Protocol for blastomere injection to generate bilateral hemimosaic Xenopus tadpoles

STAR Protocols 2026 Open access

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Authors: Vanessa J. Li, Philip Kesner, Anne Schohl, David Foubert, Nicholas J. Benfey, Edward S. Ruthazer
DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2026.104387
Cited by: 1
References: 22

Abstract

Here, we present a protocol to generate bilateral hemimosaic Xenopus tadpoles that allows systematic, independent manipulation of pre- and postsynaptic neurons in the tadpole retinotectal projection. We describe the steps to perform in vitro fertilization, followed by blastomere injections for two different manipulations. Specifically, we detail procedures for exogenous gene expression (GCaMP6s) by mRNA microinjection and endogenous gene knockdown (GluN1) with antisense morpholino microinjection. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Kesner et al. 1 and Li et al. 2

Fields of Study & Subjects

Developmental Biology and Gene Regulation Pluripotent Stem Cells Research Retinal Development and Disorders

Publication details

Journal / source
STAR Protocols
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
7
Issue
1
Pages
104387–104387
Publication date
19 February 2026
Language
EN