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Manipulating Gene Expression in the Chick Embryo
Octavian Voiculescu1, Claudio D Stern2
1Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Cambridge University, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK. ogv20@cam.ac.uk.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|April 2, 2017
Summary
This study details methods for delivering morpholinos to chick embryos, enabling precise gene targeting in specific cell populations during early development and neural tube stages. These techniques advance developmental biology research by offering versatile molecular tools for studying amniote embryogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Embryology
Background:
- The chick embryo is a key model organism for amniote developmental biology.
- Its compact genome and amenability to manipulation facilitate research.
- Morpholino technology offers a rapid and adaptable molecular tool for gene manipulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe effective methods for delivering morpholinos to chick embryos.
- To enable targeted gene manipulation in specific cell populations and developmental stages.
- To provide a versatile protocol applicable to various embryonic tissues.
Main Methods:
- Delivery of morpholinos to chick embryos at defined developmental stages.
- Examples include targeting epiblast cells during germ layer specification (day 1 of incubation).
- In ovo electroporation for targeting the neural tube at later stages.
Main Results:
- Successful targeted delivery of morpholinos to specific embryonic tissues.
- Demonstrated applicability in early epiblast and later neural tube stages.
- Established a foundation for broader application in chick embryogenesis research.
Conclusions:
- The described morpholino delivery methods are effective for targeted gene manipulation in chick embryos.
- These techniques enhance the study of developmental processes in amniotes.
- The methods are adaptable for targeting diverse embryonic tissues and stages.