and feet, This pathology causes symptoms such as intermittent claudication (pain with walking), painful ischemic ulcerations, or even limb-threatening gangrene. It is generally believed that the vascular endothelium, a monolayer of endothelial cells that invests the luminal surface of all blood and lymphatic vessels, plays a dominant role in vascular homeostasis and vascular regeneration. As a result, stem cell-based regeneration of the endothelium may be a promising approach for treating PAD.In this video, we demonstrate the transplantation of embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived endothelial cells for treatment of unilateral hindimb ischemia as a model of PAD, followed by non-invasive tracking of cell homing and survival by bioluminescence imaging. The specific materials and procedures for cell delivery and imaging will be described. This protocol follows another publication in describing the induction of hindlimb ischemia by Niiyama et al.1

The surgical procedure for delivery of embryonic stem cell-derived endothelial cells to the ischemic hindlimb is demonstrated, with non-invasive tracking by bioluminescence imaging.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) results from narrowing of the peripheral arteries that supply oxygenated blood and nutrients to the legs and feet, This ...

Preparation of Aplysia Sensory-motor Neuronal Cell Cultures

The nervous system of the marine mollusk Aplysia californica is relatively simple, consisting of approximately 20,000 neurons. The neurons are large (up to 1 mm in diameter) and identifiable, with distinct sizes, shapes, positions and pigmentations, and the cell bodies are externally exposed in five paired ganglia distributed throughout the body of the animal. These properties have allowed investigators to delineate the circuitry underlying specific behaviors in the animal1. The monosynaptic connection between sensory and motor neurons is a central component of the gill-withdrawal reflex in the animal, a simple defensive reflex in which the animal withdraws its gill in response to tactile stimulation of the siphon. This reflex undergoes forms of non-associative and associative learning, including sensitization, habituation and classical conditioning. Of particular benefit to the study of synaptic plasticity, the sensory-motor synapse can be reconstituted in culture, where well-characterized stimuli elicit forms of plasticity that have direct correlates in the behavior of the animal2,3. Specifically, application of serotonin produces a synaptic strengthening that, depending on the application protocol, lasts for minutes (short-term facilitation), hours (intermediate-term facilitation) or days (long-term facilitation). In contrast, application of the peptide transmitter FMRFamide produces a synaptic weakening or depression that, depending on the application protocol, can last from minutes to days (long-term depression). The large size of the neurons allows for repeated sharp electrode recording of synaptic strength over periods of days together with microinjection of expression vectors, siRNAs and other compounds to target specific signaling cascades and molecules and thereby identify the molecular and cell biological steps that underlie the changes in synaptic efficacy.
An additional advantage of the Aplysia culture system comes from the fact that the neurons demonstrate synapse-specificity in culture4,5. Thus, sensory neurons do not form synapses with themselves (autapses) or with other sensory neurons, nor do they form synapses with non-target identified motor neurons in culture. The varicosities, sites of synaptic contact between sensory and motor neurons, are large enough (2-7 microns in diameter) to allow synapse formation (as well as changes in synaptic morphology) with target motor neurons to be studied at the light microscopic level.
In this video, we demonstrate each step of preparing sensory-motor neuron cultures, including anesthetizing adult and juvenile Aplysia, dissecting their ganglia, protease digestion of the ganglia, removal of the connective tissue by microdissection, identification of both sensory and motor neurons and removal of each cell type by microdissection, plating of the motor neuron, addition of the sensory neuron and manipulation of the sensory neurite to form contact with the cultured motor neuron.

Preparation of Aplysia Sensory-motor Neuronal Cell Cultures

Primary cultures of Aplysia sensory-motor neurons provide a model preparation for studying synapse formation and synaptic plasticity in vitro. This video demonstrates the identification and microdissection of sensory and motor neurons from Aplysia ganglia as well as the methods for establishing and maintaining sensory-motor neurons in culture.

The nervous system of the marine mollusk Aplysia californica is relatively simple, consisting of approximately 20,000 neurons.  The neurons are large (up ...

Primary Cell Cultures from Drosophila Gastrula Embryos

Here we describe a method for preparing and culturing primary cells dissociated from Drosophila gastrula embryos. In brief, a large amount of staged embryos from young and healthy flies are collected, sterilized, and then physically dissociated into a single cell suspension using a glass homogenizer. After being plated on culture plates or chamber slides at an appropriate density in culture medium, these cells can further differentiate into several morphologically-distinct cell types, which can be identified by their specific cell markers. Furthermore, we present conditions for treating these cells with double stranded (ds) RNAs to elicit gene knockdown. Efficient RNAi in Drosophila primary cells is accomplished by simply bathing the cells in dsRNA-containing culture medium. The ability to carry out effective RNAi perturbation, together with other molecular, biochemical, cell imaging analyses, will allow a variety of questions to be answered in Drosophila primary cells, especially those related to differentiated muscle and neuronal cells.

Primary Cell Cultures from Drosophila Gastrula Embryos

We provide a detailed protocol for preparing primary cells dissociated from Drosophila embryos. The ability to carry out the effective RNAi perturbation, together with other molecular, biochemical and cell imaging methods will allow a variety of questions to be addressed in Drosophila primary cells.

Here we describe a method for preparing and culturing primary cells dissociated from Drosophila gastrula embryos.   In brief, a large amount of staged ...