Tracking distinct microglia subpopulations with photoconvertible Dendra2 in vivo

Abstract

Key points New mouse for tracking microglia and all mononuclear phagocytes both ex and in vivo within the CNS over time. Dendra2 protein is stable enough to survive tissue processing for immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry quantification. Simultaneous fluorescence imaging of Dendra2 and light scattering measurements can be used to assess the immune response to retinal damage. Chronic in vivo imaging reveals mixed populations of microglia and monocytes during retinal degeneration.

Keywords

• Retina
• Photoreceptor
• Microglia
• Fluorescent protein
• Imaging