Damos las gracias a Harald Hess y Eric Betzig para acceder al microscopio PALM para experimentos de prueba de principio, Richard Fetter para compartir protocolos de fijación, reactivos y estímulo. Damos las gracias a Michael Davidson, Seydoux Geraldine, Eimer Stefan, Leube Rudolf, Nehrke Keith, Christian Frøkjr-Jensen, Aude Ada Nguema y Hammarlund Marc construcciones de ADN. También agradecemos a Carl Zeiss Inc para proporcionar acceso a la Zeiss PAL-M, una versión beta del microscopio Zeiss ELYRA P.1 PALM.

<ol>
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La producción y el libre acceso a este artículo es patrocinado por Carl Zeiss, Inc.

Aquí se describe cómo preservar las proteínas fluorescentes en plástico, localizar las proteínas fluorescentes en secciones, y la imagen de la ultraestructura con microscopía electrónica. Las proteínas se localizan por debajo del límite de difracción mediante microscopía PALM la resolución nanométrica. Para adaptar este protocolo a particular, los modelos, los parámetros siguientes deben ser considerados: fluoróforo, la cuantificación, y la alineación. La elección de la proteína fluorescente o fluoróforo orgánico depende de la aplicación y del sistema modelo. Hemos probado una variedad de proteínas fluorescentes, entre ellos EGFP, YFP, Citrino, mEosFP, mEos2, tdEos, Morange, PA mCherry, y Dendra 12. La preservación de la fluorescencia de cada fluoróforo fue similar, lo que sugiere que todas las proteínas fluorescentes se pueden conservar usando el método descrito. Elegimos tdEos porque expresaba bien en C. elegans, las proteínas siguen funcionando cuando se fusionó con tdEos, y debido a suactivación foto-características fueron óptimas para la microscopía de PALM. Sin embargo, la expresión de agregación o no de tdEos se ha observado en ocasiones 12. Dependiendo de la aplicación, un fluoróforo diferente puede ser más adecuado. En muchos casos, no es necesario el uso de una proteína fluorescente foto-activado. Microscopía de fluorescencia simple correlativo de electrones no requiere foto-activated proteína fluorescente. GFP o colorantes orgánicos se pueden utilizar para fluorescencia imagen de proteínas etiquetadas en secciones por encima del límite de difracción. Por ejemplo, uno puede imaginar un axón en un neuropil mediante microscopía de fluorescencia y correlacionar la señal de fluorescencia con un axón particular en una micrografía electrónica de imágenes de la fluorescencia en un microscopio de fluorescencia. Otras técnicas de super-resolución, como la microscopía de emisión estimulada agotamiento (STED) 12, estado fundamental microscopía agotamiento seguido por el retorno molécula individual (GSDIM) 13, ymicroscopía de iluminación estructurada (SIM) 14, no requieren foto proteínas activadas fluorescentes. Además, super-resolución de las técnicas de imagen que utilizan tintes orgánicos 9,15,16 o la propiedad intrínseca de sondas fluorescentes 17 son fácilmente aplicables. En PALM, el número de moléculas puede cuantificarse porque la fluorescencia de cada molécula se separa espacialmente y temporalmente. Sin embargo, la cuantificación puede ser engañosa por cuatro razones: la oxidación, la subestimación, overcounting y sobreexpresión. En primer lugar, una fracción de las proteínas fluorescentes se pueden desnaturalizar o se oxida durante el procesamiento de la muestra 5,12. Aunque ~ 90% de la señal de fluorescencia fue preservada a través de fijación e inclusión en el protocolo, la oxidación de la proteína fluorescente puede ocurrir después de la muestra ha sido seccionado y la superficie expuesta al oxígeno. En segundo lugar, la activación del foto-activables proteínas es estocástico, y por lo tanto pueden ser múltiples moléculasactivado en un determinado punto de difracción limitada 8. La fluorescencia de las moléculas de múltiples aparecerá como un punto, y por lo tanto el número total de proteínas se subcontados ser. En tercer lugar, un problema similar puede conducir a overcounting. En PALM, cada proteína fluorescente es localizado y luego &quot;borrados&quot; por blanqueo. Sin embargo, las proteínas fluorescentes pueden volver desde el estado oscuro sin ser permanentemente decolorado 18. Dichas moléculas entonces se cuenta múltiples veces. En cuarto lugar, las proteínas etiquetadas se expresan como transgenes y están a menudo presentes en múltiples copias, que pueden conducir a la sobreexpresión. Por lo tanto, la cuantificación de la palma se pueden utilizar para estimar, pero no determinar con precisión el número de moléculas en un lugar determinado. La alineación de una imagen de la palma con una micrografía electrónica también puede ser un reto, debido a la diferencia de resolución en la microscopía de luz y electrónica y la distorsión causada por el haz de electrones. Las partículas de oro servir como fuertemente loctrializados marcadores de referencia en micrografías electrónicas. Sin embargo, fluoresecence de partículas de oro no es foto-activado, y aparece como una gran mancha de difracción limitada. Por lo tanto, la colocación de una imagen de fluorescencia sobre una micrografía electrónica es una estimación. Distorsiones pueden deberse también a las interacciones de los electrones con la sección de plástico. Resinas acrílicas tales como GMA son menos estables bajo el haz de electrones, y las dimensiones del plástico puede ser alterado. Bajo estas circunstancias, la alineación de la fluorescencia con ultraestructura puede requerir de transformación no lineal de los marcadores de referencia.

