Label‐Free Visualization and Morphological Profiling of Neuronal Differentiation and Axonal Degeneration through Quantitative Phase Imaging

• Published in: Advanced biology 2024-05, Vol.8 (5), p.e2400020-n/a
• Main Authors: Kim, Jeong Hee, Cetinkaya‐Fisgin, Aysel, Zahn, Noah, Sari, Mehmet Can, Hoke, Ahmet, Barman, Ishan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; axon degeneration; Axons - pathology; Cell Differentiation; chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN); dorsal root ganglion (DRG); Ganglia, Spinal - cytology; Ganglia, Spinal - pathology; Humans; label‐free imaging; Mice; Neurons - pathology; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - chemically induced; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - pathology; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - physiopathology; Quantitative Phase Imaging; quantitative phase imaging (QPI)
• ISSN: 2701-0198; 2701-0198
• DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202400020

Understanding the intricate processes of neuronal growth, degeneration, and neurotoxicity is paramount for unraveling nervous system function and holds significant promise in improving patient outcomes, especially in the context of chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). These processes are influenced by a broad range of entwined events facilitated by chemical, electrical, and mechanical signals. The progress of each process is inherently linked to phenotypic changes in cells. Currently, the primary means of demonstrating morphological changes rely on measurements of neurite outgrowth and axon length. However, conventional techniques for monitoring these processes often require extensive preparation to enable manual or semi‐automated measurements. Here, a label‐free and non‐invasive approach is employed for monitoring neuronal differentiation and degeneration using quantitative phase imaging (QPI). Operating on unlabeled specimens and offering little to no phototoxicity and photobleaching, QPI delivers quantitative maps of optical path length delays that provide an objective measure of cellular morphology and dynamics. This approach enables the visualization and quantification of axon length and other physical properties of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neuronal cells, allowing greater understanding of neuronal responses to stimuli simulating CIPN conditions. This research paves new avenues for the development of more effective strategies in the clinical management of neurotoxicity. Quantitative phase imaging is employed to investigate the intricate dynamics of label‐free dorsal root ganglion neuronal cells during neuronal differentiation and degeneration. The morphological changes, including axonal density, volume, dry mass, and length are monitored and quantified, offering a comprehensive interrogation of neuronal responses to growth and neurotoxic stimuli.