Analysis of Cell Migration in Caenorhabditis elegans

Methods Mol Biol. 2005:294:159-73. doi: 10.1385/1-59259-860-9:159.

Abstract

This chapter is concerned with a method of analysis and quantification of cell migration defects in mutants of the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans. The method takes advantage of transgenic expression of the green fluorescent protein to visualize migrating cells. By following these protocols, one will be able to analyze cell migration defects in new mutant strains for comparison to wild-type and to other mutants. Techniques described include obtaining wild-type and mutant worm strains as well as strains harboring green fluorescent protein transgenes; maintenance and manipulation of C. elegans in the laboratory; introducing transgenes into different genetic backgrounds; mounting worms for fluorescence microscopy; and scoring and analysis of cell migration defects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / cytology
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / physiology*
  • Cell Movement / physiology*
  • Crosses, Genetic
  • Female
  • Genes, Reporter
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / analysis
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods
  • Neurons / cytology
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / genetics
  • Transfection / methods

Substances

  • Green Fluorescent Proteins