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Imaging ectopic fat deposition in Caenorhabditis elegans muscles using nonlinear microscopy
Meropi Mari1,2, George Filippidis1, Konstantinos Palikaras2
1Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, Crete, 71110, Greece.
Microscopy Research and Technique
|April 23, 2015
Summary
Nonlinear optical microscopy using second and third harmonic generation (SHG, THG) can non-invasively monitor lipid accumulation in aging C. elegans. This technique reveals ectopic fat in muscles, potentially linking aging to metabolic disorders.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Metabolic syndrome involves type-2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
- Understanding lipid metabolism and distribution is crucial for metabolic syndrome research.
- Accurate in vivo methods are needed to monitor lipid storage and dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To employ nonlinear optical phenomena (SHG, THG) for label-free, non-destructive monitoring of lipid content.
- To develop complementary 3D imaging and analysis of muscular areas and lipid localization.
- To investigate ectopic fat accumulation in aging Caenorhabditis elegans.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous use of second harmonic generation (SHG) and third harmonic generation (THG) microscopy.
- THG microscopy for quantitative recording of lipid accumulation in non-adipose tissues.
- SHG imaging for detailed anatomical information of muscle structure.
- Study conducted on 18 Caenorhabditis elegans specimens.
Main Results:
- Ectopic fat accumulation in pharyngeal muscles increased in wild-type C. elegans from 1 to 9 days of adulthood.
- Demonstrated a correlation between ectopic fat deposition and the aging process.
- Validated SHG and THG microscopy as tools for lipid localization and quantification.
Conclusions:
- SHG and THG microscopy are effective non-invasive tools for studying lipid formation and distribution.
- Findings contribute to understanding the link between ectopic fat deposition and aging.
- The study validates advanced microscopy techniques for metabolic research.
