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Mouse Embryonic Development in a Serum-free Whole Embryo Culture System
Published on: March 1, 2014
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Morphological phenotyping after mouse whole embryo culture
Andrew J Copp1, Maryam Clark1, Nicholas D E Greene1
1Developmental Biology and Cancer, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom.
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
|August 21, 2023
Summary
This study details mouse embryo phenotyping at neurulation stages (embryonic days 8.5-9.5) for whole embryo culture assessment. It focuses on practical, benchtop methods for evaluating neural tube closure and embryonic development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Morphology
- Embryology
Background:
- Mouse embryo culture is crucial for studying early development.
- Neurulation, the process of neural tube formation, is a critical stage.
- Standardized phenotyping methods are needed for reliable whole embryo culture analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe morphological phenotyping methods for mouse embryos at neurulation stages (E8.5-E9.5).
- To provide a guide for evaluating outcomes of whole embryo cultures.
- To detail benchtop assessments for embryonic health, growth, and neural tube closure.
Main Methods:
- Stereomicroscopic observation and scoring of yolk sac circulation for embryonic health.
- Somite counting and crown-rump length measurement for developmental stage and growth assessment.
- Detailed assessment of neural tube closure, including cranial and spinal regions, and posterior neuropore length.
Main Results:
- Established practical phenotyping protocols for mouse embryos during neurulation.
- Provided criteria for assessing neural tube closure initiation, progression, and completion.
- Integrated multiple assessment parameters (circulation, somites, length, turning, neural tube closure) for comprehensive evaluation.
Conclusions:
- Detailed embryonic phenotyping at the bench is feasible and essential for whole embryo culture studies.
- These methods facilitate the study of early mouse neural development and associated defects.
- The described phenotyping approach supports a wide range of experimental investigations in developmental biology.
