Name: methods to classify cytoplasmic foci as mammalian stress granules
Uploaded: 2017-05-12T14:00:00.000+00:00
Duration: 9 min 33 s
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Methods to Classify Cytoplasmic Foci as Mammalian Stress Granules at JoVE.com

We thank members of the Ivanov and Anderson labs for their helpful discussion and feedback on this manuscript. This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health [GM111700 and CA168872 to PA, NS094918 to PI], the National Science Centre in Poland [grant UMO-2012/06/M/NZ3/00054 to WS]. WS also acknowledges the Ministry of Science and Higher Education in Poland (Mobility Plus Program) and the Polish-American Fulbright Commission for their financial support of his research in the USA.

1. Cell Preparation
<ol>
	<li>Add autoclaved coverslips to 12 wells of a 24-well plate, as indicated in Figure 1A; this can be done using a sterile Pasteur pipette attached to a vacuum to pick up each coverslip. Gently tap the coverslip on the side of the well to release the suction, allowing the coverslip to fall into the well.</li>
	<li>Plate 1 x 105 U-2 OS (U2OS) osteosarcoma cells per well at a final volume of 500 &#181;L of medium. Move the plate side to side and up and down several times to ensure that the cells are evenly distributed.</li>
	<li>Gently press the coverslips down with a clean P1000 tip to ensure that the coverslip is on the bottom of the well and that there are no bubbles under the coverslip.</li>
</ol>
2. Stressing Cells
<ol>
	<li>The following day, visually check the plate to ensure that the cells are evenly dispersed and evenly confluent across the coverslip, as variations between samples may adversely impact the reproducibility of results. Use a 10X objective on an inverted tissue-culture microscope.</li>
	<li>Preheat the medium to 37 &#176;C. Avoid applying cold or hot media to the cells, as these cause cold shock or heat shock, respectively.</li>
	<li>Dilute drugs in preheated media. For each different drug concentration, prepare 2 wells containing 500 &#181;L of medium. Prepare an additional 500 &#181;L to allow for loss while pipetting. Aliquot 4 tubes, each containing 1.5 mL.
	<ol>
		<li>For sodium arsenite: to each well containing 500 &#181;L, add 1.5 &#181;L of 100 mM sodium arsenite (final concentration: 100 &#181;M) or add 0.75 &#181;L of 100 mM sodium arsenite (final concentration: 50 &#181;M).</li>
		<li>For vinorelbine: to each well containing 500 &#181;L, add 22.5 &#181;L of 10 mM vinorelbine (final concentration: 150 &#181;M) or add 18.75 &#181;L of 10 mM vinorelbine (final concentration: 100 &#181;M). 
		NOTE: Sodium arsenite is a well-characterized and&#160;commonly used stress granule inducer and is therefore classically used as a positive control.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Remove and discard the media from wells B1 - 4 and C1 - 4. Add the media with drugs and wait for 60 min (Figure 1A).
	<ol>
		<li>Add 500 &#181;L of medium with 100 &#181;M sodium arsenite to wells B1 and B2. Add 500 &#181;L of medium with 50 &#181;M sodium arsenite to wells B3 and B4.</li>
		<li>Add 500 &#181;L of medium with 150 &#181;M vinorelbine to wells C1 and C2. Add 500 &#181;L of medium with 125 &#181;M vinorelbine to wells C3 and C4.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>30 min prior to fixation, treat the wells in column 2 with 5 &#181;L of cycloheximide (1 mg/mL stock) and the wells in column 4 with 2 &#181;L of puromycin (1.25 mg/mL stock). Gently rock the plate to mix before placing the plate back in the 37 &#176;C incubator.</li>
</ol>
3. Cell Fixation and Immunofluorescence
NOTE: Before the experiment, ensure that the methanol is cooled to -20 &#176;C. Make buffers, including Phosphate-buffered Saline (PBS), 5% Normal Horse Serum (NHS) in PBS, and 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA) in PBS.
<ol>
	<li>Discard the media and wash the wells containing coverslips with PBS. Depending on the drugs used, it might be important to properly discard the media containing drugs; contact the local environmental safety office for specific instructions. To wash efficiently, fill a squeeze bottle with PBS, cut back the tip in order to allow a gentle flow rather than a tight stream, and use this to add PBS to each well after aspirating the original PBS.</li>
	<li>Fix the cells using ~250 &#181;L of 4% PFA for 15 min at RT under gentle agitation. Completely cover the top of the coverslip with PFA; 250 &#181;L should be sufficient, but if not, add more. Always avoid pipetting directly onto the coverslips, as some cells (or stress treatments of cells) can alter attachment, and the force from pipetting can dislodge the cells.</li>
	<li>Remove the PFA and discard properly. Contact the local environmental safety office for details on how to properly discard paraformaldehyde.</li>
	<li>Add ~250 &#181;L of methanol (-20 &#176;C) and incubate for 5 min at RT under gentle rocking; this both permeabilizes and flattens the cells.</li>
	<li>Remove and discard the methanol and block the cells by applying ~250 &#181;L of 5% NHS for 1 h at RT O/N at 4 &#176;C. Contact the local environmental safety office for details on how to properly discard of methanol.</li>
	<li>For primary antibodies, dilute the antibodies in 5% NHS. 
	NOTE: The use of multiple SG markers is key to confirming whether the granules observed are bona fide SGs. The number of SG markers that can be used depends on the filters available in the microscope. If standard green, red, and far-red filter sets are available, use G3BP1, eIF4G, and eIF3b at a 1/250 dilution.
	<ol>
		<li>For this experiment (12 coverslips at 250 &#181;L each-Total: 3 mL of 5% NHS), add 12 &#181;L of each of the following: anti-G3BP1, anti-eIF3b, and anti-eIF4G. Incubate the primary antibodies using gentle agitation for at least 1 h at RT or O/N at 4 &#176;C.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Wash the wells 3x with PBS, and incubate each wash for 5 min.</li>
	<li>For secondary antibodies, dilute all secondary antibodies (1/250 dilution) and Hoechst dye (1/1,000 dilution) in 5% NHS.
	<ol>
		<li>For this experiment (12 coverslips at 250 &#181;L each-Total: 3 mL of 5% NHS), add 12 &#181;L of each of the following: Cy2-Mouse, Cy3-Rabbit, and Cy5-Goat (a 1/250 dilution of each) and add 3 &#181;L of Hoechst dye.</li>
		<li>Incubate the coverslips with the secondary antibodies for 1 h at RT. During this and the following steps, protect the samples from light by covering the plate with a box or by placing foil over the top of the tissue culture dish.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Wash the wells three times with PBS for 5 min each.</li>
	<li>Mount the coverslips onto labeled glass slides using mounting medium. Heat the mounting medium in a 37 &#176;C heat block for 10 min; this decreases the viscosity and makes it easier to pipette. With a cut P200 tip, pipette 25 &#181;L of mounting medium per coverslip onto a glass slide; 4-8 coverslips can fit on one glass slide, assuming that the microscope stage allows this. Using fine forceps, transfer the coverslip from the well to the slide, making sure to put the cell side down on the mounting medium. Using a clean P200 tip, press the coverslip down.</li>
	<li>Once all the coverslips have been mounted, use folded lab tissue to clean up excess mounting medium by pressing the lab tissue very firmly onto the slide. Use a squeeze bottle containing H2O to flush off the excess mounting medium and then repeat the blotting with folded lab tissue to remove the water.</li>
</ol>
4. Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH)
<ol>
	<li>Plate and treat the cells, using steps 1 and 2.1-4 as a guide; it is only necessary to plate the cells in column 1, as only 3 coverslips are needed in the following experiment.</li>
	<li>Ensure that all buffers are prepared (i.e.&#160;4% PFA in PBS, 70% ethanol in water, 2x Saline-Sodium-Citrate (SSC), and 5% NHS), that the methanol is cooled down to -20 &#176;C, and that the hybridization oven is warmed up to the appropriate temperature.</li>
	<li>Carry out steps 3.1-3.3 to wash and fix the cells.</li>
	<li>Permeabilize cells by adding -20 &#176;C methanol for 10 min.</li>
	<li>Remove the methanol and incubate the coverslips in 70% ethanol. Place the plate at 4 &#176;C overnight. Seal the plate using parafilm to prevent evaporation.</li>
	<li>The following day, remove the ethanol and rehydrate the cells by adding 500 &#181;L of 2x SSC. Incubate the coverslips for 5 min with gentle agitation at RT.</li>
	<li>Remove the 2x SSC and add 500 &#181;L of 2X SSC. Incubate for 5 min under gentle agitation.</li>
	<li>Place a piece of parafilm flat on the bottom of the hybridization oven. Pipette 25 &#181;L of hybridization buffer onto the parafilm for each coverslip. Remove the coverslip from the 24-well dish (at this point, the coverslips are cell-side up) and place the coverslip cell-side down on the hybridization buffer. Do this at 42 &#176;C or optionally at 65 &#176;C for 15 min. 
	NOTE: Completing this step at 65 &#176;C will denature cellular RNAs; this can improve the signal if the polyA is masked by interactions with proteins.</li>
	<li>Dilute the Biotin-Oligo(dT) probe (100 ng/&#181;L) in hybridization buffer to a concentration of 2 ng/&#181;L; 25 &#181;L per coverslip is sufficient.</li>
	<li>For each coverslip, pipette 25 &#181;L of hybridization buffer containing Biotin-Oligo(dT) onto the parafilm. Pick up the coverslip with forceps and gently touch the edge of the coverslip onto a lab tissue to remove excess hybridization buffer. Transfer the coverslip to the hybridization buffer with Biotin-Oligo(dT); remember to keep the cell side down.</li>
	<li>Place the coverslips in a hybridization box to limit evaporation. Incubate the coverslips with Biotin-Oligo(dT) in hybridization buffer for 60 min at 42 &#176;C.</li>
	<li>Place 2x SSC in the hybridization oven to allow it to equilibrate to 42 &#176;C.</li>
	<li>Add ~500 &#181;L of warmed 2x SSC to the wells in the 24-well dish and use forceps to transfer the coverslips to the well. Incubate for 10 min.</li>
	<li>Repeat the above wash step twice&#160;at 42 &#176;C and then twice at RT.</li>
	<li>Complete steps 3.5-3.10, making sure to use a streptavidin fluorochrome to detect the Biotin-Oligo(dT) instead of one conventional antibody.</li>
</ol>
5. Ribopuromycylation Assay to Assess Translational Status
<ol>
	<li>Plate U2OS cells on coverslips, as indicated in step 1, but only plate one coverslip per condition (in this case, 3 coverslips: nontreated, 100 &#181;M sodium arsenite, and 150 &#181;M vinorelbine) (Figure 1A).</li>
	<li>Stress cells using the protocol in step 2, completing steps 2.1-2.4.</li>
	<li>5 min before fixation, add 2 &#181;L of puromycin (stock: 1.25 mg/mL; dilute 2 &#181;L in 500 &#181;L to obtain a final puromycin concentration of 5 &#181;g/mL) and 2.9 &#181;L of emetine (stock: 20 &#181;g/mL; add 2.9 &#181;L to the same solution already containing the puromycin) to each well containing 0.5 mL.</li>
	<li>Complete steps 3.1-3.10 as indicated above, using an anti-puromycin antibody (1/1000 dilution) to detect puromycin. Ideally, use two other SG markers in the remaining channels.</li>
	<li>When quantifying the puromycin signal, take all images using the same exposure. Choose this exposure by using the brightest (unstressed) sample and taking an image as bright as possible without saturation. 
	NOTE: The intensity of the anti-puromycin fluorescent signal represents ongoing translation, as puromycin substitutes for an amino acid, incorporates into the nascent protein, and enforces the premature termination of the protein.</li>
</ol>
6. Image Acquisition and Analysis
<ol>
	<li>Quantifying Stress Granules
	<ol>
		<li>To quantify SGs, acquire 3 - 5 images totaling &#62;100 cells per sample using a 40X objective. Alternatively, acquire images using other objectives, but ensure that &#62;100 cells are counted per coverslip and that the magnification is large enough to clearly visualize the granules. Do this by dividing the coverslip into five roughly equal regions and randomly selecting a field from each region (Figure 1B); images of the same field should include all channels to assess the colocalization of markers.</li>
		<li>Once all images have been acquired, merge the channels. Some camera software will automatically do this, while others require manual merging; this can be done with ImageJ by opening all the images and then selecting [Image | Color | Merge Channels].</li>
		<li>Manually count the total number of cells by counting the number of nuclei, using Hoechst as the nuclei marker. Manually count the number of cells that contain more than two SGs per cell. 
		NOTE: For example, using a merged three-channel image displaying G3BP1 (green), eIF4G (red), and Hoechst (blue), count the nuclei (or number of cells) using the blue channel. Then, count SG-positive cells as those with two or more yellow foci per cell. The granules will appear yellow, as green from G3BP1 and red from eIF4G appear yellow if colocalized.</li>
		<li>Determine the percentage of cells that are SG positive by combining the data from the 3-5 independent regions and then calculate: 
		number of SG positive / number of nuclei) *100 = percent of SG-positive cells</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Assessing Colocalization by Line Scan Analysis &#8211; Manual Method
	<ol>
		<li>Open ImageJ. Download it for free from ()</li>
		<li>Open the ROI manager: [Analyze | Tools | ROI manager&#8230;].</li>
		<li>Open the merged image in ImageJ: [File | Open].</li>
		<li>Using the line tool located in the ImageJ toolbar, add a line that goes through an SG, making sure to include before and after the SG. Add this line to the ROI manager by clicking [Add] in the ROI manager window.</li>
		<li>Split the merged image into separate channels to assess the localization of each marker to the granule: [Image | Color | Split Channel]; this will split the merged image into three black-and-white images.</li>
		<li>In the black-and-white image, make sure that the line is selected; the line is selected if it appears in the image. If not, in the ROI manager window, click on the line in the panel; this will highlight the line in blue in the ROI manager window and will make the line visible on the black-and-white image. If the line still does not appear, be sure that &#34;show all&#34; is checked in the ROI manager and then click on the line in the image.</li>
		<li>Analyze the intensity of the line: [Analyze | Plot Profile]; this will bring up the &#34;Plot Profile&#34; window, which plots the intensity of the signal across the line.</li>
		<li>Within the &#34;Plot Profile&#34; window, click [List], which brings up a window containing the raw data from the graph. Copy all the data in this window and paste it into a spreadsheet file. To do this, select all the data in the window: [Edit | Select All]. Copy the date: [Edit | Copy]. Open a spreadsheet file and paste the data: [Edit | Paste].</li>
		<li>Complete steps 6.2.6 - 6.2.8 for each channel separately. Be sure to keep track of the channel being assessed.</li>
		<li>In a spreadsheet, generate a line graph of the results. Select the columns that include data by pressing [control] and clicking on the letter at the top of each column. Then, select line graph: [Insert | Line graph].</li>
		<li>Repeat this analysis for multiple stress granules across multiple independent experiments.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Assessing Colocalization by Line Scan Analysis &#8211; ImageJ Plugin
	<ol>
		<li>Download and install the RGB profile tool from the ImageJ website (https://imagej.nih.gov/ij/macros/tools/RGBProfilesTool.txt); when correctly installed, a red, green, and blue (RGB)-lined icon should appear in the toolbar.</li>
		<li>Open the image (e.g., Tiff, JPG) in ImageJ: [File | Open].</li>
		<li>Click on the RGB icon located in the ImageJ toolbar.</li>
		<li>Click and drag to add a line that extends through an SG, making sure to include adjacent regions; an image of the histogram will appear in a pop-up window.</li>
		<li>Save the data as an image: [File | Save As | Tiff]. Alternatively, export and then graph the data in another graphing program using step 6.2.8 from above.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>

