Schmitz-Elbers, M.M.Schmitz-ElbersLukinavicius, G.G.LukinaviciusSmit, T.H.T.H.Smit2022-03-062022-03-062021https://publica.fraunhofer.de/handle/publica/27017810.3390/cells10071578Morphogenesis is a continuous process of pattern formation so complex that it requires in vivo monitoring for better understanding. Changes in tissue shape are initiated at the cellular level, where dynamic intracellular F-actin networks determine the shape and motility of cells, influence differentiation and cytokinesis and mediate mechanical signaling. Here, we stain F-actin with the fluorogenic probe SiR-actin for live fluorescence imaging of whole chick embryos. We found that 50 nM SiR-actin in the culture medium is a safe and effective concentration for this purpose, as it provides high labeling density without inducing morphological malformations.en620journal article