Part of this work was supported by NIH grant HL090630 (ISK).

1. Preparation steps for the peel-blot technique
NOTE: Preparation requires for the following items to be placed adjacent to each other.
<ol>
	<li>Stack two pieces of 20-25 &#181;m pore size filter paper (see Table of Materials).</li>
	<li>Place an ~8 cm x 10 cm long paraffin film adjacent to the filter paper with the paper facing up.</li>
	<li>Place a piece of submicron filter paper on top of two additional pieces of #4 filter paper (Figure 1-1).</li>
	<li>Position the anti-capillary forceps with the bent leg facing up and the straight leg facing down. Then, select a 600-mesh grid with the smooth/shiny side up. Place the forceps on a Petri dish or other raised surface to avoid contact of the clean grid with other items.</li>
	<li>Remove the paper from the paraffin film and pull the sides (~5 mm) to create a small rim. Pipette two 150 &#181;L drops of 4% trehalose solution ~1-2 cm from one short side of the paraffin film and ~1 cm apart on the paraffin film.</li>
	<li>On a separate bench or on the floor, pour liquid nitrogen in a small polystyrene foam container (see Table of Materials). 
	CAUTION: Receive training for proper handling using gloves and a face shield in order to avoid frost bite.</li>
	<li>Place a small cryo-EM grid container in the liquid nitrogen and cover the polystyrene foam container with lint-free wipes.</li>
</ol>
2. Placing the carbon film onto the grid
<ol>
	<li>Use Dumont #5 forceps (see Table of Materials) to float of the carbon film from the mica by touching one side of the mica at a slight angle downwards (~20&#176;-40&#176;) on one of the drops of trehalose solution and slowly let the water tension lift off the carbon film by moving the mica downwards. Release the mica once the carbon film floats on the surface of the droplet.</li>
	<li>Visually inspect the carbon film to avoid using carbon with damage in the form of fractures.</li>
	<li>Insert the grid held by the anti-capillary forceps at an angle (~20&#176;-30&#176;) into a trehalose drop at a position adjacent to, and then centered under the carbon film. Pick up the carbon film (Figure 1-2).</li>
	<li>Keep the grid in the same orientation and slowly lower it onto the surface of the second drop of trehalose without breaking the surface tension of the drop to remove unnecessary carbon film that may have wrapped around the rim of the grid to the rough side.</li>
</ol>
3. Separation of multi-layered 2D crystals into single layers
<ol>
	<li>Rotate the anti-capillary forceps (see Table of Materials) and place them on a Petri dish with the carbon side of the grid facing down (Figure 1-3).</li>
	<li>Pipette 1.3 &#181;L of the sample into the slight trehalose meniscus on top of the grid. Pipette the solution ~8-10 times to mix and distribute the trehalose and sample on both sides of the grid.</li>
	<li>While incubating the solution for 1 min, pipette one or more 1.7 &#181;L drops of trehalose solution onto the paraffin film.</li>
	<li>Rotate the grid back into its original position with the carbon film facing up.</li>
	<li>Use the anti-capillary forceps to press the grid onto the submicron filter paper (Figure 1-4). Once the solution has been absorbed by the filter paper and the carbon film is lying flat, wait for 3s before lifting the grid and moving it vertically onto the 1.7 &#181;L drop of trehalose solution (Figure 1-5). 
	NOTE: Repeat this step multiple times for highly stacked samples, or the grid is prepared for vitrification in the next steps.</li>
	<li>Blot the grid on the two pieces of filter paper, and then lift the grid from the filter paper (Figure 1-6). After approximately 13 s, depending on humidity and sample buffer, plunge the grid into the liquid nitrogen in the small Styrofoam container and place the grid in the cryo-EM grid container or transfer it directly for cryo-EM screening or data collection. 
	NOTE: In order to rapidly optimize the protocol, negatively stain the peel-blotted grid at this step rather than plunging it into liquid nitrogen. Negatively stain the sample by applying 3 &#181;L of 1% uranyl acetate to the grid, incubate the grid for 30 s, and blot it with a torn piece of 20-25 &#181;m pore size filter paper. Grids of 2D crystals vitrified in trehalose, tannin, or glucose are routinely hand-plunged for vitrification as trehalose, tannin, and glucose prevent the formation of crystalline ice at rates used for hand-plunging2.</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>Johnson, M. C., Uddin, Y. M., Neselu, K., Schmidt-Krey, I. 2D crystallography of membrane protein single-, double- and multi-layered ordered arrays. Methods in Molecular Biology. 2215, 227-245 (2021).</li>
	<li>Ku&#776;hlbrandt, W., Downing, K. H. Two-dimensional structure of plant light harvesting complex at 3.7 &#197; resolution by electron crystallography. Journal .of Molecular Biology. 207&#160;(4), 823-828 (1989).</li>
	<li>Nannenga, B. L., Gonen, T. MicroED: a versatile cryoEM method for structure determination. Emerging Topics in Life Sciences. 2&#160;(1), 1-8 (2018).</li>
	<li>Martynowycz, M. W., Zhao, W., Hattne, J., Jensen, G. J., Gonen, T. Collection of continuous rotation microED data from ion beam-milled crystals of any size. Structure. 27&#160;(3), 545-548 (2019).</li>
	<li>Gonen, T. et al. Lipid-protein interactions in double-layered two-dimensional AQP0 crystals. Nature. 438&#160;(7068), 633-638(2005).</li>
	<li>Gonen, T. The collection of high-resolution electron diffraction data. Methods in Molecular Biology. 955, 153-169 (2013).</li>
	<li>Wisedchaisri, G., Gonen T. Phasing electron diffraction data by molecular replacement: strategy for structure determination and refinement. Methods in Molecular Biology. 955, 243-272 (2013).</li>
	<li>Gipson B., Zeng X., Zhang Z. Y., Stahlberg, H. 2dx-user-friendly image processing for 2D crystals. Journal of Structural Biology. 157&#160;(1), 64-72 (2007).</li>
	<li>Biyani, N. et al. Focus: The interface between data collection and data processing in cryo-EM. Journal of Structural Biology. 198&#160;(2), 124-133 (2017).</li>
	<li>Righetto, R., Stahlberg, H.Single particle analysis for high-resolution 2D electron crystallography. Methods in Molecular Biology. 2215, 267-284 (2021).</li>
</ol>