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W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=NIH+Image+to+ImageJ:+25+years+of+image+analysis.">NIH Image to ImageJ: 25 years of image analysis.</a> Nat Methods. 9 (7), 671-675 (2012).</li><li>David, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Nuclear+translation+visualized+by+ribosome-bound+nascent+chain+puromycylation.">Nuclear translation visualized by ribosome-bound nascent chain puromycylation.</a> J Cell Biol. 197 (1), 45-57 (2012).</li><li>Panas, M. D., Kedersha, N., McInerney, G. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Methods+for+the+characterization+of+stress+granules+in+virus+infected+cells.">Methods for the characterization of stress granules in virus infected cells.</a> Methods. 90, 57-64 (2015).</li><li>David, A., Bennink, J. R., Yewdell, J. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Emetine+optimally+facilitates+nascent+chain+puromycylation+and+potentiates+the+ribopuromycylation+method+(RPM)+applied+to+inert+cells.">Emetine optimally facilitates nascent chain puromycylation and potentiates the ribopuromycylation method (RPM) applied to inert cells.</a> Histochem Cell Biol. 139 (3), 501-504 (2013).</li><li>Dieterich, D. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+situ+visualization+and+dynamics+of+newly+synthesized+proteins+in+rat+hippocampal+neurons.">In situ visualization and dynamics of newly synthesized proteins in rat hippocampal neurons.</a> Nat Neurosci. 13 (7), 897-905 (2010).</li><li>Ruggieri, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Dynamic+oscillation+of+translation+and+stress+granule+formation+mark+the+cellular+response+to+virus+infection.">Dynamic oscillation of translation and stress granule formation mark the cellular response to virus infection.</a> Cell Host Microbe. 12 (1), 71-85 (2012).</li><li>Ghisolfi, L., Dutt, S., McConkey, M. E., Ebert, B. L., Anderson, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Stress+granules+contribute+to+alpha-globin+homeostasis+in+differentiating+erythroid+cells.">Stress granules contribute to alpha-globin homeostasis in differentiating erythroid cells.</a> Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 420 (4), 768-774 (2012).</li><li>Ohn, T., Kedersha, N., Hickman, T., Tisdale, S., Anderson, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+functional+RNAi+screen+links+O-GlcNAc+modification+of+ribosomal+proteins+to+stress+granule+and+processing+body+assembly.">A functional RNAi screen links O-GlcNAc modification of ribosomal proteins to stress granule and processing body assembly.</a> Nat Cell Biol. 10 (10), 1224-1231 (2008).</li><li>Porter, A. C., Fanger, G. R., Vaillancourt, R. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Signal+transduction+pathways+regulated+by+arsenate+and+arsenite.">Signal transduction pathways regulated by arsenate and arsenite.</a> Oncogene. 18 (54), 7794-7802 (1999).</li><li>Shen, S., Li, X. F., Cullen, W. R., Weinfeld, M., Le, X. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Arsenic+binding+to+proteins.">Arsenic binding to proteins.</a> Chem Rev. 113 (10), 7769-7792 (2013).</li><li>McDonald, K. K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=TAR+DNA-binding+protein+43+(TDP-43)+regulates+stress+granule+dynamics+via+differential+regulation+of+G3BP+and+TIA-1.">TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) regulates stress granule dynamics via differential regulation of G3BP and TIA-1.</a> Hum Mol Genet. 20 (7), 1400-1410 (2011).</li><li>Aulas, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=G3BP1+promotes+stress-induced+RNA+granule+interactions+to+preserve+polyadenylated+mRNA.">G3BP1 promotes stress-induced RNA granule interactions to preserve polyadenylated mRNA.</a> J Cell Biol. 209 (1), 73-84 (2015).</li><li>Martin, S., Tazi, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Visualization+of+G3BP+stress+granules+dynamics+in+live+primary+cells.">Visualization of G3BP stress granules dynamics in live primary cells.</a> J Vis Exp. (87), (2014).</li><li>Wippich, F., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Dual+specificity+kinase+DYRK3+couples+stress+granule+condensation/dissolution+to+mTORC1+signaling.">Dual specificity kinase DYRK3 couples stress granule condensation/dissolution to mTORC1 signaling.</a> Cell. 152 (4), 791-805 (2013).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

