Whole planarian chromosome squash

Paul G Barghouth; Néstor J Oviedo

doi:10.1016/j.xpro.2020.100257

Whole planarian chromosome squash

STAR Protoc. 2021 Jan 9;2(1):100257. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2020.100257. eCollection 2021 Mar 19.

Authors

Paul G Barghouth^{1

2}, Néstor J Oviedo^{1

2

3}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, USA.
² Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, USA.
³ Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, USA.

Abstract

Whole planarian chromosome squash allows researchers to qualitatively analyze chromosome integrity. Treatment with colchicine is used to halt dividing cells within metaphase and does not require amputation or tissue puncturing. In combination with acetic-orcein, a stain-fixative for chromosomes, this strategy is suitable for animals with friable tissues caused by drug treatment, radiation, and RNA interference phenotypes. The whole planarian squash method presented here is a minimally invasive procedure that facilitates simultaneous analysis of chromosomal integrity in control and experimental animals. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Peiris et al. (2016).

Keywords: Model organisms; Molecular biology.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Chromosomes / genetics*
Metaphase*
Planarians / genetics*
RNA Interference*

Grants and funding

R01 GM132753/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States