DNA Electroporation, Isolation and Imaging of Myofibers

J Vis Exp. 2015 Dec 23:(106):e53551. doi: 10.3791/53551.

Abstract

Mature muscle has a unique structure that is amenable to live cell imaging. Herein, we describe the experimental protocol for expressing fluorescently labeled proteins in the flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) muscle. Conditions have been optimized to provide a large number of high quality myofibers expressing the electroporated plasmid while minimizing muscle damage. The method employs fluorescent tags on various proteins. Combining this expression method with high resolution confocal microscopy permits live cell imaging, including imaging after laser-induced damage. Fluorescent dyes combined with imaging of fluorescently-tagged proteins provides information regarding the basic structure of muscle and its response to stimuli.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA / administration & dosage*
  • DNA / chemistry
  • DNA / genetics
  • Electroporation / methods
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry
  • Luminescent Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Luminescent Proteins / chemistry
  • Luminescent Proteins / genetics
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Confocal / methods
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / chemistry
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / physiology*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / cytology
  • Plasmids / administration & dosage
  • Plasmids / chemistry
  • Plasmids / genetics

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Luminescent Proteins
  • DNA