Imaging of endothelial cell dynamic behavior in Zebrafish

Abstract

In recent years, use of the zebrafish embryo as a model organism to study vascular development in vivo has provided valuable insights into the genetic and cellular events shaping the embryonic vasculature. In this chapter, we aim to present the methods for the measurement of some of the most commonly investigated dynamic parameters in endothelial cells during developmental angiogenesis, namely, migration speed and acceleration, filopodia extension, front–rear polarity, cell cycle progression, membrane deformations, and junctional rearrangements. We also offer suggestions on how to deal with the most common imaging and quantifications challenges faced when acquiring and quantifying endothelial cell dynamic behavior in vivo. We intend this section to serve as an experience-based imaging primer for scientists interested in endothelial cell imaging in the zebrafish embryo.