The authors do not have competing financial interests or other conflicts of interest.

The peel-blot is a powerful method to overcome stacking and thickness of multi-layered 2D crystals and similar samples for cryo-EM data collection and image processing. A decision on the use of the peel-blot will be based on biological parameters of the sample and will also require assessment once a 3D cryo-EM model is available. The biological importance of contacts and potential flexibility of contact regions will be particularly important in this assessment.
The number of peel-blots will in...

The peel-blot technique was developed in order to separate stacked two-dimensional crystals of membrane proteins into single layers to obtain suitably thin samples for cryo-EM 2D and 3D data collection and facilitate image processing1. The protocol is similarly suitable for other types of multilamellar samples as well as for achieving high sample concentrations of either sample type on the grid without increasing the thickness in Z.
Reduction of sample layers to one layer is achieved by applying a combination of capillary pressure and shearing forces in a protocol that substantially extends on and modifies the back-injection method2. A first blotting step results in tight sandwiching and adherence to the carbon film and a grid bar on either side of the multi-layered sample during blotting on submicron rather than the 20-25&#181;m filter paper pore size in the back-injection method. The separation, or peeling, of an individual layer occurs upon forcing the separation of the sandwiched layers once the grid is pressed vertically onto a trehalose drop, forcing the carbon film away from the grid bar (Figure 1). Repositioning of the carbon film away from the original contact point with the grid bar occurs in the next step, when the grid is once again blotted on submicron filter paper. The number of iterations of these steps can be optimized for specific samples. Furthermore, the protocol can be used to increase sample concentrations while avoiding aggregation in Z. Due to the reliance on adherence to the grid bar and carbon film as well as forceful separation, this approach may not be suitable for highly fragile molecules such as certain delicate and/or unstable proteins and protein complexes.
The peel-blot technique neither requires specialized equipment nor expensive supplies. Applicability to specific samples will, however, require careful considerations of biological parameters. The decision is easier for 2D crystals as carbon film is required to ensure flatness, yet manipulation via the peel-blot technique may affect the biological integrity of the sample or crystalline order. Suitability of the peel-blot technique to single particles is restricted to and may be tested for those that require carbon film and are stable to manipulation. Specimens with critical biological interactions between layers may not be suitable for characterization with help of the peel-blot technique due to the disruption of such interactions.
The peel-blot technique (&#34;peel-blot&#34;) is most quickly optimized by testing and screening with negative stain or unstained samples by TEM at room temperature. Once the optimal number of peel-blot iterations have been identified, the time to control thickness before vitrification can be determined.

