Title:
Dynamics of immune cell migration and interaction visualized by intravital microscopy.
Speaker:
Masaru Ishii
Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
Abstract:
During the last decade, intravital optical microscopy has launched a new trend in the field of biology. By using this advanced imaging technique we have established a new system for visualizing in situ behavior of a diversity of living cells within intact tissues and organs. Among them, we succeeded in visualizing the various dynamic phenomena within bones and joints, where various kinds of immune cells are produced and functioning although poorly analyzed by conventional methodology such as histological analyses with decalcified sections. We have so far identified the real modes of migration, differentiation and function of bone-destroying osteoclasts, special kind of macrophages responsible for bone and joint erosions. This novel technique does not only help us to understand the dynamic nature of living cells and tissues in situ, but identifies the in vivo immunopharmacological actions of several new drugs. For example, we have succeeded in visualization of bone-protecting actions of different biological agents treating RA. In addition to the application to animal experimental models, we are currently trying to adapt this technique for evaluating disease status in local foci of human patients. In this presentation I will present the recent update on intravital imaging studies on immune and other systems for clarifying in vivo behaviors of cell and tissue dynamics.
References:
Furuya M, et al., Direct cell-cell contact between mature osteoblasts and osteoclasts dynamically controls their functions in vivo. Nat Commun., 9(1):300, 2017.
Maeda H, et al., Real-time intravital imaging of pH variation associated with cell osteoclast activity and motility using designed small molecular probe. Nat Chem Biol., 12(8):579-85, 2016.
Nishikawa K, et al., Dnmt3a regulates osteoclast differentiation by coupling to an S-adenosyl methionine-producing metabolic pathway. Nat Med., 21(3):281-7, 2015.
