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Neurite Analysis
Overview
Quantifying Neurite Dynamics in Real Time
During development, neurons extend numerous processes that differentiate into dendrites and axons. These processes (termed neurites) are critical for communication between neurons. Characterization of neurite outgrowth, maturation, and the disruption of neurite networks is key to the study of neuropathological disorders (e.g. neurodegeneration), neuronal injury/regeneration and screening for neurotoxicity. However, current techniques used to study those dynamic biological changes are challenging.
With the IncuCyte® Live-Cell Analysis System and IncuCyte® NeuroTrack Software Module (Cat. No. 9600-0010) you can now achieve automated, continuous, non-invasive imaging and measurement of neurite outgrowth with 96-/384-well assays that generate meaningful, kinetic data with visual confirmation of biological changes.
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Key Features and Benefits
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
|
Conduct long-term study (weeks or months) on sensitive cells that are physically undisturbed and in a consistent, physiologically-relevant environment. Avoid damage to delicate neurite structures. |
| Automated image acquisition and analysis enables kinetic measurements in 96-well formats, up to six microplates in parallel | Conduct robust pharmacological analysis or study more variables in less time |
| Purpose-built, guided image analysis workflow measures neurite structures and branch points in high-contrast phase images | Easily quantify neurite outgrowth, label-free |
| Proprietary reagents fluorescently-label neurites without perturbing cell health or morphology | Perform kinetic neurite outgrowth analysis in co-cultures |
| Simple, cell sparing protocols without fixing, staining, or antibody-labeling | Generate more information-rich data using less of your precious samples |
| Complete end-to-end solution including instrument, software and reagents | Reduce time spent troubleshooting and spend more time investigating |
Neurite Analysis Assays
Real-time neurite analysis inside your incubator
IncuCyte® Neurite Analysis Assays enable automated, continuous analysis of neurite outgrowth using your choice of neurons (e.g. primary, iPSC-derived, immortalized neuronal cell lines) in monoculture or in co-culture with astrocytes. Quantify neurite length and branch points in order to evaluate neural network stability over time – all inside your cell culture incubator.
- Screen for neurotoxicity
- Investigate neuroprotective treatments
- Study pathways involved in neurodegeneration
- Measure neuronal differentiation in real time
1. Label-free analysis of neurons in
monoculture
Monitor neurite outgrowth in live neuronal monocultures using IncuCyte NeuroTrack analysis software. Fully automated, long-term label-free analysis.
Human iPSC-derived neurons (iCell Neurons, CDI) in monoculture.
2. Fluorescence analysis of neurons in co-culture with astrocytes
Measure changes in neurite length and branch points in mixed cultures of neurons and astrocytes using fluorescent neuronal labelling reagents and IncuCyte analysis software.
Primary rat forebrain neurons labeled with the IncuCyte® NeuroLight Orange reagent in co-culture with rat astrocytes.
Key Advantages
Key Advantages of IncuCyte Neurite Analysis
Gain dynamic, relevant insight
Visualize and quantify neurite outgrowth and disruption in real time from living cultures over days/weeks
Maximize your neuroscience research
Automatically generate time courses and reveal concentration dependent responses in 96- or 384-well plates
Create relevant models of neurodegeneration and neurotoxicity
Make continuous measurements in relevant neuronal cell models
Protect your cells
Real-time live cell protocols, no fixing, no staining, no antibody labeling
Gain dynamic, relevant insight
Visualize and quantify long-term changes in neurite outgrowth and disruption in real time in label-free monocultures or use IncuCyte® NeuroLight reagents or NeuroPrime Cell Kits for selective analysis of neurite dynamics in co-cultures.
Figure 1. Continuous measures of neurite dynamics. IncuCyte NeuroTrack analysis software automatically analyzes images to provide measures of neurite length, branch points and neuronal cell body clusters.
Maximize your neuroscience research
Our turnkey solution enables automatic generation of time courses to reveal concentration-dependent responses with IncuCyte NeuroTrack’s unbiased, automated analysis in 96- or 384-well plates.
Figure 2. Measure treatment effects automatically and non-invasively. IncuCyte neurite analysis assays allow every well of a 96- or 384-well plate to be imaged and analyzed automatically to provide a microplate readout of neurite dynamics over time (A). Time-courses reveal concentration-dependent treatment effects (B). Transform data into concentration-response curves to compare pharmacology (C).
Use your in vitro Model of Choice neurodegeneration and neurotoxicity
Make continuous measurements in relevant neuronal models in highly flexible, robust and reproducible assay formats suitable for screening and profiling. IncuCyte assays and reagents are compatible with iPSC-derived or primary cells, in mono- or co-culture.
Figure 3. Create relevant in vitro models of neurodegeneration and neurotoxicity — screen for neuroprotective treatments. Concentration dependent neurotoxic effects of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) measured in human iPSC-derived dopaminergic neurons (Dopa.4U, Axiogenesis) in a functional model of Parkinson’s disease. Treatment with bone derived neural factor (BDNF) promotes neurite formation but provided little or no protection against the effects of 6-OHDA.
Protect your cells
Real- time live cell protocols for continuous measurements of neuronal networks in monocultures or co-cultures using IncuCyte NeuroLight Lentiviral labeling reagents – no fixing, washing or labeling steps!
Neuronal monocultures—label-free protocol overview
Neuronal co-cultures—fluorescence protocol overview
Request more information VIEW INCUCYTE® Neurite Analysis PUBLICATIONS
Download the Neuroscience Publication Review
Learn how IncuCyte live-cell analysis has been used by researchers around the world to drive neuroscience discovery.
Ordering Info
Ordering Information
| Application | Description | Cat. No. |
|---|---|---|
| Neurite Dynamics | ||
| IncuCyte® NeuroTrack Software Module | Enables microplate analysis of neurite dynamics with or without labels | 9600-0010 |
| IncuCyte® NeuroLight Orange Lentivirus | Live-cell neuronal labeling reagent for long-term expression of an orange fluorescent protein | 4808 |
| IncuCyte® NeuroLight Red Lentivirus | Live-cell neuronal labeling reagent for long-term expression of a red fluorescent protein | 4807 |
| IncuCyte® NeuroPrime Orange Kit |
Kit includes:
|
4760 |
| IncuCyte® NeuroPrime Red Kit |
Kit includes:
|
4585 |
| IncuCyte® rCortical Neurons | 2 x 106 cells/vial | 4753 |
| IncuCyte® rAstrocytes | 2 x 106 cells/vial | 4586 |
| Neuronal Cell Health | ||
| IncuCyte® Annexin V Green Reagent | One vial of lyophilized reagent sufficient for 100-200 live-cell apoptosis tests in 96-well format | 4642 |
| IncuCyte® Annexin V Orange Reagent | One vial of lyophilized reagent sufficient for 100-200 live-cell apoptosis tests in 96-well format | 4759 |
| IncuCyte® Annexin V Red Reagent | One vial of lyophilized reagent sufficient for 100-200 live-cell apoptosis tests in 96-well format | 4641 |
| IncuCyte® Annexin V NIR Reagent | One vial of lyophilized reagent sufficient for 100-200 live-cell apoptosis tests in 96-well format | 4768 |
Tech Resources
Technical Resources
Protocols and Product Data Sheets
- IncuCyte® NeuroLight Orange Lentivirus—Synapsin Promoter Product Data Sheet
- Label-free Neurite Analysis Protocol
- Fluorescence Neurite Analysis Protocol
- IncuCyte® NeuroPrime Kit Product Guide