<table><tbody><tr><td>600-mesh grids</td><td>SPI</td><td>2060-C-XA</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Anti-capillary forceps</td><td>Ted Pella</td><td>510-5</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Carbon to coat mica</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cryo-EM</td><td></td><td></td><td>Cryo-EM grids may be screened at 120 kV or 200 kV.&amp;nbsp; High-resolution data is collected at 300 kV.</td></tr><tr><td>Dumpont #5 forceps</td><td>Ted Pella</td><td>5622</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Grid box for cryo-EM storage</td><td>Ted Pella</td><td>160-40</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Kim Wipes</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Liquid nitrogen</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Mica</td><td>Ted Pella</td><td>56</td><td>The mica is carbon-coated and cut into squares that are slighlty larger than a TEM grid.&amp;nbsp; The carbon thickness may require optimization to avoid thin carbon that breaks easily upon multiple peel blots.</td></tr><tr><td>Negative stain</td><td></td><td></td><td>1-2% uranyl acetate is suitable for many samples.&amp;nbsp; Other stains such as phosphotungstic acid can be substituted.</td></tr><tr><td>Parafilm</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Polystyrene container</td><td></td><td></td><td>Used for vitrifying the peel-blot grid. A polystyrene shipping container can be recycled for this purpose and lined with aluminium foil.</td></tr><tr><td>Submicron filter paper</td><td>MilliporeSigma</td><td>DAWP04700</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Transmission electron microscope</td><td>JEOL</td><td>JEM-1400</td><td>Any TEM operated at an accelerating voltage of 80-120 kV will be suitable for screening of negatively stained grids.</td></tr><tr><td>Trehalose</td><td></td><td></td><td>Prepare 4% trehalose solution.</td></tr><tr><td>Whatman #4 filter paper</td><td>MilliporeSigma</td><td>WHA1004150</td><td>This corresponds to the 20-25 &amp;mu;m pore size filter paper in the protocol.</td></tr></tbody></table>

the peel-blot technique: a cryo-em sample preparation method to separate single layers from multi-layered or concentrated biological samples

The peel-blot cryo-EM grid preparation technique is a significantly modified back-injection method with the objective of achieving a reduction in layers of multi-layered samples. This removal of layers prior to plunge freezing can aid in reducing sample thickness to a level suitable for cryo-EM data collection, improving sample flatness, and facilitating image processing. The peel-blot technique allows for the separation of multilamellar membranes into single layers, of layered 2D crystals into individual crystals, and of stacked, sheet-like structures of soluble proteins to likewise be separated into single layers. The high sample thickness of these types of samples frequently poses insurmountable problems for cryo-EM data collection and cryo-EM image processing, especially when the microscope stage must be tilted for data collection. Furthermore, grids of high concentrations of any of these samples can be prepared for efficient data collection since sample concentration prior to grid preparation can be increased and the peel-blot technique adjusted to result in a dense distribution of single-layered specimen.

A successful peel-blot experiment will result in single layers of samples at often high concentrations. It is to be expected that some regions in most grid squares will still contain multiple layers, especially at fewer numbers of iterations of the peel-blot steps. The majority of grid squares, however, will contain extensive regions of single layers as observed for 2D crystals of human leukotriene C4&#160;synthase (Figure 2) and liposomes (added in step 3.2, ...

