Research enabled by the Zuckerman Institute’s Cellular Imaging Platform
Tools for efficient analysis of neurons in a 3D reference atlas of whole mouse spinal cord
Felix Fiederling, Luke A. Hammond, David Ng, Carol Mason & Jane Dodd (2021) Cell Reports Methods
To fill the prevailing gap in methodology for whole spinal cord analysis, we have developed a new histological and image analysis pipeline that includes:
SpineRacks - scaffolds that facilitate efficient and ordered cryo-sectioning of the entire SC in a single block
A 3D reference atlas of adult mouse SC
SpinalJ - a freely available software tool based in Fiji to register images of sections and for standardized analysis of cells and projections in atlas space
We have verified mapping accuracies for known neurons and demonstrated the usefulness of this platform to reveal unknown neuronal distributions. Together, these tools provide high-throughput analyses of whole mouse SC and enable direct comparison of 3D spatial information between animals and studies.
This is a collaboration between Cellular Imaging and the labs of Jane Dodd and Carol Mason.
This project used the AZ100 slide scanner for imaging, with automation provided by NIS-Elements JOBS and General Analysis. It builds upon Cellular Imaging’s BrainJ project.
Integrins protect sensory neurons in models of paclitaxel-induced peripheral sensory neuropathy
In this study, live imaging and superresolution approaches provide evidence that paclitaxel treatment causes cellular changes that are consistent with alterations in endosome-mediated trafficking of integrins. Furthermore, paclitaxel-induced changes in recycling endosomes precede morphological degeneration of nociceptive neuron arbors and could be prevented by integrin overexpression
This was a collaboration between Cellular Imaging and the labs of Wesley Grueber and Francesca Bartolini.
This project used the W1 Spinning Disk Confocal for imaging sensory neuron morphology and the W1-SoRa Spinning Disk Confocal for superresolution imaging of intracellular organelles. Custom image analysis was developed in Cellular Imaging using Fiji and Python.
Top-Down Control of Sweet and Bitter Taste in the Mammalian Brain
Hao Jin, Hershel Fishman, Mingyu Ye, Li Wang and Charles S. Zuker. (2021) Cell
Highlights
Sweet and bitter are represented in the brainstem by genetically distinct neurons
SST+ and CALB2+ neurons in the brainstem carry bitter and sweet signals to the cortex
Feedback from bitter cortex amplifies bitter but suppresses incoming sweet taste signals
Cortical feedback via amygdala ensures bitter-evoked behavioral aversion remains robust
This project used the UltraMicroscopeII Light Sheet Microscope for imaging brain cleared using the CUBIC protocol.