Optimization of volumetric computed tomography for skeletal analysis of model genetic organisms.
Forward and reverse genetics now allow researchers to understand embryonic and postnatal gene function in a broad range of species. Although some genetic mutations cause obvious morphological change, other mutations can be more subtle and, without adequate observation and quantification, might be overlooked. For the increasing number of genetic model organisms examined by the growing field of phenomics, standardized but sensitive methods for quantitative analysis need to be incorporated into routine practice to effectively acquire and analyze ever-increasing quantities of phenotypic data. In this study, we present platform-independent parameters for the use of microscopic x-ray computed tomography (microCT) for phenotyping species-specific skeletal morphology of a variety of different genetic model organisms. We show that microCT is suitable for phenotypic characterization for prenatal and postnatal specimens across multiple species.
Vasquez
Sergio X
SX
Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA.
Hansen
Mark S
MS
Bahadur
Ali N
AN
Hockin
Matthew F
MF
Kindlmann
Gordon L
GL
Nevell
Lisa
L
Wu
Isabel Q
IQ
Grunwald
David J
DJ
Weinstein
David M
DM
Jones
Greg M
GM
Johnson
Christopher R
CR
Vandeberg
John L
JL
Capecchi
Mario R
MR
Keller
Charles
C
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D002642:Chick Embryo; D002685:Chiroptera / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D004372:Ducks / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005823:Genetics; D007900:Lemur / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D051379:Mice; D008853:Microscopy; D023421:Models, Animal; D010641:Phenotype; D012863:Skeleton; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014982:Xenopus laevis / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D015027:Zebrafish / Q000033:anatomy & histology