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The Peel-Blot Technique: A Cryo-EM Sample Preparation Method to Separate Single Layers From Multi-Layered or Concentrated Biological Samples

The peel-blot technique is a cryo-EM grid preparation method that allows for the separation of multilayered and concentrated biological samples into single layers to reduce thickness, increase sample concentration, and facilitate image processing.

The peel-blot cryo-EM grid preparation technique is a significantly modified back-injection method with the objective of achieving a reduction in layers ...

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Research

JoVE Journal

Biochemistry

2.2K Views.  Georgia Institute of Technology. The peel-blot technique is a cryo-EM grid preparation method that allows for the separation of multilayered and concentrated biological samples into single layers to reduce thickness, increase sample concentration, and facilitate image processing.

Video: The Peel-Blot Technique: A Cryo-EM Sample Preparation Method to Separate Single Layers From Multi-Layered or Concentrated Biological Samples

High-Resolution Complexome Profiling by Cryoslicing BN-MS Analysis

Proteins generally exert biological functions through interactions with other proteins, either in dynamic protein assemblies or as a part of stably formed complexes. The latter can be elegantly resolved according to molecular size using native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE). Coupling of such separations to sensitive mass spectrometry (BN-MS) has been well-established and theoretically allows for exhaustive assessment of the extractable complexome in biological samples. However, this approach is rather laborious and provides limited complex size resolution and sensitivity. Also, its application has remained restricted to abundant mitochondrial and plastid proteins. Thus, for a majority of proteins, information regarding integration into stable protein complexes is still lacking. Presented here is an optimized approach for complexome profiling comprising preparative-scale BN-PAGE separation, sub-millimeter sampling of broad gel lanes by cryomicrotome slicing, and mass spectrometric analysis with label-free protein quantification. The procedures and tools for critical steps are described in detail. As an application, the report describes complexome analysis of a solubilized endosome-enriched membrane fraction from mouse kidneys, with 2,545 proteins profiled in total. The results demonstrate identification of uniform, low-abundance membrane proteins such as intracellular ion channels as well as high resolution, complex protein assembly patterns, including glycosylation isoforms. The results are in agreement with independent biochemical analyses. In summary, this methodology allows for comprehensive and unbiased identification of protein (super)complexes and their subunit composition, providing a basis for investigating stoichiometry, assembly, and interaction dynamics of protein complexes in any biological system.

A versatile cryoslicing BN-MS protocol using a microtome is presented for high-resolution complexome profiling.

Proteins generally exert biological functions through interactions with other proteins, either in dynamic protein assemblies or as a part of stably formed ...

Mechanical Separation and Protein Solubilization of the Outer and Inner Perivitelline Sublayers from Hen's Eggs

The perivitelline layer that surrounds the egg yolk plays a fundamental role in fertilization, in egg defense, and in the development of the avian embryo. It is formed by two proteinaceous sublayers that are tightly associated and formed by distinct female reproductive organs. Both structures are assumed to have their own functional specificities, which remain to be defined. To characterize the function of proteins composing each sublayer, the first challenge is to establish the conditions that would allow for the mechanical separation of these two intricate layers, while limiting any structural damage. The second step is to optimize the experimental conditions to facilitate protein solubilization from these two sublayers, for subsequent biochemical analyses. The efficiency of this approach is assessed by analyzing the protein profile of each sublayer by Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Poly-Acrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), which is expected to be distinct between the two structures. This two-step procedure remains simple; it requires classical biochemical equipment and reagents; and is compatible with further in-depth proteomics. It may also be transposed to other avian eggs for comparative biology, knowing that the structure and the composition of the perivitelline layer has been shown to have species-specific features. In addition, the non-denaturing conditions developed for sublayers separation (step 1) allow their structural analyses by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. It may also constitute the initial step for subsequent protein purification to analyze their respective biological activities and 3D structure, or to perform further immunohistochemical or functional analyses. Such studies would help to decipher the physiological function of these two sublayers, whose structural and functional integrities are determinant criteria of the reproductive success.

This article reports a simple method to isolate the outer and inner perivitelline sublayers of chicken eggs while minimizing structural alteration and to optimize protein solubilization of each sublayer for proteomic analyses.

