NOD (Non-Obese Diabetic) and NOR (Non-Obese Diabetes Resistant) Mouse Model
This project makes use of fluorescent stains and microscope instruments in order to visualize the structure of mice intestines and bacterial populations within them, specifically:
Mouse Model: The blood glucose levels of NOD and NOR mice were monitored until they reached a diabetic level, or until the study concluded
Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH): Used to visualize bacteria by tagging them with fluorescent DNA probes.
UEA-1 Lectin (Mucus) Fluorescent stain: Used to visualize the intestinal mucus layer(s) and goblet cells: often used in conjunction with FISH
Confocal Microscopy: Used to visualize FISH and mucus stains
ImageJ, Imaris, & BacSpace Software: Quantify bacteria, measure mucus thickness, and map bacteria spatial arrangement