<table border="1"><tbody><tr><td> Nombre del reactivo o equipo </td><td> Empresa </td><td> El número de catálogo </td><td> Comentarios </td></tr><tr><td> De alta presión congelador </td><td> ABRA </td><td> HPM 010 </td><td> EMPACT y HPM 100 de Leica o HPF 01-de Wohlwend también se puede utilizar. </td></tr><tr><td> Congelación automatizado unidad sustitución </td><td> Leica </td><td> AFS 2 </td><td> AFS 1 también se puede utilizar. </td></tr><tr><td> Zeiss PALM </td><td> Zeiss </td><td> ELYRA P.1 </td><td> Nikon y Vutara también venden microscopios comerciales de palma. </td></tr><tr><td> Microscopio electrónico de barrido </td><td> FEI </td><td> Nova nano </td><td> Otros de alta resolución de los microscopios SEM se puede utilizar. </td></tr><tr><td> Acetona </td><td> EMS </td><td> RT10016 </td><td></td></tr><tr><td> Etanol </td><td> Sigma-Aldrich </td><td> 459844-1L </td><td></td></tr><tr><td> Osmio tetroxide </td><td> EMS </td><td> RT19134 </td><td></td></tr><tr><td> El permanganato de potasio </td><td> EMS </td><td> RT20200 </td><td></td></tr><tr><td> Albúmina de suero bovino </td><td> Sigma-Aldrich </td><td> A3059-50G </td><td></td></tr><tr><td> Acetato de uranilo </td><td> Polysciences </td><td> 21447-25 </td><td> pH de acetato de uranilo de esta empresa es ligeramente superior. </td></tr><tr><td> El glicol metacrilato (GMA) </td><td> SPI </td><td> 02630-AA </td><td> Ácido bajo, grado TEM. </td></tr><tr><td> N, N-dimetil-p-toluidina </td><td> Sigma-Aldrich </td><td> D9912 </td><td></td></tr><tr><td> Cryo viales </td><td> Nalgene </td><td> 5000-0020 </td><td></td></tr><tr><td> Vidrio viales </td><td> EMS </td><td> 72632 </td><td></td></tr><tr><td> Aclar película </td><td> EMS </td><td> 50425-10 </td><td></td></tr><tr><td> BEEM cápsula </td><td> EBSciences </td><td> TC </td><td> Polipropileno </td></tr><tr><td> 3/8 &quot;DISCO golpes </td><td> Ted Pella </td><td> 54741 </td><td></td></tr><tr><td> Las nanopartículas de oro </td><td> microesferas-nanospheres.com </td><td> 790122-010 </td><td> Solicitar solución concentrada 2x </td></tr></tbody></table>

nano-fem: protein localization using photo-activated localization microscopy and electron microscopy

Mapeo de la distribución de las proteínas es esencial para la comprensión de la función de las proteínas en una célula. Microscopía de fluorescencia se utiliza ampliamente para la localización de proteínas, pero contexto subcelular es a menudo ausente en las imágenes de fluorescencia. Immuno-microscopía electrónica, por otro lado, puede localizar proteínas, pero la técnica está limitada por la falta de anticuerpos compatibles, pobre preservación de la morfología y porque la mayoría de los antígenos no están expuestos a la superficie de la muestra. Enfoques correlativos puede adquirir la imagen de fluorescencia de una célula entera primero, ya sea de inmuno-fluorescencia o proteínas genéticamente marcadas. La muestra es luego fijado e incluido para microscopía electrónica, y las imágenes se correlaciona 1-3. Sin embargo, la imagen de fluorescencia de baja resolución y la falta de marcadores de referencia excluye la localización precisa de las proteínas. Alternativamente, imágenes de fluorescencia se puede hacer después de la preservación de la muestra en plástico. Eneste enfoque, el bloque es seccionado, y las imágenes de fluorescencia y las micrografías de electrones de la misma sección se correlacionan 4-7. Sin embargo, el límite de difracción de la luz en la imagen correlacionada oscurece las ubicaciones de las moléculas individuales, y la fluorescencia a menudo se extiende más allá del límite de la célula. Nano-resolución fluorescencia microscopía electrónica (nano-FEM) está diseñado para localizar proteínas en nano-escala por las mismas secciones de imágenes usando Photo activado por microscopía de localización (PALM) y microscopía electrónica. PALM supera el límite de difracción por formación de imágenes fluorescentes de proteínas individuales y, posteriormente, el mapeo de la centroide de cada 8-10 mancha fluorescente. Planteamos la técnica de nano-FEM en cinco pasos. En primer lugar, la muestra se fija y encajada, usando condiciones que preservan la fluorescencia de las proteínas etiquetadas. En segundo lugar, los bloques de resina son seccionaron en segmentos ultrafinas (70-80 nm) que están montadosen una cubierta de vidrio. En tercer lugar, se crea una imagen de fluorescencia en estas secciones usando un microscopio Zeiss PALM. En cuarto lugar, estructuras densas de electrones se visualizan en estas mismas secciones utilizando un microscopio electrónico de barrido. En quinto lugar, las micrografías de fluorescencia y de electrones se alinean usando partículas de oro como marcadores fiduciales. En resumen, la localización subcelular de las proteínas etiquetadas fluorescentemente se puede determinar en resolución nanométrica en aproximadamente una semana.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Nano-fEM: Protein Localization Using Photo-activated Localization Microscopy and Electron Microscopy at JoVE.com

Nano-fEM: Protein Localization Using Photo-activated Localization Microscopy and Electron Microscopy

Se describe un método para localizar proteínas etiquetadas fluorescentemente en micrografías electrónicas. La fluorescencia se localiza primero mediante foto-activado microscopía de localización en secciones ultrafinas. Estas imágenes se alinean entonces a micrografías electrónicas de la misma sección.

Nano-FEM: Proteína localización usando la foto activada por microscopía de localización y Microscopía Electrónica

Mapping the distribution of proteins is essential for understanding the function of proteins in a cell. Fluorescence microscopy is extensively used for ...

nano-fem-protein-localization-using-photo-activated-localization

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

15.9K vistas.  University of Utah. Se describe un método para localizar proteínas etiquetadas fluorescentemente en micrografías electrónicas. La fluorescencia se localiza primero mediante foto-activado microscopía de localización en secciones ultrafinas. Estas imágenes se alinean entonces a micrografías electrónicas de la misma sección.

Video: Nano-fEM: Protein Localization Using Photo-activated Localization Microscopy and Electron Microscopy

Simultaneous Multicolor Imaging of Biological Structures with Fluorescence Photoactivation Localization Microscopy

Localization-based super resolution microscopy can be applied to obtain a spatial map (image) of the distribution of individual fluorescently labeled single molecules within a sample with a spatial resolution of tens of nanometers. Using either photoactivatable (PAFP) or&#160;photoswitchable (PSFP) fluorescent proteins fused to proteins of interest, or organic dyes conjugated to antibodies or other molecules of interest, fluorescence photoactivation localization microscopy (FPALM) can simultaneously image multiple species of molecules within single cells. By using the following approach, populations of large numbers (thousands to hundreds of thousands) of individual molecules are imaged in single cells and localized with a precision of ~10-30 nm. Data obtained can be applied to understanding the nanoscale spatial distributions of multiple protein types within a cell. One primary advantage of this technique is the dramatic increase in spatial resolution: while diffraction limits resolution to ~200-250 nm in conventional light microscopy, FPALM can image length scales more than an order of magnitude smaller. As many biological hypotheses concern the spatial relationships among different biomolecules, the improved resolution of FPALM can provide insight into questions of cellular organization which have previously been inaccessible to conventional fluorescence microscopy. In addition to detailing the methods for sample preparation and data acquisition, we here describe the optical setup for FPALM. One additional consideration for researchers wishing to do super-resolution microscopy is cost: in-house setups are significantly cheaper than most commercially available imaging machines. Limitations of this technique include the need for optimizing the labeling of molecules of interest within cell samples, and the need for post-processing software to visualize results. We here describe the use of PAFP and PSFP expression to image two protein species in fixed cells. Extension of the technique to living cells is also described.