As evidenced by immunohistological studies in multiple diseases, chronic stress leads to the formation of different intracellular foci. For example, most neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by intracellular aggregates of insoluble proteins. The presence of SG-associated proteins in such aggregates is often the basis for concluding that such foci are SGs. A similar conclusion is also drawn when SG marker-positive cytoplasmic foci are observed in cells treated with new stress stimuli. This protocol provides a simple workflow to identify bona fide SGs.
Several criteria must be met for putative SGs to be confirmed as such, including the characterization of both composition and dynamics. First, SGs are cytoplasmic foci that contain translationally stalled mRNPs. Thus, the first approach is to characterize their composition using two microscopy-based techniques, namely polyA-FISH and IF. FISH is a reliable method to visualize mRNAs that colocalize with SGs. An oligo(dT)40 probe is used to detect polyadenylated mRNAs that pack into SGs under stress conditions. Since oligo(dT) will not detect deadenylated mRNAs, which are core components of Processing Bodies (PBs), the presence of a strong oligo(dT) signal in cytoplasmic foci is a first indication (although not enough for definition) that these foci are SGs. The second test is to demonstrate the colocalization of a poly(A) signal with other SG markers (e.g., G3BP1) (Figure 2A). This is done by performing IF against SG marker proteins. The SG markers eIF3b, eIF4G, and G3BP1 are routinely used because eIF3b and eIF4G are translation initiation factors known to be components of 48S* complexes and G3BP1 is required for SG formation (Figure 2B). It is important to emphasize that more than one SG marker is required, as different stresses recruit different SG-associated factors to SGs, and some stresses can cause protein aggregation that could be mistaken for SG formation.
Second, SGs are formed because of translation inhibition. While the inhibition of translation can be detected by different approaches (e.g., by traditional [35S]Met chase labeling), ribopuromycylation is preferred, as it detects ongoing protein translation in treated cells. This technique is also compatible with standard immunofluorescence against SG markers, thus allowing for the simultaneous monitoring of SGs and of the degree of translation inhibition in individual cells. As seen in Figure 3, SA and VRB both promote SG formation to different degrees. While SA causes SGs in nearly 100% of cells, VRB promotes SG formation in approximately 75% of cells. The ability to promote SGs correlates with the degree of translation inhibition: while untreated cells have a high basal level of translation, SA inhibits translation completely, but VRB only partially inhibits translation (Figure 3).
Third, SGs are dynamic and are in equilibrium with translating polysomes. Treating cells with cycloheximide prior to stress or concurrently with stress prevents polysome disassembly and SG formation. The SG-polysome equilibrium is bidirectional, as stressed cells exhibiting SGs can be treated with cycloheximide to enforce SG disassembly by trapping mRNAs in polysomes or monosomes whenever they are productively initiated. An important control is to use puromycin, which inhibits elongation by promoting premature termination, thus increasing the amount of non-polysomal mRNPs available for SG formation. Dramatic changes in SGs are observed when SA or VRB treatment is coupled with CHX or puro treatment (Figure 4). Thus, assessing whether putative SGs are dissolved upon cycloheximide treatment but are augmented or unaffected by puromycin is a key experimental parameter to use in SG identification. The emetine-enforced SG disassembly in very small, non-adherent, primary human bone marrow CD34+ cells was successfully demonstrated by treating the cells in suspension prior to cytospinning32.
Sodium arsenite is widely used to trigger SGs by inducing eIF2-&#945; phosphorylation33, but it should be carefully titrated, as it targets many proteins and activates a number of signaling pathways34,35. Different cell lines exhibit varying degrees of sensitivity to sodium arsenite. U2OS are relatively sensitive (100 &#181;M), while COS7, MEFs, and HeLa require 200 &#181;M. DU-1456, primary normal human bone marrow CD34+ cells32, human lymphoblasts36, mouse cortical neurons37, and Huh7 cells31 require 500-1,000 &#181;M.
As classification of SGs is mainly a microscopy-based methodology, it is important to acquire unbiased, quality images. It is important to take images in an unbiased manner, as selecting regions that have high or low numbers of SGs can skew findings. Other considerations include taking the images in each channel using the same exposure; this will ensure that any changes in intensity across coverslips are indicative of changes in that marker. Additionally, take all images at non-saturating levels of intensity so that intensity can be assessed across the entire experiment. Acquire all images on the same day using the same microscope/camera, as changes in bulb intensity can vary day-to-day and between microscopes. Lastly, it is important to check the filters and settings of the microscope that will be used to image the slides. This protocol is set up for a microscope with filter sets enabling the visualization of UV, green, red, and far-red channels. Adjustments may be necessary for different microscopes.
The experimental workflow described here permits the detection of SGs in different cells and under different stresses. The major advantage of this workflow is that it is simple and allows for the unambiguous detection of bona fide SGs, as well as for the simultaneous probing of cellular translation in stress-treated cells. This protocol uses U2OS cells, but it can be amended for different cell lines or even for primary cells. A recent and comprehensive list of cells used for stress granule studies is review11. The number of cells should be adjusted to reach 80% confluency on the day of drug treatment. The concentration and duration of drug treatment should be adjusted as well, as cells respond differently. Additionally, while this protocol is set up for a 24-well format, it can be adjusted to any size plate or dish where coverslips (of any size) can lay flat during plating and drug treatment. Cell lines stably expressing SG/PB markers have been used in high-throughput, siRNA-based screens33 and live-cell imaging38. Image-based screening was employed using HeLa cells stained for the endogenous SG marker PABP to detect chemical compounds blocking SG assembly39. It is anticipated that this workflow will be useful in future studies and applications.

