Protocol for Evaluating Neuronal Polarity in Murine Models

STAR Protoc. 2020 Sep 17;1(3):100114. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2020.100114. eCollection 2020 Dec 18.

Abstract

The establishment of polarity is crucial for the physiology and wiring of neurons. Therefore, monitoring the axo-dendritic specification allows the mechanisms and signals associated with development, growth, and disease to be explored. Here, we describe major and minor steps to study polarity acquisition, using primary cultures of hippocampal neurons isolated from embryonic rat hippocampi, for in vitro monitoring. Furthermore, we use in utero electroporated, GFP-expressing embryonic mouse brains for visualizing cortical neuron migration and polarization in situ. Some underreported after-protocol steps are also included. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Wilson et al. (2020).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Axons / physiology
  • Cell Polarity / physiology*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dendrites / physiology
  • Electroporation
  • Hippocampus / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Neurogenesis
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Primary Cell Culture / methods*
  • Rats