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Mouse Embryonic Lung Culture, A System to Evaluate the Molecular Mechanisms of Branching
Published on: June 30, 2010
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Protocol to study early lung developmental branching in mouse embryos using explant culture
Salli Talvi1, Johanna Jokinen1, Pia Rantakari2
1Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland; Medicity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland; InFLAMES Research Flagship, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland.
STAR Protocols
|July 18, 2024
Summary
This study introduces a protocol for culturing mouse lung explants to observe developmental branching. This method aids in studying lung development under various conditions.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Lung development involves complex branching morphogenesis to form functional respiratory structures.
- Understanding early lung development is crucial for addressing congenital respiratory diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a detailed protocol for studying mouse lung developmental branching using explant cultures.
- To provide a reproducible method for analyzing lung bud formation and morphology.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of mouse embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5) lungs.
- Culture of lung explants for 2 days.
- Microscopic imaging and analysis of peripheral lung buds.
Main Results:
- The protocol enables observation of lung branching morphogenesis in vitro.
- It allows for detailed analysis of lung bud development over a 2-day period.
Conclusions:
- This lung explant culture protocol is a valuable tool for investigating mouse lung development.
- The technique can be applied to study lung development in various experimental conditions.