Cells employ many mechanisms to respond to stress. Some responses occur at the post-transcriptional level and involve regulating mRNA translation and/or stability1,2. Stress-modulated mRNA translational arrest and degradation are associated with the formation of specific nonmembranous cellular foci, the most well characterized being Stress Granules (SGs)3. SGs are cytoplasmic foci that concentrate nontranslating mRNPs in translationally-arrested cells responding to stress (e.g., oxidation, heat shock, nutrient starvation, and viral infection)4. In addition to nontranslating mRNAs, SGs contain translation initiation factors, RNA-binding proteins, and various signaling proteins5. SGs are biomarkers of inhibited protein translation and altered RNA metabolism and have been linked to cell survival and apoptosis, signaling pathways, and nuclear processes5.
SGs are dynamic entities, and their formation is tightly connected to the status of cellular translation6. Despite their seemingly solid appearance, most SG protein components rapidly shuttle in and out, with a residence time of seconds. While SGs persist for minutes to hours, most of their components are in rapid flux. The inhibition of translation initiation and the consequent disassembly of translating polysomes promote the formation of SGs; thus, SGs are in equilibrium with translating polysomes. This polysome/SG equilibrium is key to distinguishing bona fide SGs from other stress-induced foci6,7.
Arresting translation initiation entails the conversion of translation-competent pre-initiation complexes that contain mRNA, translation initiation factors (eIF), and 40S ribosomal subunits (so-called 48S complexes) into translationally stalled complexes (so-called 48S* complexes) that can coalesce into SGs4,6. SGs are promoted by translational arrest at two different steps upstream of 48S complex formation: interference with the functions of the cap-binding eIF4F complex (e.g., targeting its eIF4A subunit) or phosphorylation of the &#945; subunit of translation initiation factor eIF2, mediated by one or more of the four eIF2 kinases. The presence of stalled 48S complexes (i.e.&#160;40S ribosomal subunits and selected translation initiation factors) is a hallmark of SGs8,9.
SGs have been linked to various pathological states, such as viral infections, neurodegeneration, autoimmunity, and cancer3,10,11,12,13. Mutated forms of several SG components are associated with neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) in which neurons display intracellular pathological inclusions that may play active roles in neuronal death13. Some viruses hijack SG components to inhibit SG formation and to enhance viral replication14. Recent studies also link SGs to cancer15 and to cancer cell survival under chemo- and radiotherapy treatments10,16,17,18,19,20. While such findings have stimulated great interest in SG biology, many of the published reports lack important controls to distinguish the formation of bona fide SGs from other stress-induced foci.
SGs were initially described as nonmembranous cytoplasmic foci composed of selected mRNA-binding Proteins (RBPs), including T-cell ntracellular antigen 1 (TIA-1) and Poly-A-binding Protein (PABP); translation initiation factors; polyadenylated mRNA; and small ribosomal subunits4,6,21,22. Traditionally, their composition has been determined by techniques such as immunostaining and the ectopic expression of fluorescently tagged proteins23,24. Due to their highly dynamic nature, the immunolocalization of SG proteins and/or mRNAs remains the defining methodology for detecting SGs23,24. To date, many RBPs and other proteins (over 120 distinct proteins) are described as SG components11. As many SG-localized proteins change their localization in both a stress-dependent and an independent manner and can accumulate at other intracellular compartments and foci, it is important to choose correct SG markers and to employ functional criteria to distinguish SGs from other types of stress-induced foci. Bona fide SGs contain mRNA, translation initiation factors, and small ribosomal subunits and are in dynamic equilibrium with translation.
This simple workflow is designed to determine whether stress-induced foci are bona fide SGs. This workflow includes several experimental approaches using U2OS cells, cells commonly used to study SGs. These cells are ideal, as they have a large cytoplasm, are relatively flat, and attach strongly to glass coverslips. Other cell types can be used to study SGs, but it is important to be aware that differences in timing, drug concentration, and abundance of SG-nucleating proteins can alter the kinetics and composition. Additionally, some cells respond to paraformaldehyde fixation by forming cell surface blebs, giving then a ruffled appearance that causes the punctate localization of some SG markers; without careful analysis, these can be misclassified as SGs. This highlights the necessity of assessing all criteria required to identify stress-induced foci as bona fide SGs. Vinorelbine (VRB), a cancer therapeutic that promotes SGs20, as well as Sodium Arsenite (SA), a robust and well-characterized SG inducer, are used as stresses for the experiments in this protocol.
Canonical SGs contain multiple SG markers (both proteins and mRNAs) that colocalize in cytoplasmic foci. This protocol uses both immunofluorescence and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to detect the localization of protein markers and polyadenylated mRNA22, respectively. Briefly, indirect immunofluorescence uses antibodies (i.e.&#160;primary antibodies) specific for a given protein to detect it within the cell. Then, secondary antibodies (usually species-specific) attached to fluorochromes recognize the primary antibody and reveal the target protein localization. Fluorescent microscopy is used to detect the localized signal within the cell. Using antibodies produced in different species and detecting them with differently colored secondary antibodies allows for the detection of the colocalization of multiple antibodies, indicating that their protein targets are found in the same location23. It is important to select markers that have been verified to colocalize at bona fide SGs.
FISH uses a labeled probe that base-pairs to a specific RNA or DNA sequence25. To detect mRNA, this protocol uses a biotinylated oligo(dT)40 probe that hybridizes (or base-pairs) to the polyA tail of mRNA (i.e.&#160;polyA FISH). The biotinylated probe is then detected using fluorescently conjugated streptavidin, as streptavidin has a high affinity for biotin. When assessing SGs, it is important to couple polyA FISH with immunofluorescence detecting an SG marker, as in bona fide SGs, the two signals should colocalize.
Using this protocol, colocalization is assessed in multiple ways. In a multi-channel (i.e.&#160;RGB: red, green, and blue) image, colocalization will alter the color of the overlapped signal (e.g.&#160;colocalized red and green appear yellow)23. Additionally, colocalization is quantified graphically using line scan analysis, where the intensity of each of color is measured across a given line8,20. This protocol describes two line scan analysis procedures using ImageJ26. One procedure is manual and goes through the entire process, while the other uses a macro, or a simple program that automates the manual steps. It is important to go through the manual program to understand the macro procedure.
SGs form in cells where translation is repressed; therefore, cells with SGs should display decreased levels of global translation compared to untreated cells. Experimentally, ribopuromycylation is used. Puromycin and emetine are added to cells for a short duration prior to fixation, allowing the puromycin to incorporate into actively forming polypeptides, causing termination27,28. Treatment with emetine is required to prevent re-initiation29. Puromycin can then be detected using anti-puromycin antibody, giving a snapshot of active translation. This method is used because it is quick, does not require pre-starving with a medium lacking a particular amino acid (and potentially prestressing the cells), and reveals the subcellular localization of protein translation. Other methods, notably using modified amino acid analogs, such as the methionine analog L-azidohomoalaine (AHA), coupled with &#34;click-it&#34; chemistry30, have been used to show that cells containing SGs exhibit much lower translation than neighboring cells31. However, this technique requires methionine starvation followed by pulse-labeling for 15-30 min. Methionine starvation constitutes an additional stress, while the long labeling time (i.e.&#160;15-30 min) results in the measurement of cumulative rather than ongoing translation and also allows the newly-synthesized proteins to move from their site of synthesis to their final destination within the cell. In contrast, ribopuromycylation is much faster and is compatible with any medium, such as the glucose-free medium used to induce SGs via glucose starvation.
Canonical SGs are in dynamic equilibrium with actively translating polysomes. This can be assessed experimentally by treating samples with the drugs that stabilize or destabilize polysomes, thus tipping the balance between SGs and polysomes23. Cycloheximide (or emetine, which behaves similarly) blocks elongation by &#34;freezing&#34; ribosomes onto mRNA, thus decreasing the pool of available non-polysomal mRNPs able to form SGs. Experimentally, this can be used in two ways: by adding cycloheximide (or emetine) before stress to prevent SG formation or by adding cycloheximide (or emetine) after the SGs have formed, even without removing the stressing agent, causing SG disassembly, as stalled preinitiation complexes are slowly admitted into the polysome fraction. In contrast, puromycin causes premature termination and promotes polysome disassembly, increasing the pool of initiating mRNAs capable of assembling into SGs. Experimentally, puromycin treatment increases the number of SGs or lowers the threshold at which they form in response to graded stress or drug dosage. When assessing the effect of puromycin, it is important to use a sub-maximal level of the drug of interest, as puromycin is expected to augment the effect of the drug and to increase the percent of cells displaying SGs &#8211; this cannot occur if the drug/stress causes SGs in 100% of the cells initially. This contrasts with cycloheximide treatment, which disassembles SGs and works best when ~95% of the cells initially display SGs so that the largest possible decrease can be observed and accurately quantified.
This protocol provides a framework to study SGs in mammalian cells. Methods include: (1) immunofluorescent staining and ImageJ analysis to assess the colocalization the classic SG-associated markers eIF4G, eIF3b, and Ras GTPase-activating protein-binding protein 1 (G3BP1) in putative SGs; (2) oligo(dT) fluorescence in situ hybridization (polyA FISH) to detect polyadenylated mRNA; (3) cycloheximide and puromycin treatment to determine whether stress-induced foci are in dynamic equilibrium with polysomes; and (4) ribopuromycylation to assess the translational status of cells containing putative SGs. Together, these assays can determine whether stress-induced foci can be classified as bona fide SGs.

