Research

Bioorthogonal labeling of newly synthesized proteins in vivo

Analysis of the developing proteome has been complicated by a lack of tools that can be easily employed to label and identify newly synthesized proteins within complex biological mixtures. In collaboration with the laboratory of Tamara Kinzer-Ursem, we have demonstrated that the methionine analogs azidohomoalanine and homopropargylglycine can be globally incorporated into the proteome of developing and juvenile mice through facile intraperitoneal injections. These analogs contain bio-orthogonal chemical handles that enable newly synthesized proteins to be enriched for biochemical analyses using bead-based purification techniques or reacted with fluorophores to resolve the spatial distribution within tissues. This new tool will enable future studies that seek to quantify the composition and turnover of the murine proteome during growth, disease and repair. 

3D visualization of ECM in musculoskeletal tissues

Light scattering lipids and refractive index mismatches complicate imaging of cells and ECM within intact tissues. To overcome these challenges, my laboratory has been utilizing clearing methods that enhance visualization while maintaining specimen architecture. SeeDB is a simple water-based clearing agent that takes advantage of saturated fructose solutions having a refractive index close to that of fixed tissue (n~1.50) and permits imaging to depths greater than 2,000μm using conventional confocal microscopy. We have shown that SeeDB is useful for imaging tissue structure in dense musculoskeletal tissues.

While SeeDB greatly enhances the visualization of cells, the architecture of the ECM in developing limbs cannot be resolved in adequate detail. To address this limitation, my lab created a technique that greatly enhances visualization of the 3D architecture of developing tissues. An interpenetrating hydrogel network is formed throughout, which does not cross-link to proteins within the embryo. The cells are removed with detergent and the hydrogel provides a framework that maintains the 3D geometry of the ECM.