Quantitative imaging of collective cell migration during Drosophila gastrulation: multiphoton microscopy and computational analysis.

ABSTRACT: This protocol describes imaging and computational tools to collect and analyze live imaging data of embryonic cell migration. Our five-step protocol requires a few weeks to move through embryo preparation and four-dimensional (4D) live imaging using multi-photon microscopy, to 3D cell tracking using image processing, registration of tracking data and their quantitative analysis using computational tools. It uses commercially available equipment and requires expertise in microscopy and programming that is appropriate for a biology laboratory. Custom-made scripts are provided, as well as sample datasets to permit readers without experimental data to carry out the analysis. The protocol has offered new insights into the genetic control of cell migration during Drosophila gastrulation. With si

SUBMITTER: Supatto W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2854020 | biostudies-literature | 2009

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature