Best Practices for Xenopus tropicalis Husbandry

Abstract

Xenopus tropicalis has been adopted by laboratories as a developmental genetic system because of its diploid genome and short generation time, contrasting with Xenopus laevis, which is allotetraploid and takes longer to reach sexual maturity. Because X. tropicalis has been introduced more recently to many laboratories, some specific methods more appropriate for handling of eggs and embryos of X. tropicalis are still not widely known to researchers who use X. laevis Here we highlight some recommendations and opportunities possible with this model system that complement existing X. tropicalis procedures. Of particular importance, because of the value of generating genetically modified lines for researchers using X. tropicalis, we describe a procedure for sterilizing embryos, which could be applied to both species of Xenopus, but might be particularly useful for raising genetically modified animals in X. tropicalis This protocol will help ensure that a colony will have a high probability of being free of pathogens known to be serious threats to Xenopus health.