Micro Computed Tomography as an Accessible Imaging Platform for Exploring Organism Development and Human Disease Modeling

Abstract

Understanding how events at the molecular and cellular scales contribute to tissue form and function is key to uncovering mechanisms driving animal development, physiology and disease.Elucidating these mechanisms has been enhanced through the study of model organisms and the use of sophisticated genetic, biochemical and imaging tools. Here we present an optimized method for non-invasive imaging of Drosophila melanogaster at high resolution using micro computed tomography (µ-CT). Our method allows for rapid processing of intact animals at any developmental stage, provides precise quantitative assessment of tissue size and morphology, and permits analysis of inter-organ relationships. We then use the power of µ-CT imaging to model human diseases through the characterization of microcephaly in the fly. Our work demonstrates that µ-CT is a versatile and accessible tool that complements standard imaging techniques, capable of uncovering novel biological mechanisms that have remained undocumented due to limitations of current methods.

Nano-CT characterization reveals coordinated growth of a rudimentary organ necessary for soldier development in the antPheidole hyatti

“…To investigate these questions, we used X-ray nano-computed tomography (nano-CT) to reconstruct the leg, eye-antennal, and rudimentary forewing discs throughout late larval development. Unlike dissection preparations, nano-CT permits us to (1) characterize multiple organs in whole undissected larva; (2) characterize organs, such as the eye-antennal discs, in three dimensions (3D) because their shape and location render them difficult to quantify in two dimensions (2D); and (3) characterize organs immediately before the larval-to-pupal transition when discs begin to undergo morphogenesis and detach from the larval cuticle (Hall et al, 2017; Watanabe et al, 2017; Schoborg et al, 2018). First, we determined the timing of subcaste determination during larval development and the number of larval instars.…”

Nano‐CT imaging of larvae in the ant Pheidole hyatti reveals coordinated growth of a rudimentary organ necessary for soldier development

“…To investigate these questions, we used X‐ray nano‐computed tomography (nano‐CT) to reconstruct the leg, eye‐antennal, and rudimentary forewing discs throughout late larval development. Unlike traditional methods of dissection, fixation, and visualization, nano‐CT permits us to: (1) characterize multiple organs simultaneously in whole undissected larva; (2) characterize organs in three dimensions (3D); and (3) characterize organs immediately before the larval‐to‐pupal transition when discs begin to undergo morphogenesis and detach from the larval cuticle (Hall et al, 2017; Schoborg et al, 2018; Watanabe et al, 2017). By characterizing imaginal disc development by nano‐CT, we aim to gain insight on how a rudimentary organ–the rudimentary forewing discs in Pheidole hyatti –is coordinated with other imaginal discs to generate a complex worker caste system in ants.…”

“…(3) characterize organs immediately before the larval-to-pupal transition when discs begin to undergo morphogenesis and detach from the larval cuticle (Hall et al, 2017;Schoborg et al, 2018;Watanabe et al, 2017). By characterizing imaginal disc development by nano-CT, we aim to gain insight on how a rudimentary organ-the rudimentary forewing discs in Pheidole hyatti-is coordinated with other imaginal discs to generate a complex worker caste system in ants.…”