MRI imaging and NMR/confocal mimaging of Xenopus germ cells and early embryos
EMSL Project ID
1765
Abstract
We seek to understand how cells respond to environmental stresses by non-invasive, non-destructive methods. The combination of MRI imaging with some of the largest known cells provides unique opportunities to monitor single cells in real time. For every two-fold increase in cell size, there is a four-fold decrease in required data collection time. The unusually large size of Xenopus oocytes, approximately one-million times larger than most somatic cells, means that data collection time can be reduced considerably. Furthermore, the oocyte has unusually large nuclei relative to the total cell volume; i.e. nearly 10%. Consequently, the capability to resolve cellular organelles, and even parts of organelles, is feasible with oocytes and the current technology. We have initiated experiments to monitor by NMR both protons and phosphorous in oocytes following environmental stress, such as heat shock, osmotic shock, irradiation, and chemicals. We have also begun building a unique instrument that combines MRI with confocal microscopy. Our ability to microinject sensitive dyes to enable the confocal microscopy means that sub-cellular resolution of oocytes is feasible. Thus, new insights into cellular responses to environmental stress should be provided by this project.
Project Details
Project type
Capability Research
Start Date
2000-04-01
End Date
2000-09-01
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator