Best Practices forXenopus tropicalisHusbandry

Abstract

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