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Quantitative Analysis of Distal Tip Cell Migration in C. elegans

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Chemotaxis

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology™ ((MIMB,volume 571))

Summary

Correct distal tip cell (DTC) migration in the nematode C. elegans requires sensing soluble and matrix cues, remodeling extracellular matrix, and signaling through conserved integrin and netrin pathways. The DTC executes a complex path and coordinates its migration with the developmental stages of larval morphogenesis. This chapter outlines a method for investigating DTC migration in C. elegans using feeding RNA interference (RNAi) and light microscopy. To deplete a candidate gene of interest, nematode eggs are added to plates seeded with RNAi-inducing bacterial lawns. The animals hatch and begin to eat the RNAi bacteria, releasing dsRNA and causing the targeted gene to be depleted during larval development. Positions of migratory cells are monitored in larvae and young adults using differential interference contrast (DIC) and epifluorescence microscopy.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Sarah Ghabbour for the photographs in Fig. 1, and Ismar Kovacevic and Hiba Tannoury for critical comments on the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA

    Myeongwoo Lee

  2. Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA

    Erin J. Cram

Authors
  1. Myeongwoo Lee
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institute of Allergy and, Parklawn Dr. 12441, Rockville, 20852, U.S.A.

    Tian Jin

  2. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse &, National Institute of Health, Fisher Lane 5635, Bethesda, 20892-9304, U.S.A.

    Dale Hereld

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© 2009 Humana Press

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Lee, M., Cram, E.J. (2009). Quantitative Analysis of Distal Tip Cell Migration in C. elegans . In: Jin, T., Hereld, D. (eds) Chemotaxis. Methods in Molecular Biology™, vol 571. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-198-1_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-198-1_8

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-60761-197-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-60761-198-1

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

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