We demonstrate the use of fluorescence photo activation localization microscopy (FPALM) to simultaneously image multiple types of fluorescently labeled molecules&#160;within cells. The techniques described yield the localization of thousands to hundreds of thousands of individual fluorescent labeled proteins, with a precision of tens of nanometers&#160;within single cells.

Localization-based super resolution microscopy can be applied to obtain a spatial map (image) of the distribution of individual fluorescently labeled ...

Investigación

Biología

Quantitation of Protein Expression and Co-localization Using Multiplexed Immuno-histochemical Staining and Multispectral Imaging

Immunohistochemistry is a commonly used clinical and research lab detection technique for investigating protein expression and localization within tissues. Many semi-quantitative systems have been developed for scoring expression using immunohistochemistry, but inherent subjectivity limits reproducibility and accuracy of results. Furthermore, the investigation of spatially overlapping biomarkers such as nuclear transcription factors is difficult with current immunohistochemistry techniques. We have developed and optimized a system for simultaneous investigation of multiple proteins using high throughput methods of multiplexed immunohistochemistry and multispectral imaging. Multiplexed immunohistochemistry is performed by sequential application of primary antibodies with secondary antibodies conjugated to horseradish peroxidase or alkaline phosphatase. Different chromogens are used to detect each protein of interest. Stained slides are loaded into an automated slide scanner and a protocol is created for automated image acquisition. A spectral library is created by staining a set of slides with a single chromogen on each. A subset of representative stained images are imported into multispectral imaging software and an algorithm for distinguishing tissue type is created by defining tissue compartments on images. Subcellular compartments are segmented by using hematoxylin counterstain and adjusting the intrinsic algorithm. Thresholding is applied to determine positivity and protein co-localization. The final algorithm is then applied to the entire set of tissues. Resulting data allows the user to evaluate protein expression based on tissue type (ex. epithelia vs. stroma) and subcellular compartment (nucleus vs. cytoplasm vs. plasma membrane). Co-localization analysis allows for investigation of double-positive, double-negative, and single-positive cell types. Combining multispectral imaging with multiplexed immunohistochemistry and automated image acquisition is an objective, high-throughput method for investigation of biomarkers within tissues.

Immunohistochemistry is a powerful lab technique for evaluating protein localization and expression within tissues. Current semi-automated methods for quantitation introduce subjectivity and often create irreproducible results. Herein, we describe methods for multiplexed immunohistochemistry and objective quantitation of protein expression and co-localization using multispectral imaging.

La cuantificación de la expresión de la proteína y Co-localización Uso de multiplexado inmunohistoquímica y tinción de imágenes multiespectrales

Immunohistochemistry is a commonly used clinical and research lab detection technique for investigating protein expression and localization within ...

Three-dimensional Super Resolution Microscopy of F-actin Filaments by Interferometric PhotoActivated Localization Microscopy (iPALM)

Fluorescence microscopy enables direct visualization of specific biomolecules within cells. However, for conventional fluorescence microscopy, the spatial resolution is restricted by diffraction to ~ 200 nm within the image plane and &#62; 500 nm along the optical axis. As a result, fluorescence microscopy has long been severely limited in the observation of ultrastructural features within cells. The recent development of super resolution microscopy methods has overcome this limitation. In particular, the advent of photoswitchable fluorophores enables localization-based super resolution microscopy, which provides resolving power approaching the molecular-length scale. Here, we describe the application of a three-dimensional super resolution microscopy method based on single-molecule localization microscopy and multiphase interferometry, called interferometric PhotoActivated Localization Microscopy (iPALM). This method provides nearly isotropic resolution on the order of 20 nm in all three dimensions. Protocols for visualizing the filamentous actin cytoskeleton, including specimen preparation and operation of the iPALM instrument, are described here. These protocols are also readily adaptable and instructive for the study of other ultrastructural features in cells.

