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Updated: Feb 13, 2026
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Analyzing In Vivo Cell Migration using Cell Transplantations and Time-lapse Imaging in Zebrafish Embryos
Published on: April 29, 2016
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Analysis of In Vivo Cell Migration in Mosaic Zebrafish Embryos.
Arthur Boutillon1, Florence A Giger2, Nicolas B David3
1Laboratory for Optics and Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Université Paris-Saclay, Palaiseau Cedex, France.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|March 12, 2018
Summary
Zebrafish embryos, optically clear, enable in vivo cell migration analysis. Mosaic embryos with labeled cells and 5D confocal imaging allow tracking cell movement and gene function in migration.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The zebrafish embryo is an optically clear model organism ideal for in vivo studies.
- Understanding cell migration is crucial for developmental processes and disease.
- Previous methods lacked the resolution to simultaneously track large cell groups and analyze subcellular dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel method for creating mosaic zebrafish embryos.
- To enable simultaneous tracking and quantification of cell migration in vivo.
- To facilitate the analysis of gene function in cell migration dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Creation of mosaic zebrafish embryos via injection and cell transplantation.
- Rapid 5D confocal imaging for high-resolution, dynamic visualization.
- Modification of candidate gene expression in transplanted cells.
Main Results:
- Simultaneous tracking and quantification of large cell group movements were achieved.
- Detailed analysis of cellular and subcellular dynamics during migration is possible.
- The method allows for the direct assessment of candidate gene roles in cell migration.
Conclusions:
- This technique provides a powerful tool for studying cell migration in vivo.
- The adaptable protocol can be applied to various cell populations and migration events.
- It significantly advances the ability to investigate the genetic underpinnings of cell migration.
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