The perivitelline layer that surrounds the egg yolk plays a fundamental role in fertilization, in egg defense, and in the development of the avian embryo. ...

A Sample Preparation Pipeline for Microcrystals at the VMXm Beamline

The mounting of microcrystals (&#60;10 &#181;m) for single crystal cryo-crystallography presents a non-trivial challenge. Improvements in data quality have been seen for microcrystals with the development of beamline optics, beam stability and variable beam size focusing from submicron to microns, such as at the VMXm beamline at Diamond Light Source1. Further improvements in data quality will be gained through improvements in sample environment and sample preparation. Microcrystals inherently generate weaker diffraction, therefore improving the signal-to-noise is key to collecting quality X-ray diffraction data and will predominantly come from reductions in background noise. Major sources of X-ray background noise in a diffraction experiment are from their interaction with the air path before and after the sample, excess crystallization solution surrounding the sample, the presence of crystalline ice and scatter from any other beamline instrumentation or X-ray windows. The VMXm beamline comprises instrumentation and a sample preparation protocol to reduce all these sources of noise.
Firstly, an in-vacuum sample environment at VMXm removes the air path between X-ray source and sample. Next, sample preparation protocols for macromolecular crystallography at VMXm utilize a number of processes and tools adapted from cryoTEM. These include copper grids with holey carbon support films, automated blotting and plunge cooling robotics making use of liquid ethane. These tools enable the preparation of hundreds of microcrystals on a single cryoTEM grid with minimal surrounding liquid on a low-noise support. They also minimize the formation of crystalline ice from any remaining liquid surrounding the crystals. 
We present the process for preparing and assessing the quality of soluble protein microcrystals using visible light and scanning electron microscopy before mounting the samples on the VMXm beamline for X-ray diffraction experiments. We will also provide examples of good quality samples as well as those which require further optimization and strategies to do so.

The signal-to-noise ratio of data is one of the most important considerations in performing X-ray diffraction measurements from microcrystals. The VMXm beamline provides a low-noise environment and microbeam for such experiments. Here, we describe sample preparation methods for mounting and cooling microcrystals for VMXm and other microfocus macromolecular crystallography beamlines.

The mounting of microcrystals (&#60;10 &#181;m) for single crystal cryo-crystallography presents a non-trivial challenge. Improvements in data quality ...

Single Particle Cryo-Electron Microscopy: From Sample to Structure

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) is a powerful technique for structure determination of macromolecular complexes, via single particle analysis (SPA). The overall process involves i) vitrifying the specimen in a thin film supported on a cryoEM grid; ii) screening the specimen to assess particle distribution and ice quality; iii) if the grid is suitable, collecting a single particle dataset for analysis; and iv) image processing to yield an EM density map. In this protocol, an overview for each of these steps is provided, with a focus on the variables which a user can modify during the workflow and the troubleshooting of common issues. With remote microscope operation becoming standard in many facilities, variations on imaging protocols to assist users in efficient operation and imaging when physical access to the microscope is limited will be described.

Structure determination of macromolecular complexes using cryoEM has become routine for certain classes of proteins and complexes. Here, this pipeline is summarized (sample preparation, screening, data acquisition and processing) and readers are directed towards further detailed resources and variables that may be altered in the case of more challenging specimens.

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) is a powerful technique for structure determination of macromolecular complexes, via single particle analysis (SPA). The ...

Manual Blot-and-Plunge Freezing of Biological Specimens for Single-Particle Cryogenic Electron Microscopy

Imaging biological specimens with electrons for high-resolution structure determination by single-particle cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) requires a thin layer of vitreous ice containing the biomolecules of interest. Despite numerous technological advances in recent years that have propelled single-particle cryoEM to the forefront of structural biology, the methods by which specimens are vitrified for high-resolution imaging often remain the rate-limiting step. Although numerous recent efforts have provided means to overcome hurdles frequently encountered during specimen vitrification, including the development of novel sample supports and innovative vitrification instrumentation, the traditional manually operated plunger remains a staple in the cryoEM community due to the low cost to purchase and ease of operation. Here, we provide detailed methods for using a standard, guillotine-style manually operated blot-and-plunge device for the vitrification of biological specimens for high-resolution imaging by single-particle cryoEM. Additionally, commonly encountered issues and troubleshooting recommendations for when a standard preparation fails to yield a suitable specimen are also described.

