To accurately predict the activity of a transgene it is critical to understand its location and dynamics in the 3-D interphase nucleus. Developed in situ methods to visualize transgenes (including single copy genes) & their transcripts during interphase from different tissues & plant species. These techniques reduce the time necessary for characterization of transgene integration by eliminating the need for time-consuming segregation analysis and extend characterization to the interphase nucleus - [Read In Situ Methods to Localize Transgenes and Transcripts in Interphase Nuclei]
Activation and inactivation of proteins using photoactivation of caged peptides or proteins offer insights into cellular dynamics not achievable using genetic means. The ability to selectively alter the activity of a specific protein at a defined time and location inside a cell allows the correlation of changes in protein activity and cellular behavior. A caged compound, peptide, or protein is prepared by covalently linking it to a photolabile, protecting group. - [Read Introduction of Caged Peptide/Protein into Cells Using Microinjection Protocol]
To image early cleavages and chromatin dynamics, it is convenient to use histone H2B fused to GFP or lamin::GFP. Time-lapse movies can be obtained using conventional confocal microscope systems and their included software. Early embryos dissected from transgenic hermaphrodites are placed with egg salts on agar pads. - [Read Live Imaging of Caenorhabditis elegans: Examples]
Intermediate filaments (IF) are major cytoskeletal systems of vertebrate and many nonvertebrate cells whose expression is cell-type specific and developmentally regulated. This protocol describes the x-rhodamine labeling of one type of IF, vimentin, and a method for microinjection of the labeled vimentin into cultured cells. IF dynamics can then be examined with fluorescence microscopy. - [Read Preparation and Microinjection of x-Rhodamine-Labeled Vimentin Protocol]
To image early cleavages and chromatin dynamics, it is convenient to use histone H2B fused to GFP or lamin::GFP. Time-lapse movies can be obtained using conventional confocal microscope systems and their included software. Early embryos dissected from transgenic hermaphrodites are placed with egg salts on agar pads. Chromatin dynamics can be followed easily, and wild-type embryonic cells can be compared with mutants or RNAi-treated embryos. - [Read Protocol Live Imaging of Caenorhabditis Elegans]