<table><tbody><tr><td>U-2 OS</td><td>ATCC</td><td>ATCC&amp;reg;HTB-96&amp;trade;</td><td>Commonly written &quot;U2OS&quot;&lt;br/&gt; Culture at 37 &amp;deg;C under 5% CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; in 10% FBS/DMEM</td></tr><tr><td>Dulbecco&#039;s Modified Eagle&#039;s Medium (DMEM)</td><td>Corning</td><td>10-013-CV</td><td>Contains 4.5 g/L glucose, pyruvate, and phenol red&lt;br/&gt; Supplemented with 10% FBS, 10 mM HEPES, and penicillin/steptomycin&lt;br/&gt; Prewarm prior drug(s) dilution</td></tr><tr><td>Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS)</td><td>Sigma</td><td>F2442-500ml</td><td>Used to supplement media</td></tr><tr><td>HEPES (1 M)</td><td>Thermo Fisher Scientific</td><td>15630-080</td><td>Used to supplement media</td></tr><tr><td>penicilline streptomycine</td><td>Sigma</td><td>P0781-100ml</td><td>Used to supplement media</td></tr><tr><td>24-well plate</td><td>Costar</td><td>3524</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>lab tissues (kimwipes)</td><td>KIMTECH SCIENCE</td><td>34120</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Coverglass for Growth Cover Glasses</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>12-545-82</td><td>Autoclaved before use&lt;br/&gt; Keep sterile in the tissue culture hood</td></tr><tr><td>Sodium (meta)arsenite &amp;ge;90% (SA)</td><td>Sigma</td><td>S7400-100G</td><td>Dissolve in water to 1 M concentration, then dilute to 100 &amp;micro;M as a working stock</td></tr><tr><td>Vinorelbine (VRB)</td><td>TSZ CHEM</td><td>RS055</td><td>Dissolve in water to 10 mM</td></tr><tr><td>Puromycin</td><td>Sigma</td><td>P9620</td><td>Used to assess translation level (ribopuromycylation)&lt;br/&gt; -Used to assess SG connection with active translation&lt;br/&gt; Dilute in water to 10 mg/mL</td></tr><tr><td>Emetine dihydrochloride hydrate</td><td>Sigma</td><td>E2375</td><td>Used in combination with puromycin to assess general translation level&lt;br/&gt; Used to assess SG connection with active translation&lt;br/&gt; -Dilute in water to 10 mg/mL</td></tr><tr><td>Cycloheximide (CHX)</td><td>Sigma</td><td>C4859</td><td>Used to assess SG connection with active translation&lt;br/&gt; Dilute in water to 10 mg/mL</td></tr><tr><td>Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS)</td><td>Lonza / VWR</td><td>95042-486</td><td>Wash buffer for immunofluorescence</td></tr><tr><td>Paraformaldehyde reagent grade, crystalline (PFA)</td><td>Sigma</td><td>P6148-500G</td><td>Make a 4% solution in hot PBS in fume hood, stir until dissolved&lt;br/&gt; Aliquots can be stored at -20 &amp;deg;C for several months&lt;br/&gt; Hazardous, use ventilation&lt;br/&gt; Discard in special waste</td></tr><tr><td>Methanol, ACS</td><td>BDH / VWR</td><td>BDH1135-4LP</td><td>Prechill to -20 &amp;deg;C before use&lt;br/&gt; Discard in special waste</td></tr><tr><td>Normal Horse Serum (NHS)</td><td>Thermo Fisher Scientific</td><td>31874</td><td>Dilute to 5% in PBS&lt;br/&gt; Add sodium azide for storage at 4 &amp;deg;C&lt;br/&gt; Blocking solution for immunofluorescence</td></tr><tr><td>Ethanol, Pure, 200 Proof (100%),USP, KOPTEC</td><td>Decon Labs / VWR</td><td>89125-188</td><td>Dilute to 70% with water</td></tr><tr><td>Fisherbrand Superfrost Plus Microscope Slides</td><td>Fisherbrand</td><td>12-550-15</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>mouse anti G3BP1 antibody (TT-Y)</td><td>Santa Cruz</td><td>sc-81940</td><td>Store at 4 &amp;deg;C&lt;br/&gt; 1/100 dilution</td></tr><tr><td>rabbit anti eIF4G antibody (H-300)</td><td>Santa Cruz</td><td>sc-11373</td><td>Store at 4 &amp;deg;C&lt;br/&gt; 1/250 dilution</td></tr><tr><td>goat anti eIF3&amp;eta; (N-20) antibody</td><td>Santa Cruz</td><td>sc-16377</td><td>eIF3&amp;eta; is also known as eIF3b&lt;br/&gt; Store at 4 &amp;deg;C&lt;br/&gt; 1/250 dilution</td></tr><tr><td>mouse anti puromycin 12D10 antibody</td><td>Millipore</td><td>MABE343</td><td>Store at 4 &amp;deg;C&lt;br/&gt; 1/1,000 dilution</td></tr><tr><td>Cy2 AffiniPure Donkey Anti-Mouse IgG (H+L)</td><td>Jackson Immunoresearch</td><td>715-225-150</td><td>Reconstitute in water per manufacturer&amp;rsquo;s instructions then store at 4 &amp;deg;C&lt;br/&gt; 1/250 dilution</td></tr><tr><td>Cy3 AffiniPure Donkey Anti-Rabbit IgG (H+L)</td><td>Jackson Immunoresearch</td><td>711-165-152</td><td>Reconstitute in water as per manufacturer&amp;rsquo;s instructions then store at 4&amp;deg;C&lt;br/&gt; 1/2,500 dilution</td></tr><tr><td>Cy5 AffiniPure Donkey Anti-Goat IgG (H+L)</td><td>Jackson Immunoresearch</td><td>705-175-147</td><td>Reconstitute in water as per manufacturer&amp;rsquo;s instructions then store at 4&amp;deg;C&lt;br/&gt; 1/250 dilution</td></tr><tr><td>Hoechst 33258 solution</td><td>Sigma</td><td>94403-1ML</td><td>Incubate with secondary antibodies&lt;br/&gt; Stock solution 0.5 mg/mL in dH&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;sub&gt;0, protect from light&lt;br/&gt; -Store at 4 &amp;deg;C</td></tr><tr><td>Cy3 Streptavidin</td><td>Jackson Immunoresearch</td><td>016-160-084</td><td>Reconstitute in water per manufacturer&amp;rsquo;s instructions, then store at 4 &amp;deg;C&lt;br/&gt; 1/250 dilution</td></tr><tr><td>oligo-(dT)&lt;sub&gt;40x&lt;/sub&gt; probe biotinilated</td><td>Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT)</td><td>/</td><td>Reconstitute in water to 100 ng/mL, aliquot and store at -20 &amp;deg;C&lt;br/&gt; Dilute in hybridation buffer 1/50 prior to use&lt;br/&gt; Custom order</td></tr><tr><td>hybridation box</td><td>/</td><td>/</td><td>Make a moisture chamber with any storing slide box by adding humidified paper on the bottom&lt;br/&gt; - prewarm the box prior use</td></tr><tr><td>20x SSC buffer</td><td>Thermo fisher Ambion</td><td>AM9763</td><td>Dilute to 2x SSC using RNase Free water (DEPC treated)&lt;br/&gt; Store at RT&lt;br/&gt; Wash buffer for FISH</td></tr><tr><td>PerfectHybPlus Hybridization Buffer</td><td>Sigma</td><td>H7033-50ml</td><td>Block and probe incubation buffer for FISH</td></tr><tr><td>slide mounting media</td><td>home made</td><td>/</td><td>Mix 5 g of &amp;ldquo;cold-soluble&amp;rdquo; poly(vinyl alcohol) in 20 mL of PBS&lt;br/&gt; Mix by sonication, followed by stirring O/N at RT&lt;br/&gt; Add 5 mL of glycerol and 0.2 mL of 20 % sodium azide, and stir for 16 h at RT&lt;br/&gt; Centrifugation at 20,000 g for 20 min, discard large pellet&lt;br/&gt; Aliquot viscous liquid, long-term storage at -20 &amp;deg;C, 1 week at 4 &amp;deg;C</td></tr><tr><td>Parafilm &quot;M&quot;</td><td>Sigma</td><td>P7793-1EA</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Poly(vinyl alcohol)</td><td>Sigma</td><td>P-8136-250G</td><td>Reagent to make vinol</td></tr><tr><td>Glycerol</td><td>Sigma</td><td>G5516-100ML</td><td>Reagent to make vinol</td></tr><tr><td>sodium azide</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>S2002-5G</td><td>Preservative agent for blocking solution and vinol&lt;br/&gt; Make a 20% dilution in water</td></tr></tbody></table>

