Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026
Live Imaging of Mitosis in the Developing Mouse Embryonic Cortex
Published on: June 4, 2014
Time-lapse tracing of mitotic cell divisions in the early Xenopus embryo using microscopic MRI
Cyrus Papan1, Benoit Boulat, S Sendhil Velan
1Beckman Institute 139-74, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA. cpapan@ibn.a-star.edu.sg
Abstract:
Mitotic cell division is a highly regulated cellular event in all organisms, but its direct visualization in the vertebrates is limited to animals with transparent embryos. Here, we report on the use of microscopic magnetic resonance imaging (mMRI) to noninvasively observe mitotic cell division of early blastomeres in the optically opaque Xenopus laevis embryo. Due to intrinsic tissue contrast, cell nuclei can be directly visualized without the need for contrast enhancing labeling. By taking two-dimensional in vivo time-lapse image sequences, the karyokinesis of a blastomere is followed. Timing and orientation of the cleavages can be traced for five cell divisions to establish a cell lineage tree, including orientation and timing of the mitosis. This work demonstrates for the first time the use of MRI for the visualization of cell divisions and expands the experimental scope of the Xenopus embryo.
Insights
Microscopic magnetic resonance imaging (mMRI) noninvasively visualizes cell division in opaque Xenopus embryos. This technique allows tracking cell lineage and mitosis timing without contrast agents, expanding developmental biology research.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mitotic cell division is crucial but difficult to visualize in opaque vertebrate embryos.
- Current methods often require transparent embryos or contrast agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate microscopic magnetic resonance imaging (mMRI) for noninvasive visualization of mitotic cell division.
- To establish cell lineage and track mitosis timing in optically opaque Xenopus laevis embryos.
Main Methods:
- Utilized in vivo time-lapse 2D imaging with mMRI.
- Focused on optically opaque Xenopus laevis early blastomeres.
- Leveraged intrinsic tissue contrast for nucleus visualization without labeling.
Main Results:
- Successfully visualized mitotic cell division and karyokinesis in Xenopus laevis embryos.
- Tracked cell cleavage timing and orientation for five cell divisions.
- Established a cell lineage tree including mitosis details.
Conclusions:
- MRI can visualize cell divisions noninvasively in opaque embryos.
- This technique expands the experimental capabilities for Xenopus embryo studies.
- Opens new avenues for studying vertebrate development.
