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Microfluidic chip-based C. elegans microinjection system for investigating cell-cell communication in vivo
Xingfu Zhao1, Fei Xu, Lichun Tang
1Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Systems Biology Theme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China.
This study introduces a novel microfluidic system for in vivo analysis of intercellular calcium waves (ICW) in live C. elegans. The platform enables precise stimulation and imaging, advancing the study of cell-cell communication.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cellular Biology
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Intercellular calcium wave (ICW) propagation is crucial for multicellular organism coordination.
- Existing analytical methods face limitations in studying ICW in live animals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate a novel microfluidic system for in vivo investigation of ICW.
- To enable on-chip microinjection and real-time monitoring of ICW in C. elegans.
Main Methods:
- A microfluidic system with an open chamber for immobilizing C. elegans via suction.
- On-chip microinjection of chemical stimuli to single intestinal cells using a micro-manipulator.
- Simultaneous fluorescence imaging of calcium dynamics using the Ca(2+) indicator YC2.12.
Main Results:
- Successfully induced and observed ICW in C. elegans intestinal cells upon thapsigargin injection.
- Investigated the mechanism of ICW propagation in the presence of heparin, an IP3 receptor inhibitor.
Conclusions:
- The developed microfluidic platform is effective for in vivo studies of ICW.
- This tool facilitates the investigation of intercellular calcium signaling mechanisms in multicellular organisms.