methods to classify cytoplasmic foci as mammalian stress granules

Cells are often challenged by sudden environmental changes. Stress Granules (SGs), cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein complexes that form in cells exposed to stress conditions, are implicated in various aspects of cell metabolism and survival. SGs modulate cellular signaling pathways, post-transcriptional gene expression, and stress response programs. The formation of these mRNA-containing granules is directly connected to cellular translation. SG assembly is triggered by inhibited translation initiation, and SG disassembly is promoted by translation activation or by inhibited translation elongation. This relationship is further highlighted by SG composition. Core SG components are stalled translation pre-initiation complexes, mRNA, and selected RNA-binding Proteins (RBPs). The purpose of SG assembly is to conserve cellular energy by sequestering translationally stalled housekeeping mRNAs, allowing for the enhanced translation of stress-responsive proteins. In addition to the core constituents, such as stalled translation preinitiation complexes, SGs contain a plethora of other proteins and signaling molecules. Defects in SG formation can impair cellular adaptation to stress and can thus promote cell death. SGs and similar RNA-containing granules have been linked to a number of human diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders and cancer, leading to the recent interest in classifying and defining RNA granule subtypes. This protocol describes assays to characterize and quantify mammalian SGs.

Stress-induced foci are not necessarily SGs. SGs are classified as cytoplasmic foci that contain mRNAs, translation initiation factors, and RNA-binding proteins and are in equilibrium with active translation. The above protocol can be used as a template to characterize whether a given stress induces bona fide SGs.
SGs colocalize with other known SG markers, including both proteins and mRNA. SA and VRB induce cytoplasmic foci that contain G3BP1, eIF4G, and eIF3b (Figure 2A). The colocalization of these markers is confirmed using line scan analysis and single channel images with increased magnification (Figure 2A). Additionally, these foci contain Mrna, as indicated by polyA FISH, and the oligo(dT) signal colocalizes with the G3BP1 immunofluorescence signal (Figure 2B). It is critical to show that the polyA-FISH signal overlaps with a known SG marker, as a stress could promote multiple types of foci.
SGs occur during a translationally inhibited state. Both VRB and SA promote a translationally repressed state, as experimentally assessed with ribopuromycylation (Figure 3). Bona fide SGs are in dynamic equilibrium with actively translating polysomes. SA- and VRB-induced SGs are dissolved with CHX, which traps polysomes on mRNAs, thus stopping polysome disassembly and preventing SGs (Figure 4A, 4B). Conversely, more SA and VRB SGs are induced after treatment with puro, as puro promotes polysome disassembly, thus favoring SG formation (Figure 4A, 4C).
In summary, as with the positive-control SA, VRB induces bona fide SGs that: (1) colocalize with known SG markers, (2) include both protein and mRNA (Figure 2), (3) are found in cells where translation is repressed (Figure 3), and (4) are in dynamic equilibrium with active translation (Figure 4A-4C).
<img alt="Figure 1" src="/files/ftp_upload/55656/55656fig1.jpg" /> 
Figure 1: Experimental Diagrams. (A) Seed cells onto coverslips previously placed in a 24-well plate, as indicated. Treat Rows A and B for 60 min with SA or VRB using the concentration in &#181;M as indicated. After 60 min, add CHX (final concentration: 20 &#181;g/mL for column 2) or puro (20 &#181;g/mL puromycin for column 4) to the drug-containing medium. Continue incubation for an additional 30 min prior to fixation and staining. (B) Diagram of a coverslip, indicating the fields that should be imaged for counting. The coverslip is divided into five roughly equal regions; one image is taken in each region. <a href="https://cloudflare-jove-com.bdigitaluss.remotexs.co/files/ftp_upload/55656/55656fig1large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 2" src="/files/ftp_upload/55656/55656fig2.jpg" /> 
Figure 2: SA and VRB Induce Cytoplasmic Foci that Contain SG Markers anPoly(A) mRNA. (A) U2OS cells immunostained for G3BP1 (green), eIF3b (red), and eIF4G (blue). Cells were treated with 100 &#181;M SA or 150 &#181;M VRB for 60 min or were not treated (control). Zoomed regions are enlarged (2X) and shown as separate channels in black and white (below). The graph indicates the line scan analysis of a region (white line) granule and shows the extent of overlap or colocalization. The scale bar represents 10 &#181;m. (B) PolyA-FISH coupled with immunostaining detects polyA mRNA with an oligo(dT)40 probe (red), G3BP1 (green) is detected using an anti-G3BP antibody, and nuclear DNA is detected using Hoechst dye (blue). Zoomed regions (2X), single-channel images, and the line scan analysis show colocalization. Scale bar = 10 &#181;m. <a href="https://cloudflare-jove-com.bdigitaluss.remotexs.co/files/ftp_upload/55656/55656fig2large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 3" src="/files/ftp_upload/55656/55656fig3.jpg" /> 
Figure 3: SA and VRB Treatment CauseTranslation Repression. The immunofluorescence of U2OS cells pulse-labeled with puromycin for 5 min following the indicated treatments. Puromycin (green), eIF3b (red), and nuclear DNA stained with Hoechst (blue). The cells were treated with 100 &#181;M SA or 150 &#181;M VRB for 60 min or were not treated (control). Scale bar = 10 &#181;m. <a href="https://cloudflare-jove-com.bdigitaluss.remotexs.co/files/ftp_upload/55656/55656fig3large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 4" src="/files/ftp_upload/55656/55656fig4.jpg" /> 
Figure 4: SA and VRB Induce Cytoplasmic Foci that are in Dynamic Equilibrium with Polysomes. (A) General scheme describing the polysome/SG relationship. (B-C) U2OS cells stained for G3BP1 (green), eIF3b (red), and nuclear DNA using Hoechst (blue). Cells were treated with 100 &#181;M SA or 150 &#181;M VRB for 60 min or were not treated (control) prior to the addition of (B) CHX (cycloheximide, 20 &#181;g/mL), (C) puro (Puromycin, 10 &#181;g/mL), or no additive for an additional 30 min of incubation. The numbers correspond to the percentage of cells with SGs in a representative experiment. Scale bar = 25 &#181;m, in (B-C). <a href="https://cloudflare-jove-com.bdigitaluss.remotexs.co/files/ftp_upload/55656/55656fig4large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Methods to Classify Cytoplasmic Foci as Mammalian Stress Granules at JoVE.com

Methods to Classify Cytoplasmic Foci as Mammalian Stress Granules

Stress Granules (SGs) are nonmembranous cytoplasmic structures that form in cells exposed to a variety of stresses. SGs contain mRNAs, RNA-binding proteins, small ribosomal subunits, translation-related factors, and various cell signaling proteins. This protocol describes a workflow that uses several experimental approaches to detect, characterize, and quantify bona fide SGs.

Cells are often challenged by sudden environmental changes. Stress Granules (SGs), cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein complexes that form in cells exposed to ...

methods-to-classify-cytoplasmic-foci-as-mammalian-stress-granules

Universidad San Sebastian

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

14.5K Views.  Brigham and Women's Hospital. Stress Granules (SGs) are nonmembranous cytoplasmic structures that form in cells exposed to a variety of stresses. SGs contain mRNAs, RNA-binding proteins, small ribosomal subunits, translation-related factors, and various cell signaling proteins. This protocol describes a workflow that uses several experimental approaches to detect, characterize, and quantify bona fide SGs.

