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Neuroscience JoVE (Open Access) Citable · DOI

Dissection and Downstream Analysis of Zebra Finch Embryos at Early Stages of Development

DOI: 10.3791/51596-v
What you'll learn
  • ✓ Dissect zebra finch embryos from eggs without damage
  • ✓ Separate embryonic tissue from extraembryonic membranes
  • ✓ Perform EdU proliferation assays on early embryos
  • ✓ Analyze developmental stage and cell proliferation patterns
Protocol

The zebra finch (Taeniopygiaguttata) is a valuable model organism; however, early stages of zebra finch development have not been extensively studied. The protocol describes how to dissect early embryos for developmental and molecular applications.

Difficulty
intermediate
Total time
~45–60 min per embryo (including fixation and staining)
Model organism
Zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) embryos

Steps

1
Remove embryo from egg

Carefully extract the early-stage zebra finch embryo from the egg while preserving tissue integrity. Use appropriate tools to access the embryonic disc without mechanical damage.

▶ 01:34
2
Separate embryo from extraembryonic tissue

Dissect and isolate the embryonic tissue from surrounding extraembryonic membranes and yolk sac. Prepare clean embryonic samples for downstream molecular analysis.

▶ 03:02
3
Perform EdU cell proliferation assay

Treat dissected embryos with EdU labeling reagent to mark actively dividing cells. Fix and process samples for fluorescence detection of proliferating cell populations.

▶ 05:37
4
Analyze early-stage embryo development

Image and quantify EdU incorporation patterns across embryonic regions. Assess developmental stage and spatial distribution of proliferating cells.

▶ 07:25
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