Three-dimensional Super Resolution Microscopy of F-actin Filaments by Interferometric PhotoActivated Localization Microscopy iPALM

We present a protocol for the application of interferometric PhotoActivated Localization Microscopy (iPALM), a 3-dimensional single-molecule localization super resolution microscopy method, to the imaging of the actin cytoskeleton in adherent mammalian cells. This approach allows light-based visualization of nanoscale structural features that would otherwise remain unresolved by conventional diffraction-limited optical microscopy.

Tridimensional súper resolución Microscopía de filamentos de actina F por interferométrica photoactivated localización de Microscopía (iPalm)

Fluorescence microscopy enables direct visualization of specific biomolecules within cells. However, for conventional fluorescence microscopy, the spatial ...

Multi-color Localization Microscopy of Single Membrane Proteins in Organelles of Live Mammalian Cells

Knowledge about the localization of proteins in cellular subcompartments is crucial to understand their specific function. Here, we present a super-resolution technique that allows for the determination of the microcompartments that are accessible for proteins by generating localization and tracking maps of these proteins. Moreover, by multi-color localization microscopy, the localization and tracking profiles of proteins in different subcompartments are obtained simultaneously. The technique is specific for live cells and is based on the repetitive imaging of single mobile membrane proteins. Proteins of interest are genetically fused with specific, so-called self-labeling tags. These tags are enzymes that react with a substrate in a covalent manner. Conjugated to these substrates are fluorescent dyes. Reaction of the enzyme-tagged proteins with the fluorescence labeled substrates results in labeled proteins. Here, Tetramethylrhodamine (TMR) and Silicon Rhodamine (SiR) are used as fluorescent dyes attached to the substrates of the enzymes. By using substrate concentrations in the pM to nM range, sub-stoichiometric labeling is achieved that results in distinct signals. These signals are localized with ~15&#8211;27 nm precision. The technique allows for multi-color imaging of single molecules, whereby the number of colors is limited by the available membrane-permeable dyes and the repertoire of self-labeling enzymes. We show the feasibility of the technique by determining the localization of the quality control enzyme (Pten)-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) in different mitochondrial compartments during its processing in relation to other membrane proteins. The test for true physical interactions between differently labeled single proteins by single molecule FRET or co-tracking is restricted, though, because the low labeling degrees decrease the probability for having two adjacent proteins labeled at the same time. While the technique is strong for imaging proteins in membrane compartments, in most cases it is not appropriate to determine the localization of highly mobile soluble proteins.

Here, we present a protocol for multi-color localization of single membrane proteins in organelles of live cells. To attach fluorophores, self-labeling proteins are used. Proteins, located in different membranes compartments of the same organelle, can be localized with a precision of ~18 nm.

Microscopía de localización de varios colores solo de proteínas de membrana en organelos de células mamíferas vivas

Knowledge about the localization of proteins in cellular subcompartments is crucial to understand their specific function. Here, we present a ...

Biological Sample Preparation by High-pressure Freezing, Microwave-assisted Contrast Enhancement, and Minimal Resin Embedding for Volume Imaging

The described sample preparation technique is designed to combine the best quality of ultrastructural preservation with the most suitable contrast for the imaging modality in a focused ion beam scanning electron microscope (FIB-SEM), which is used to obtain stacks of sequential images for 3D reconstruction and modelling. High-pressure freezing (HPF) allows close to native structural preservation, but the subsequent freeze substitution often does not provide sufficient contrast, especially for a bigger specimen, which is needed for high-quality imaging in the SEM required for 3D reconstruction. Therefore, in this protocol, after the freeze substitution, additional contrasting steps are carried out at room temperature. Although these steps are performed in a microwave, it is also possible to follow traditional bench processing, which requires longer incubation times.The subsequent embedding in minimal amounts of resin allows for faster and more precise targeting and preparation inside the FIB-SEM. This protocol is especially useful for samples that require preparation by high-pressure freezing for a reliable ultrastructural preservation but do not gain enough contrast during the freeze substitution for volume imaging using FIB-SEM. In combination with the minimal resin embedding, this protocol provides an efficient workflow for the acquisition of high-quality volume data.

