Live Fluorescence Imaging of F-Actin Organization in Chick Whole Embryo Cultures Using SiR-Actin

Morphogenesis is a continuous process of pattern formation so complex that it requires in vivo monitoring for better understanding. Changes in tissue shape are initiated at the cellular level, where dynamic intracellular F-actin networks determine the shape and motility of cells, influence differentiation and cytokinesis and mediate mechanical signaling. Here, we stain F-actin with the fluorogenic probe SiR-actin for live fluorescence imaging of whole chick embryos. We found that 50 nM SiR-actin in the culture medium is a safe and effective concentration for this purpose, as it provides high labeling density without inducing morphological malformations.

Automated summary

Morphogenesis is a complex continuous process of pattern formation that requires in vivo monitoring for better understanding. Dynamic intracellular F-actin networks determine cell shape and motility, influence differentiation and cytokinesis, and mediate mechanical signaling. A safe and effective concentration of 50 nM SiR-actin in the culture medium provides high labeling density without inducing morphological malformations during live fluorescence imaging of whole chick embryos.