Mouse Tail Skin Wholemount Staining and Intravital Calcium Imaging

The study outlined protocols for wholemount staining and intravital calcium imaging of mouse tail skin, using genetically modified mice to express calcium indicators in hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs). It demonstrated the use of two-photon microscopy to observe calcium signaling in HFSCs, particularly during the catagen-telogen phases of hair follicles. Calcium flashes were observed in plucked hair follicles during the telogen phase, unlike in control follicles. The research addressed challenges such as imaging depth limitations and potential mouse mortality, offering solutions like adjusting anesthesia levels. The study emphasized the importance of experimental consistency and provided detailed procedural steps.