Video: Methods to Classify Cytoplasmic Foci as Mammalian Stress Granules

Trypsinizing and Subculturing Mammalian Cells

As cells reach confluency, they must be subcultured or passaged. Failure to subculture confluent cells results in reduced mitotic index and eventually in cell death. The first step in subculturing is to detach cells from the surface of the primary culture vessel by trypsinization or mechanical means. The resultant cell suspension is then subdivided, or reseeded, into fresh cultures. Secondary cultures are checked for growth and fed periodically, and may be subsequently subcultured to produce tertiary cultures. The time between passaging of cells varies with the cell line and depends on the growth rate.

As cells reach confluency, they must be subcultured or passaged. This video will demonstrate a procedure for subculturing both adherent and suspension cells.

As cells reach confluency, they must be subcultured or passaged. Failure to subculture confluent cells results in reduced mitotic index and eventually in ...

Quantification of &gamma;H2AX Foci in Response to Ionising Radiation

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), which are induced by either endogenous metabolic processes or by exogenous sources, are one of the most critical DNA lesions with respect to survival and preservation of genomic integrity. An early response to the induction of DSBs is phosphorylation of the H2A histone variant, H2AX, at the serine-139 residue, in the highly conserved C-terminal SQEY motif, forming &gamma;H2AX1. Following induction of DSBs, H2AX is rapidly phosphorylated by the phosphatidyl-inosito 3-kinase (PIKK) family of proteins, ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), DNA-protein kinase catalytic subunit and ATM and RAD3-related (ATR)2. Typically, only a few base-pairs (bp) are implicated in a DSB, however, there is significant signal amplification, given the importance of chromatin modifications in DNA damage signalling and repair. Phosphorylation of H2AX mediated predominantly by ATM spreads to adjacent areas of chromatin, affecting approximately 0.03% of total cellular H2AX per DSB2,3. This corresponds to phosphorylation of approximately 2000 H2AX molecules spanning ~2 Mbp regions of chromatin surrounding the site of the DSB and results in the formation of discrete &gamma;H2AX foci which can be easily visualized and quantitated by immunofluorescence microscopy2. The loss of &gamma;H2AX at DSB reflects repair, however, there is some controversy as to what defines complete repair of DSBs; it has been proposed that rejoining of both strands of DNA is adequate however, it has also been suggested that re-instatement of the original chromatin state of compaction is necessary4-8. The disappearence of &gamma;H2AX involves at least in part, dephosphorylation by phosphatases, phosphatase 2A and phosphatase 4C5,6. Further, removal of &gamma;H2AX by redistribution involving histone exchange with H2A.Z has been implicated7,8. Importantly, the quantitative analysis of &gamma;H2AX foci has led to a wide range of applications in medical and nuclear research. Here, we demonstrate the most commonly used immunofluorescence method for evaluation of initial DNA damage by detection and quantitation of &gamma;H2AX foci in &gamma;-irradiated adherent human keratinocytes9.

Quantification of &#947;H2AX Foci in Response to Ionising Radiation

Quantification of DNA double-strand streaks using &gamma;H2AX formation as a molecular marker has become an invaluable tool in radiation biology. Here we demonstrate the use of an immunofluorescence assay for quantification of &gamma;H2AX foci after exposure of cells to radiation.

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), which are induced by either endogenous metabolic processes or by exogenous sources, are one of the most critical DNA ...

Quantitation of &gamma;H2AX Foci in Tissue Samples

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are particularly lethal and genotoxic lesions, that can arise either by endogenous (physiological or pathological) processes or by exogenous factors, particularly ionizing radiation and radiomimetic compounds. Phosphorylation of the H2A histone variant, H2AX, at the serine-139 residue, in the highly conserved C-terminal SQEY motif, forming &gamma;H2AX, is an early response to DNA double-strand breaks1. This phosphorylation event is mediated by the phosphatidyl-inosito 3-kinase (PI3K) family of proteins, ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), DNA-protein kinase catalytic subunit and ATM and RAD3-related (ATR)2. Overall, DSB induction results in the formation of discrete nuclear &gamma;H2AX foci which can be easily detected and quantitated by immunofluorescence microscopy2. Given the unique specificity and sensitivity of this marker, analysis of &gamma;H2AX foci has led to a wide range of applications in biomedical research, particularly in radiation biology and nuclear medicine. The quantitation of &gamma;H2AX foci has been most widely investigated in cell culture systems in the context of ionizing radiation-induced DSBs. Apart from cellular radiosensitivity, immunofluorescence based assays have also been used to evaluate the efficacy of radiation-modifying compounds. In addition, &gamma;H2AX has been used as a molecular marker to examine the efficacy of various DSB-inducing compounds and is recently being heralded as important marker of ageing and disease, particularly cancer3. Further, immunofluorescence-based methods have been adapted to suit detection and quantitation of &gamma;H2AX foci ex vivo and in vivo4,5. Here, we demonstrate a typical immunofluorescence method for detection and quantitation of &gamma;H2AX foci in mouse tissues.

Quantitation of &#947;H2AX Foci in Tissue Samples

Quantitation of DNA double-strand breaks on the basis of &gamma;H2AX foci has become an invaluable tool, particularly in radiation biology, for the evaluation of tissue radiosensitivity and effects of radiation modifying compounds. Here we demonstrate the use of an immunofluorescence assay for quantitation of &gamma;H2AX foci in tissue samples.

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are particularly lethal and genotoxic lesions, that can arise either by endogenous (physiological or pathological) ...

Immunofluorescence Analysis of Stress Granule Formation After Bacterial Challenge of Mammalian Cells

Fluorescent imaging of cellular components is an effective tool to investigate host-pathogen interactions. Pathogens can affect many different features of infected cells, including organelle ultrastructure, cytoskeletal network organization, as well as cellular processes such as Stress Granule (SG) formation. The characterization of how pathogens subvert host processes is an important and integral part of the field of pathogenesis. While variable phenotypes may be readily visible, the precise analysis of the qualitative and quantitative differences in the cellular structures induced by pathogen challenge is essential for defining statistically significant differences between experimental and control samples. SG formation is an evolutionarily conserved stress response that leads to antiviral responses and has long been investigated using viral infections1. SG formation also affects signaling cascades and may have other still unknown consequences2. The characterization of this stress response to pathogens other than viruses, such as bacterial pathogens, is currently an emerging area of research3. For now, quantitative and qualitative analysis of SG formation is not yet routinely used, even in the viral systems. Here we describe a simple method for inducing and characterizing SG formation in uninfected cells and in cells infected with a cytosolic bacterial pathogen, which affects the formation of SGs in response to various exogenous stresses. Analysis of SG formation and composition is achieved by using a number of different SG markers and the spot detector plug-in of ICY, an open source image analysis tool.

We describe a method for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of stress granule formation in mammalian cells after the cells are challenged with bacteria and a number of different stresses. This protocol can be applied to investigate the cellular stress granule response in a wide range of host-bacterial interactions.

Fluorescent imaging of cellular components is an effective tool to investigate host-pathogen interactions. Pathogens can affect many different features of ...

Immunology and Infection

Activation of Apoptosis by Cytoplasmic Microinjection of Cytochrome c

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a conserved and highly regulated pathway by which cells die1. Apoptosis can be triggered when cells encounter a wide range of cytotoxic stresses. These insults initiate signaling cascades that ultimately cause the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondrial intermembrane space to the cytoplasm2. The release of cytochrome c from mitochondria is a key event that triggers the rapid activation of caspases, the key cellular proteases which ultimately execute cell death3-4.
The pathway of apoptosis is regulated at points upstream and downstream of cytochrome c release from mitochondria5. In order to study the post-mitochondrial regulation of caspase activation, many investigators have turned to direct cytoplasmic microinjection of holocytochrome c (heme-attached) protein into cells6-9. Cytochrome c is normally localized to the mitochondria where attachment of a heme group is necessary to enable it to activate apoptosis10-11. Therefore, to directly activate caspases, it is necessary to inject the holocytochrome c protein instead of its cDNA, because while the expression of cytochrome c from cDNA constructs will result in mitochondrial targeting and heme attachment, it will be sequestered from cytosolic caspases. Thus, the direct cytosolic microinjection of purified heme-attached cytochrome c protein is a useful tool to mimic mitochondrial cytochrome c release and apoptosis without the use of toxic insults which cause cellular and mitochondrial damage.
In this article, we describe a method for the microinjection of cytochrome c protein into cells, using mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and primary sympathetic neurons as examples. While this protocol focuses on the injection of cytochrome c for investigations of apoptosis, the techniques shown here can also be easily adapted for microinjection of other proteins of interest.

