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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Isolation and Time-Lapse Imaging of Primary Mouse Embryonic Palatal Mesenchyme Cells to Analyze Collective Movement Attributes
Published on: February 13, 2021
[Separation and culture of mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal cells in vitro]
Wen-lin Xiao1, Bing Shi, Lei Huang
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China College of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Objective:
To modify the operation of dissecting embryonic palatal shelves and purify the mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal (EPM) cells in primary culture.
Methods:
The embryonic palatal shelves were dissected using a surgical microscope by modified operation. Then the embryonic palatal shelves were incubated with Dispase and the isolated EPM cells were cultured. Immunofluorescence technique was used to identify the characteristics of cells.
Results:
Embryonic palatal shelves could be dissected accurately and easily with a modified operation. The purified EPM cells contained scarcely epithelial cells. EPM cells were anti-HNK-1, S-100, vimentin positive and anti-CK negative.
Conclusion:
A modified method for dissecting embryonic palatal shelves and purifying the EPM cells of primary culture was established.
Insights
A refined surgical technique allows for accurate dissection of embryonic palatal shelves. This method effectively purifies mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal (EPM) cells for primary cell culture.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Accurate isolation of specific cell types is crucial for studying embryonic development.
- Mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal (EPM) cells are vital for understanding palatogenesis.
- Existing methods for EPM cell isolation can be challenging and yield impure cell populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an improved surgical method for dissecting embryonic palatal shelves.
- To establish a reliable protocol for purifying primary mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal (EPM) cells.
Main Methods:
- Embryonic palatal shelves were dissected using a modified surgical microscope technique.
- Dissected shelves were incubated with Dispase for cell dissociation.
- Isolated cells were cultured and characterized using immunofluorescence staining.
Main Results:
- The modified dissection method enabled accurate and facile isolation of embryonic palatal shelves.
- The purification protocol yielded EPM cells with minimal epithelial cell contamination.
- Immunofluorescence confirmed EPM cells were positive for HNK-1, S-100, and vimentin, and negative for cytokeratin (CK).
Conclusions:
- A modified, effective method for dissecting embryonic palatal shelves has been established.
- This technique allows for the successful purification of primary mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal (EPM) cells.
- The established protocol facilitates research in palatogenesis and related developmental processes.
