Three-dimensional behavioural phenotyping of freely moving C. elegans using quantitative light field microscopy

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200108
• Publication Date: 2018-07-11T17:51:14Z
• Authors: Michael Shaw; Haoyun Zhan; Muna Elmi; Vijay Pawar; Clara Essmann; Mandayam A. Srini...
• Keywords: Model Organism

Behavioural phenotyping of model organisms is widely used to investigate fundamental aspects organism biology, from the functioning nervous system effects genetic mutations, as well for screening new drug compounds. However, our capacity observe and quantify full range complexity behavioural responses limited by inability conventional microscopy techniques capture volumetric image information at sufficient speed. In this article we describe how combining light field with computational depth estimation provides a method fast, quantitative assessment 3D posture movement Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). We apply technique compare behaviour cuticle collagen mutants, finding significant differences in locomotion. demonstrate ability provide insights into C. locomotion analysing postural modes freely swimming worm. Finally, consider relative merits its broader application phenotypic imaging other bioimaging applications.