Protocol for visualizing microtubules in transzonal projections of mouse ovarian follicles

Visualizing microtubules within tissues remains technically challenging, limiting our understanding of their organization and function in vivo . Here, we present a protocol for visualizing microtubules in transzonal projections (TZPs), cellular projections that connect ovarian somatic cells and oocytes within mouse ovarian follicles. We describe steps and conditions for ovarian fixation, cryosection preparation, and immunostaining to preserve fine microtubule structures. We then detail procedures for super-resolution imaging to visualize fine microtubules within TZPs. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Aikawa et al. 1 1. Aikawa, A. ∙ Tsurumaki, T. ∙ Kuranaga, E. ... Camsap3-mediated microtubules maintain transzonal projections essential for soma–germ communication during ovarian follicle maturation in mice iScience. 2026; 29 , 115911 Full Text Full Text (PDF)