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Live-imaging of the Drosophila Pupal Eye
Published on: January 12, 2015
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Examination of Drosophila eye development with third harmonic generation microscopy
Abiramy Karunendiran1,2, Richard Cisek3,4, Danielle Tokarz5
1Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, Canada.
Biomedical Optics Express
|October 31, 2017
Summary
Third harmonic generation (THG) microscopy uses natural pigments like retinal for label-free imaging. This technique can track photoreceptor development and detect degeneration in the fruit fly eye.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Developmental Biology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Third harmonic generation (THG) microscopy offers label-free imaging by utilizing endogenous harmonophores.
- Carotenoids are established harmonophores, prompting investigation into other endogenous compounds like retinal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore THG microscopy using endogenous carotenoid-derived compounds, specifically retinal, for label-free developmental studies.
- To investigate rhodopsin localization and photoreceptor development in *Drosophila melanogaster* pupal eyes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized THG microscopy to image the *Drosophila melanogaster* pupal eye.
- Investigated changes in retinal distribution and THG intensity by altering chromophore or opsin protein.
- Analyzed age-dependent THG intensity profiles.
Main Results:
- Successfully localized rhodopsin in the developing *Drosophila melanogaster* pupal eye using THG microscopy.
- Observed alterations in retinal distribution morphology and THG intensity profiles when modifying chromophore or opsin.
- Demonstrated age-dependent changes in THG signals.
Conclusions:
- THG microscopy can serve as a novel label-free method for studying photoreceptor development.
- The technique shows potential for detecting altered photoreceptor development and associated clinical conditions like degeneration.
