Injection of dsRNA and Electroporation in Avian Embryos Protocol Protocol describes a method for in ovo transfection of avian embryos with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). The dsRNA is injected into the spinal cord of the embryo. Subsequent electroporation facilitates the cellular uptake of the dsRNA molecules.
Production of dsRNA for RNAi in Avian Embryos Protocol Protocol describes the production of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) from fragments of cDNAs of candidate genes. The cDNA fragments must be cloned in plasmids with a flanking SP6 and T7 promoter (e.g., pSP72 or pCRII). The plasmid is linearized and sense and antisense RNAs are produced separately by in vitro transcription. After purification, the RNA strands are annealed to yield a dsRNA molecule suitable for RNAi in avian embryos.
Staining of Tissue Slices for Analysis of Axonal Pathfinding in dsRNA-Treated Avian Embryos Protocol Protocol describes a method to stain nerve fibers in tissue slices of avian embryos using an antibody against the 160-kD subunit of neurofilaments. This allows the comparison of the branching pattern of motor and sensory neurons between control and experimental embryos. The tissue is cut in slices using a vibratome or tissue slicer. The protocol is suitable for older embryos after approximately stage 33 and regions that are not accessible by whole-mount analysis.
Whole-Mount Preparations for Analysis of Axonal Pathfinding in dsRNA-Treated Avian Embryos Protocol Protocol describes a method for staining nerve fibers in whole-mount preparations of avian embryos using an antibody against the 160-kD subunit of neurofilaments. This allows the comparison of the branching pattern of motor and sensory neurons between control and experimental embryos. This protocol has been successfully applied for embryos at different stages up to about stage 33 (7 days of incubation).
