Neurite Outgrowth Assays
In Vitro Neurite Outgrowth Assays
AXIS™ Axon Isolation Devices
Neural Cell Lines and Culture Media
Neuroscience Antibodies
References
Introduction
Neurite Outgrowth is a process wherein developing neurons produce new projections as they grow in response to guidance cues. Nerve growth factors, or neurotrophins, are one family of such stimuli that regulate neurite growth1. Dynamic neurite outgrowth during development results in the formation of a complex neuronal architecture that results in the establishment of the functional nervous system and brain2. Understanding the biology of neurite outgrowth can shed light on mechanisms underlying certain neurodegenerative diseases3. In order to investigate neurite outgrowth, researchers need an effective methods for growing neurons in culture, stimulating the cells with neurogenic compounds, such as growth factors, and monitoring the growing neurites.
In Vitro Neurite Outgrowth Assays
Neurite Outgrowth Assays have been optimized and developed for characterization and quantification of neurite formation, composition, and behavior in response to chemical agents and growth conditions. The assay technique uses Millicell® semi-porous culture inserts (1uM, 3uM) and optimized reagents to easily analyze neurite outgrowth using a common colorimetric or chemiluminescence detection.
Figure 1. Neurite Outgrowth Assay Protocol. The assay is a simple, efficient, and versatile system for the quantitative determination of compounds that influence neurite formation and repulsion. The microporous filter allows for biochemical separation and purification of neurites and cell bodies for detailed molecular analysis of protein expression, signal transduction processes and identification of drug targets that regulate neurite outgrowth or retraction processes. With this system, it is possible to screen numerous biological and pharmacological agents simultaneously, directly evaluate adhesion and guidance receptor functions responsible for neurite extension and repulsion, as well as analyze gene function in transfected cells.
AXIS™ Axon Isolation Devices
AXIS™ Axon Isolation Devices are slide-mounted microfluidic devices that analyzes neurite outgrowth by spatially controlling addition of growth factors, toxins, and other reagents. Neurite outgrowth is restricted to narrow, parallel channels, and the resultant outgrowth or collapse behavior is easily observed under a microscope. The result is a powerful platform for the study of somas, neurites or synaptic formation.
Key Highlights
- Organize, visualize, and characterize neuronal cell culture.
- Detect protein expression with better spatial resolution.
- Isolate cell bodies from axons through fluidics.
- Reduce time and expense through optimized protocols and QC validated products.
- Superior performance over in-house protocols.
- Optically clear transparent, inert, non-toxic, and nonflammable polymer mold.
- Available in 150 μm, 450 μm, 900 μm, or 6-well.
Illustration of the Plasma-bonded AXIS® Device
Figure 2.Illustration of the Plasma-bonded AXIS™ Device
Effect of the Three Neurotoxins on Axon Growth Visualized by Fluorescence Microscopy
Figure 3.Neurotoxicity Analysis using AXIS™ Axon Isolation Devices. Axons were exposed to 300 μM MPP+, 5 mM acrylamide, and 500 nM rotenone starting at day 4 post plating, exposing the axons to toxins for 3 days. The top row shows axonal extensions that were exposed to toxin, while the bottom row shows the corresponding control axons. The dotted yellow line indicates the end of the microgrooves.
Primary Neurons
Neural Culture Media
Immortalized Neural Cell Lines
Neurotrophic Factors
Neural Stem Cell Lines and Media
Bioactive Small Molecules
Common Neural Markers
NeuN
b-Tubulin
MAP2
Nestin
Synaptophysin
Pan-Neuronal
Doublecortin
vGlut
Tyrosine Hydroxylase
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Figure 4.Neuron
References
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