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Updated: May 12, 2026
Live Imaging of Mitosis in the Developing Mouse Embryonic Cortex
Published on: June 4, 2014
Dynamic subcellular imaging of cancer cell mitosis in the brain of live mice
Masashi Momiyama1, Atsushi Suetsugu, Hiroaki Kimura
1AntiCancer, Inc, San Diego, CA 92111, USA.
Abstract:
The ability to visualize cancer cell mitosis and apoptosis in the brain in real time would be of great utility in testing novel therapies. In order to achieve this goal, the cancer cells were labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the nucleus and red fluorescent protein (RFP) in the cytoplasm, such that mitosis and apoptosis could be clearly imaged. A craniotomy open window was made in athymic nude mice for real-time fluorescence imaging of implanted cancer cells growing in the brain. The craniotomy window was reversibly closed with a skin flap. Mitosis of the individual cancer cells were imaged dynamically in real time through the craniotomy-open window. This model can be used to evaluate brain metastasis and brain cancer at the subcellular level.
Insights
This study developed a novel method for real-time visualization of cancer cell mitosis and apoptosis in the brain using fluorescent proteins. This technique allows for detailed subcellular-level evaluation of brain tumors and metastasis in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
- Biomedical Imaging
Background:
- Real-time visualization of cancer cell dynamics in the brain is crucial for developing effective therapies.
- Current methods may lack the resolution or in vivo capability to observe mitosis and apoptosis at the subcellular level.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a preclinical model for real-time, in vivo imaging of cancer cell mitosis and apoptosis within the brain.
- To enable subcellular-level assessment of brain metastasis and cancer progression.
Main Methods:
- Cancer cells were engineered to express green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the nucleus and red fluorescent protein (RFP) in the cytoplasm.
- A craniotomy window was created in athymic nude mice to allow for fluorescence imaging of implanted brain tumors.
- The craniotomy window was covered with a skin flap, enabling dynamic, real-time imaging of cancer cell division and death.
Main Results:
- Successfully imaged cancer cell mitosis and apoptosis in real time within the brain of live mice.
- Demonstrated the capability to observe cellular events at the subcellular level through the craniotomy window.
- The model allowed for dynamic tracking of cancer cell behavior in vivo.
Conclusions:
- This novel imaging model provides a powerful tool for evaluating brain metastasis and cancer therapies.
- The technique facilitates a deeper understanding of cancer cell behavior in the brain at a subcellular level.
- This model holds significant utility for preclinical testing of novel therapeutic strategies targeting brain cancers.
