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Harvesting monodelphis embryos
Anna L Keyte1, Kathleen K Smith
1Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
CSH Protocols
|March 2, 2011
Summary
The gray, short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica) is a key laboratory marsupial, valuable for its sequenced genome and use in diverse research areas. This protocol details harvesting its embryos for anatomical and molecular studies.
Area of Science:
- Comparative biology
- Developmental biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Monodelphis domestica is the most common laboratory marsupial.
- It is the first marsupial with a sequenced genome.
- It serves as a model for spinal cord regeneration, UV-induced melanoma, and immune system studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a protocol for harvesting Monodelphis domestica embryos.
- To facilitate research in areas including anatomy, molecular biology, and developmental studies.
- To support comparative studies on marsupial development and evolution.
Main Methods:
- Harvesting of Monodelphis domestica embryos.
- Fixation of specimens using standard fixatives.
- Adaptation of procedures for anatomical or molecular techniques like in situ hybridization.
Main Results:
- Established a reliable method for obtaining Monodelphis domestica embryos.
- Demonstrated the suitability of embryos for various downstream applications.
- Highlighted the adaptability of the protocol for different research needs.
Conclusions:
- Monodelphis domestica embryos are readily accessible for scientific research.
- The protocol supports diverse applications in developmental and molecular biology.
- This marsupial model is crucial for advancing our understanding of marsupial biology and evolution.
