Live Imaging Transverse Sections of Zebrafish Embryo Explants

Vertebrate embryogenesis is a highly dynamic process involving coordinated cell and tissue movements that generate the final embryonic body plan. Many of these movements are difficult to image at high resolution because they occur deep within the embryo along the midline, causing light scattering and requiring longer working distances. Here, we present an explant-based method to image transverse cross sections of living zebrafish embryos. This method allows for the capture of all cell movements at high-resolution throughout the embryonic trunk, including hard-to-image deep tissues. This technique offers an alternative to expensive or computationally difficult microscopy methods. Key features • Generates intact zebrafish explants with minimal tissue disturbance. • Allows for live imaging of deep tissues normally obscured by common confocal microscopy techniques. • Immobilizes tissues for extended periods required for time-lapse imaging. • Utilizes readily available reagents and tools, which can minimize the time and cost of the procedure.