Label-free imaging of lipid depositions in C. elegans using third-harmonic generation microscopy.

Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms regulating lipid storage and metabolism is essential for mitigating excess adiposity and obesity, which has been associated with increased prevalence of severe pathological conditions such as cardiovascular disorders and type II diabetes, worldwide. However, imaging fatty acid distribution and dynamics in vivo, at the cellular or organismal level is challenging. We developed a label-free method for visualizing lipid depositions in vivo, based on third harmonic generation (THG) microscopy.

Spermidine promotes mating and fertilization efficiency in model organisms.

Spermidine is a naturally occurring polyamine involved in multiple biological processes, including DNA metabolism, autophagy and aging. Like other polyamines, spermidine is also indispensable for successful reproduction at several stages. However, a direct influence on the actual fertilization process, i.

Axonal conduction block as a novel mechanism of prepulse inhibition.

In prepulse inhibition (PPI), the startle response to a strong, unexpected stimulus is diminished if shortly preceded by the onset of a different stimulus. Because deficits in this inhibitory gating process are a hallmark feature of schizophrenia and certain other psychiatric disorders, the mechanisms underlying PPI are of significant interest. We previously used the invertebrate model system Tritonia diomedea to identify the first cellular mechanism for PPI--presynaptic inhibition of transmitter release from the afferent neurons (S-cells) mediating the startle response.

Cell tracking in live Caenorhabditis elegans embryos via third harmonic generation imaging microscopy measurements.

In this study, we demonstrate the potential of employing third harmonic generation (THG) imaging microscopy measurements for cell tracking studies in live Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) embryos. A 1028-nm femtosecond laser was used for the excitation of unstained C.

Autophagy in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Macroautophagy (or autophagy) is a catabolic process responsible for the degradation of long-lived proteins, molecules and organelles. Cellular stressors such as food limitation, space restriction, oxidative stress, temperature shifts, and accumulation of protein aggregates induce autophagy. Cellular material to be degraded is engulfed in autophagosomes, which fuse with the lysosome where material is degraded.