Here we present a protocol for combining two sample processing techniques, high-pressure freezing and microwave-assisted sample processing, followed by minimal resin embedding for acquiring data with a focused ion beam scanning electron microscope (FIB-SEM). This is demonstrated using a mouse tibial nerve sample and Caenorhabditis elegans.

Preparación de muestras biológicas por congelación de alta presión, realce del contraste asistida por microondas y mínima inclusión de proyección de imagen de volumen

The described sample preparation technique is designed to combine the best quality of ultrastructural preservation with the most suitable contrast for the ...

Visualizing Lymph Node Structure and Cellular Localization using Ex-Vivo Confocal Microscopy

Lymph nodes (LNs) are organs spread within the body, where the innate immune responses can connect with the adaptive immunity. In fact, LNs are strategically interposed in the path of the lymphatic vessels, allowing intimate contact of tissue antigens with all resident immune cells in the LN. Thus, understanding the cellular composition, distribution, location and interaction using ex vivo whole LN imaging will add to the knowledge on how the body coordinates local and systemic immune responses. This protocol shows an ex vivo imaging strategy following an in vivo administration of fluorescent-labeled antibodies that allows a very reproducible and easy-to-perform methodology by using conventional confocal microscopes and stock reagents. Through subcutaneous injection of antibodies, it is possible to label different cell populations in draining LNs without affecting tissue structures that can be potentially damaged by a conventional immunofluorescence microscopy technique.

This protocol describes a technique to image different cell populations in draining lymph nodes without alterations in the organ structure.

Visualización de la estructura de los ganglios linfáticos y la localización celular mediante la microscopía confocal Ex-Vivo

Lymph nodes (LNs) are organs spread within the body, where the innate immune responses can connect with the adaptive immunity. In fact, LNs are ...

The CryoAPEX Method for Electron Microscopy Analysis of Membrane Protein Localization Within Ultrastructurally-Preserved Cells

Key cellular events like signal transduction and membrane trafficking rely on proper protein location within cellular compartments. Understanding precise subcellular localization of proteins is thus important for answering many biological questions. The quest for a robust label to identify protein localization combined with adequate cellular preservation and staining has been historically challenging. Recent advances in electron microscopy (EM) imaging have led to the development of many methods and strategies to increase cellular preservation and label target proteins. A relatively new peroxidase-based genetic tag, APEX2, is a promising leader in cloneable EM-active tags. Sample preparation for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has also advanced in recent years with the advent of cryofixation by high pressure freezing (HPF) and low-temperature dehydration and staining via freeze substitution (FS). HPF and FS provide excellent preservation of cellular ultrastructure for TEM imaging, second only to direct cryo-imaging of vitreous samples. Here we present a protocol for the cryoAPEX method, which combines the use of the APEX2 tag with HPF and FS. In this protocol, a protein of interest is tagged with APEX2, followed by chemical fixation and the peroxidase reaction. In place of traditional staining and alcohol dehydration at room temperature, the sample is cryofixed and undergoes dehydration and staining at low temperature via FS. Using cryoAPEX, not only can a protein of interest be identified within subcellular compartments, but also additional information can be resolved with respect to its topology within a structurally preserved membrane. We show that this method can provide high enough resolution to decipher protein distribution patterns within an organelle lumen, and to distinguish the compartmentalization of a protein within one organelle in close proximity to other unlabeled organelles. Further, cryoAPEX is procedurally straightforward and amenable to cells grown in tissue culture. It is no more technically challenging than typical cryofixation and freeze substitution methods. CryoAPEX is widely applicable for TEM analysis of any membrane protein that can be genetically tagged.

This protocol describes the cryoAPEX method, in which an APEX2-tagged membrane protein can be localized by transmission electron microscopy within optimally-preserved cell ultrastructure.

El método CryoAPEX para el análisis de microscopía electrónica de la localización de proteínas de membrana dentro de células ultraestructuralmente conservadas

Key cellular events like signal transduction and membrane trafficking rely on proper protein location within cellular compartments. Understanding precise ...