Activation of Apoptosis by Cytoplasmic Microinjection of Cytochrome c

In this protocol, we describe the direct cytoplasmic microinjection of cytochrome c protein into fibroblasts and primary sympathetic neurons. This technique allows for the introduction of cytochrome c protein into the cytoplasm of cells and mimics the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, which occurs during apoptosis.

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a conserved and highly regulated pathway by which cells die1.  Apoptosis can be triggered when cells encounter a ...

Substructure Analyzer: A User-Friendly Workflow for Rapid Exploration and Accurate Analysis of Cellular Bodies in Fluorescence Microscopy Images

The last decade has been characterized by breakthroughs in fluorescence microscopy techniques illustrated by spatial resolution improvement but also in live-cell imaging and high-throughput microscopy techniques. This led to a constant increase in the amount and complexity of the microscopy data for a single experiment. Because manual analysis of microscopy data is very time consuming, subjective, and prohibits quantitative analyses, automation of bioimage analysis is becoming almost unavoidable. We built an informatics workflow called Substructure Analyzer to fully automate signal analysis in bioimages from fluorescent microscopy. This workflow is developed on the user-friendly open-source platform Icy and is completed by functionalities from ImageJ. It includes the pre-processing of images to improve the signal to noise ratio, the individual segmentation of cells (detection of cell boundaries) and the detection/quantification of cell bodies enriched in specific cell compartments. The main advantage of this workflow is to propose complex bio-imaging functionalities to users without image analysis expertise through a user-friendly interface. Moreover, it is highly modular and adapted to several issues from the characterization of nuclear/cytoplasmic translocation to the comparative analysis of different cell bodies in different cellular sub-structures. The functionality of this workflow is illustrated through the study of the Cajal (coiled) Bodies under oxidative stress (OS) conditions. Data from fluorescence microscopy show that their integrity in human cells is impacted a few hours after the induction of OS. This effect is characterized by a decrease of coilin nucleation into characteristic Cajal Bodies, associated with a nucleoplasmic redistribution of coilin into an increased number of smaller foci. The central role of coilin in the exchange between CB components and the surrounding nucleoplasm suggests that OS induced redistribution of coilin could affect the composition and the functionality of Cajal Bodies.

We present a freely available workflow built for rapid exploration and accurate analysis of cellular bodies in specific cell compartments in fluorescence microscopy images. This user-friendly workflow is designed on the open-source software Icy and also uses ImageJ functionalities. The pipeline is affordable without knowledge in image analysis.

The last decade has been characterized by breakthroughs in fluorescence microscopy techniques illustrated by spatial resolution improvement but also in ...

Bioengineering

Visualizing Cytoplasmic Flow During Single-cell Wound Healing in Stentor coeruleus

Although wound-healing is often addressed at the level of whole tissues, in many cases individual cells are able to heal wounds within themselves, repairing broken cell membrane before the cellular contents leak out. The giant unicellular organism Stentor coeruleus, in which cells can be more than one millimeter in size, have been a classical model organism for studying wound healing in single cells. Stentor cells can be cut in half without loss of viability, and can even be cut and grafted together. But this high tolerance to cutting raises the question of why the cytoplasm does not simply flow out from the size of the cut. Here we present a method for cutting Stentor cells while simultaneously imaging the movement of cytoplasm in the vicinity of the cut at high spatial and temporal resolution. The key to our method is to use a &#34;double decker&#34; microscope configuration in which the surgery is performed under a dissecting microscope focused on a chamber that is simultaneously viewed from below at high resolution using an inverted microscope with a high NA lens. This setup allows a high level of control over the surgical procedure while still permitting high resolution tracking of cytoplasm.

Visualizing Cytoplasmic Flow During Single-cell Wound Healing in Stentor coeruleus

The giant ciliate Stentor coeruleus is a classical system for studying regeneration and wound healing in single cells.&#160;By imaging Stentor cells simultaneously at low and high magnification it is possible to measure cytoplasmic flows before, during, and after wounding.

Although wound-healing is often addressed at the level of whole tissues, in many cases individual cells are able to heal wounds within themselves, ...

Analysis of Translation Initiation During Stress Conditions by Polysome Profiling

Precise control of mRNA translation is fundamental for eukaryotic cell homeostasis, particularly in response to physiological and pathological stress. Alterations of this program can lead to the growth of damaged cells, a hallmark of cancer development, or to premature cell death such as seen in neurodegenerative diseases. Much of what is known concerning the molecular basis for translational control has been obtained from polysome analysis using a density gradient fractionation system. This technique relies on ultracentrifugation of cytoplasmic extracts on a linear sucrose gradient. Once the spin is completed, the system allows fractionation and quantification of centrifuged zones corresponding to different translating ribosomes populations, thus resulting in a polysome profile. Changes in the polysome profile are indicative of changes or defects in translation initiation that occur in response to various types of stress. This technique also allows to assess the role of specific proteins on translation initiation, and to measure translational activity of specific mRNAs. Here we describe our protocol to perform polysome profiles in order to assess translation initiation of eukaryotic cells and tissues under either normal or stress growth conditions.

Here, we describe a method to analyze changes in the initiation of mRNA translation of eukaryotic cells in response to stress conditions. This method is based on the velocity separation on sucrose gradients of translating ribosomes from non-translating ribosomes.

Precise control of mRNA translation is fundamental for eukaryotic cell homeostasis, particularly in response to physiological and pathological stress. ...

Visualization of G3BP Stress Granules Dynamics in Live Primary Cells

SGs can be visualized in cells by immunostaining of specific protein components or polyA+ mRNAs. SGs are highly dynamic and the study of their assembly and fate is important to understand the cellular response to stress. The deficiency in key factors of SGs like G3BP (RasGAP SH3 domain Binding Protein) leads to developmental defects in mice&#160;and alterations of the Central Nervous System. To study the dynamics of SGs in cells from an organism, one can culture primary cells and follow the localization of a transfected tagged component of SGs. We describe time-lapse experiment to observe G3BP1-containing SGs in Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts (MEFs). This technique can also be used to study G3BP-containing SGs in live neurons, which is crucial as it was recently shown that these SGs are formed at the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer&#39;s disease. This approach can be adapted to any other cellular body and granule protein component, and performed with transgenic animals, allowing the live study of granules dynamics for example in the absence of a specific factor of these granules.

Stress granules (SGs) are cytoplasmic RNA granules containing stalled ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs), and important in cellular response to various stresses. Dynamics of SGs can be followed in live cells by visualizing the localization of a tagged component of SGs in transfected primary cells after stress.

SGs can be visualized in cells by immunostaining of specific protein components or polyA+ mRNAs. SGs are highly dynamic and the study of their assembly ...

An Immunofluorescence Assay to Characterize and Quantify Mammalian Stress Granules

Source: Aulas, A. et al., <a href="https://app-jove-com.bdigitaluss.remotexs.co/v/55656">Methods to Classify Cytoplasmic Foci as Mammalian Stress Granules.</a>&#160;J. Vis. Exp. (2017)
This video demonstrates an assay for characterizing and quantifying mammalian stress granules, which consist of mRNAs, RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), and various other proteins.

1. Cell Preparation

	Add autoclaved coverslips to 12 wells of a 24-well plate, as indicated in&#160;Figure 1A; this can be done using a sterile Pasteur ...

Methods to Classify Cytoplasmic Foci as Mammalian Stress Granules

Summary

Explore More Videos

Chapters in this video

Trypsinizing and Subculturing Mammalian Cells

Quantification of γH2AX Foci in Response to Ionising Radiation

Quantitation of γH2AX Foci in Tissue Samples

Immunofluorescence Analysis of Stress Granule Formation After Bacterial Challenge of Mammalian Cells

Activation of Apoptosis by Cytoplasmic Microinjection of Cytochrome c

Substructure Analyzer: A User-Friendly Workflow for Rapid Exploration and Accurate Analysis of Cellular Bodies in Fluorescence Microscopy Images

Visualizing Cytoplasmic Flow During Single-cell Wound Healing in Stentor coeruleus

Analysis of Translation Initiation During Stress Conditions by Polysome Profiling

Visualization of G3BP Stress Granules Dynamics in Live Primary Cells

An Immunofluorescence Assay to Characterize and Quantify Mammalian Stress Granules