Monitoring patterns of gene expression in Dictyostelium by β-galacotsidase staining

Abstract

Monitoring the spatial distribution of prespore and pstB cell types is a sensitive method to monitor GSK-3 and Aar activity during Dictyostelium development. Cell-specific expression of lacZ marker genes can be readily detected using enzymatic cleavage of the substrate X-gal. This protocol describes a simple method for β-galactosidase staining in developed Dictyostelium structures. © 2009 Humana Press.