Analyzing the &alpha;-Actinin Network in Human iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes Using Single Molecule Localization Microscopy

The maturation of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes is a critical issue for their application in regenerative therapy, drug testing and disease modeling. Despite the development of multiple differentiation protocols, the generation of iPSC cardiomyocytes resembling an adult-like phenotype remains challenging. One major aspect of cardiomyocytes maturation involves the formation of a well-organized sarcomere network to ensure high contraction capacity. Here, we present a super resolution-based approach for semi-quantitative analysis of the &#945;-actinin network in cardiomyocytes. Using photoactivated localization microscopy a comparison of sarcomere length and z-disc thickness of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes and cardiac cells isolated from neonatal tissue was performed. At the same time, we demonstrate the importance of proper imaging conditions to obtain reliable data. Our results show that this method is suitable to quantitatively monitor the structural maturity of cardiac cells with high spatial resolution, enabling the detection of even subtle changes of sarcomere organization.

Analyzing the &amp;#945;-Actinin Network in Human iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes Using Single Molecule Localization Microscopy

The formation of a proper sarcomere network is important for the maturation of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes. We present a super resolution-based approach that allows for the quantitative evaluation of the structural maturation of stem cell derived cardiomyocytes, to improve culture conditions promoting cardiac development.

Análisis de la red α-Actinin en cardiomiocitos humanos derivados de iPSC mediante microscopía de localización de molécula única

The maturation of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes is a critical issue for their application in regenerative therapy, drug testing and disease modeling. ...

Cryo-Electron Microscopic Grid Preparation for Time-Resolved Studies using a Novel Robotic System, Spotiton

The capture of short-lived molecular states triggered by the early encounter of two or more interacting particles continues to be an experimental challenge of great interest to the field of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). A few methodological strategies have been developed that support these &#34;time-resolved&#34; studies, one of which, Spotiton-a novel robotic system-combines the dispensing of picoliter-sized sample droplets with precise temporal and spatial control. The time-resolved Spotiton workflow offers a uniquely efficient approach to interrogate early structural rearrangements from minimal sample volume. Fired from independently controlled piezoelectric dispensers, two samples land and rapidly mix on a nanowire EM grid as it plunges toward the cryogen. Potentially hundreds of grids can be prepared in rapid succession from only a few microliters of a sample. Here, a detailed step-by-step protocol of the operation of the Spotiton system is presented with a focus on troubleshooting specific problems that arise during grid preparation.

The protocol presented here describes the use of Spotiton, a novel robotic system, to deliver two samples of interest onto a self-wicking, nanowire grid that mix for a minimum of 90 ms prior to vitrification in liquid cryogen.

Preparación de la rejilla microscópica crio-electrónica para estudios resueltos en el tiempo utilizando un nuevo sistema robótico, Spotiton

The capture of short-lived molecular states triggered by the early encounter of two or more interacting particles continues to be an experimental ...

Strategies for Optimization of Cryogenic Electron Tomography Data Acquisition

Cryogenic electron tomography (cryoET) is a powerful method to study the 3D structure of biological samples in a close-to-native state. Current state-of-the-art cryoET combined with subtomogram averaging analysis enables the high-resolution structural determination of macromolecular complexes that are present in multiple copies within tomographic reconstructions. Tomographic experiments usually require a vast amount of tilt series to be acquired by means of high-end transmission electron microscopes with important operational running-costs. Although the throughput and reliability of automated data acquisition routines have constantly improved over the recent years, the process of selecting regions of interest at which a tilt series will be acquired cannot be easily automated and it still relies on the user's manual input. Therefore, the set-up of a large-scale data collection session is a time-consuming procedure that can considerably reduce the remaining microscope time available for tilt series acquisition. Here, the protocol describes the recently developed implementations based on the SerialEM package and the PyEM software that significantly improve the time-efficiency of grid screening and large-scale tilt series data collection. The presented protocol illustrates how to use SerialEM scripting functionalities to fully automate grid mapping, grid square mapping, and tilt series acquisition. Furthermore, the protocol describes how to use PyEM to select additional acquisition targets in off-line mode after automated data collection is initiated. To illustrate this protocol, its application in the context of high-end data collection of Sars-Cov-2 tilt series is described. The presented pipeline is particularly suited to maximizing the time-efficiency of tomography experiments that require a careful selection of acquisition targets and at the same time a large amount of tilt series to be collected.

The increasing demand for large-scale data collection in cryogenic electron tomography requires high-throughput image acquisition routines. Described here is a protocol that implements the recent developments of advanced acquisition strategies aimed at maximizing the time-efficiency and throughput of tomographic data collection.