Indirect immunofluorescence of proteins in oogenic germ cells of Caenorhabditis elegans

Formation of full-grown oocytes requires the control and coordination of a number of processes (e.g., oocyte growth) through multiple stages, where disruption at any one step can result in infertility. Numerous proteins are required for the regulation and execution of the various oogenic processes as well as functioning as maternal products needed for embryogenesis. Immunofluorescence microscopy combined with staining using antibodies against specific proteins, or their posttranslationally modified forms, is a standard approach to determine the temporal and spatial location of gene products that function in oocyte development. The simple linear organization of the germline in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans allows easy correlation of protein localization and germ cell developmental stage, thus aiding in our understanding of protein function during gametogenesis. Here we outline co-immunofluorescence staining for two major regulators of C. elegans germline development, the translational repressor GLD-1 and activated form of MPK-1 (dpMPK-1) ERK MAP kinase in dissected gonads from adult C. elegans. Worms are first dissected and the extruded gonads are fixed and permeabilized before being bathed in primary antibodies against GLD-1 and dpMPK-1. Secondary antibodies conjugated to fluorophore dyes and that target the IgG domains of the primary antibody reagents are then used to provide a fluorescent signal that corresponds to the position of GLD-1 and dpMPK-1. The outlined procedure is amenable to many other proteins expressed in C. elegans germ cells.