Direct visualization of specifically modified extracellular glycans in living animals

Nat Methods. 2012 Apr 1;9(5):477-9. doi: 10.1038/nmeth.1945.

Abstract

Modification patterns of heparan sulfate coordinate protein function in metazoans, yet in vivo imaging of such non-genetically encoded structures has been impossible. Here we report a transgenic method in Caenorhabditis elegans that allows direct live imaging of specific heparan sulfate modification patterns. This experimental approach reveals a dynamic and cell-specific heparan sulfate landscape and could in principle be adapted to visualize and analyze any extracellular molecule in vivo.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / chemistry*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / metabolism
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / chemistry*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Heparitin Sulfate / chemistry*
  • Heparitin Sulfate / genetics
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods
  • Single-Chain Antibodies / chemistry*
  • Single-Chain Antibodies / genetics

Substances

  • Single-Chain Antibodies
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Heparitin Sulfate