Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 15, 2026
08:09
CUBIC Protocol Visualizes Protein Expression at Single Cell Resolution in Whole Mount Skin Preparations
Published on: August 4, 2016
12.3K
CUBIC Protocol Visualizes Protein Expression at Single Cell Resolution in Whole Mount Skin Preparations
Huazheng Liang1, Bassem Akladios2, Cesar P Canales2
1The School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|September 2, 2016
Summary
Researchers developed a simple 3D skin imaging method to visualize cellular details in mouse skin. This technique aids in studying skin regeneration, anatomy, and pathology in genetically modified models.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The epidermis, crucial for survival, comprises the interfollicular epidermis and appendages.
- Epidermal stem/progenitor cells (K14-expressing) drive skin regeneration and repair.
- Understanding skin regeneration requires detailed visualization of cellular structures and molecular markers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a straightforward method for clarifying full-thickness mouse skin biopsies.
- To enable high-resolution 3D visualization of specific cellular components within the skin.
- To facilitate the assessment of skin anatomy, pathology, and epidermal phenotypes.
Main Methods:
- A simple protocol for tissue clarification of full-thickness mouse skin.
- 3D visualization techniques including K14 (basal stem cells), Ki67 (proliferation), Nile Red (sebocytes), and DAPI (nuclei).
- Single-cell resolution imaging of labeled skin components.
Main Results:
- Successful implementation of a 3D imaging method for mouse skin biopsies.
- Accurate visualization and quantification of K14, Ki67, sebocytes, and nuclei at single-cell resolution.
- Demonstrated utility in assessing skin anatomy and identifying abnormal epidermal phenotypes.
Conclusions:
- The described CUBIC protocol offers a simple yet powerful method for skin tissue analysis.
- This technique allows for detailed investigation of molecular and cellular interactions in skin.
- It is highly effective for studying genetically modified mouse models and skin pathologies.
