Protocol for whole-brain immunolabeling, clearing, and light-sheet imaging of C-FOS in the pigeon

Balay, Spencer D.; Nordmann, Gregory C.; Nimpf, Simon; Malkemper, E. Pascal; Landler, Lukas; Keays, David A. (2026): Protocol for whole-brain immunolabeling, clearing, and light-sheet imaging of C-FOS in the pigeon. STAR Protocols, 7 (2): 104462. ISSN 26661667

Abstract

Highlights
• Optimized whole-brain clearing protocol for avian brain tissue
• Techniques for utilizing the neuronal activity marker C-FOS after sensory stimulation
• Steps for light-sheet imaging and visualization of C-FOS in the whole pigeon brain

Summary

Advancements in tissue clearing and light sheet microscopy have provided new ways to study neural circuits dedicated to sensory processing in a diverse range of animal species. Here, we present a modified iDISCO+ protocol for whole-brain immunolabeling with the neural activity marker C-FOS in the pigeon brain. We describe steps for whole-brain pre-processing, bleaching, and immunostaining. We then detail procedures for obtaining ultramicroscopic light-sheet images in cleared pigeon brains.

• Dokumententyp: Artikel (LMU)
• Organisationseinheit (Fakultäten): 19 Biologie
• DFG-Fachsystematik der Wissenschaftsbereiche: Naturwissenschaften
• DFG: Gefördert durch die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - 491502892