Assessment of dopaminergic neuron degeneration in a C. elegans model of Parkinson’s disease

• Published in: STAR protocols Vol. 3; no. 2; p. 101264
• Main Authors: Palikaras, Konstantinos, SenGupta, Tanima, Nilsen, Hilde, Tavernarakis, Nektarios
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 17.06.2022; Elsevier
• Subjects: Cell Biology; Model Organisms; Molecular Biology; Neuroscience; Protocol; Model Organisms; Neuroscience; Molecular Biology; Cell Biology
• ISSN: 2666-1667; 2666-1667
• DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101264

Transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans that expresses the full-length wild-type human α-synuclein in dopaminergic neurons provides a well-established Parkinson’s disease (PD) nematode model. Here, we present a detailed protocol to monitor and dissect the molecular underpinnings of age-associated neurodegeneration using this PD nematode model. This protocol includes preparation of nematode growth media and bacterial food sources, as well as procedures for nematode growth, synchronization, and treatment. We then describe procedures to assess dopaminergic neuronal death in vivo using fluorescence imaging. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to SenGupta et al. (2021). [Display omitted] •A Parkinson’s disease nematode model to study α-synuclein-mediated neurotoxicity•Comprehensive approach for scoring cell death of dopaminergic neurons in C. elegans•Genetic tools to investigate the tissue specific effects on neurodegeneration Publisher's note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics. Transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans that expresses the full-length wild-type human α-synuclein in dopaminergic neurons provides a well-established Parkinson’s disease (PD) nematode model. Here, we present a detailed protocol to monitor and dissect the molecular underpinnings of age-associated neurodegeneration using this PD nematode model. This protocol includes preparation of nematode growth media and bacterial food sources, as well as procedures for nematode growth, synchronization, and treatment. We then describe procedures to assess dopaminergic neuronal death in vivo using fluorescence imaging.