This manuscript outlines the blot-and-plunge method to manually freeze biological specimens for single-particle cryogenic electron microscopy.

Imaging biological specimens with electrons for high-resolution structure determination by single-particle cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) requires ...

Preparation of Electron Microscopy Grids for In Situ Cellular Cryotomography

Sample Preparation for In Situ Cryotomography of Mammalian Cells

In situ cellular cryotomography is a powerful technique for studying complex objects in their native frozen-hydrated cellular context, making it highly relevant to cellular biology and virology. The potential of combining cryotomography with other microscopy modalities makes it a perfect technique for integrative and correlative imaging. However, sample preparation for in situ cellular tomography is not straightforward, as cells do not readily attach and stretch over the electron microscopy grid. Additionally, the grids themselves are fragile and can break if handled too forcefully, resulting in the loss of imageable areas. The geometry of tissue culture dishes can also pose a challenge when manipulating the grids with tweezers. Here, we describe the tips and tricks to overcome these (and other) challenges and prepare good-quality samples for in situ cellular cryotomography and correlative imaging of adherent mammalian cells. With continued advances in cryomicroscopy technology, this technique holds enormous promise for advancing our understanding of complex biological systems.

Author Spotlight: Optimizing Grid Preparation for Enhanced Cryoelectron Tomography 

This method provides an accessible and flexible protocol for the preparation of electron microscopy (EM) grids for in situ cellular cryotomography and correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM).

In situ cellular cryotomography is a powerful technique for studying complex objects in their native frozen-hydrated cellular context, making it highly ...

Tandem High-pressure Freezing and Quick Freeze Substitution of Plant Tissues for Transmission Electron Microscopy

Since the 1940s transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been providing biologists with ultra-high resolution images of biological materials. Yet, because of laborious and time-consuming protocols that also demand experience in preparation of artifact-free samples, TEM is not considered a user-friendly technique. Traditional sample preparation for TEM used chemical fixatives to preserve cellular structures. High-pressure freezing is the cryofixation of biological samples under high pressures to produce very fast cooling rates, thereby restricting ice formation, which is detrimental to the integrity of cellular ultrastructure. High-pressure freezing and freeze substitution are currently the methods of choice for producing the highest quality morphology in resin sections for TEM. These methods minimize the artifacts normally associated with conventional processing for TEM of thin sections. After cryofixation the frozen water in the sample is replaced with liquid organic solvent at low temperatures, a process called freeze substitution. Freeze substitution is typically carried out over several days in dedicated, costly equipment. A recent innovation allows the process to be completed in three hours, instead of the usual two days. This is typically followed by several more days of sample preparation that includes infiltration and embedding in epoxy resins before sectioning. Here we present a protocol combining high-pressure freezing and quick freeze substitution that enables plant sample fixation to be accomplished within hours. The protocol can readily be adapted for working with other tissues or organisms. Plant tissues are of special concern because of the presence of aerated spaces and water-filled vacuoles that impede ice-free freezing of water. In addition, the process of chemical fixation is especially long in plants due to cell walls impeding the penetration of the chemicals to deep within the tissues. Plant tissues are therefore particularly challenging, but this protocol is reliable and produces samples of the highest quality.

Obtaining high-quality transmission electron microscopy images is challenging, especially in the case of plant cells, which have abundant large water-filled vacuoles and aerated spaces. Tandem high-pressure freezing and quick freeze substitution greatly reduce preparation time of plant samples for TEM while producing samples with excellent ultrastructural preservation.

Since the 1940s transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been providing biologists with ultra-high resolution images of biological materials. Yet, ...

Biology

Two Peeling Methods for the Isolation of Photoreceptor Cell Compartments in the Mouse Retina for Protein Analysis

Rod photoreceptors are highly polarized sensory neurons with distinct compartments. Mouse rods are long (~80 &#181;m) and thin (~2 &#181;m) and are laterally packed in the outermost layer of the retina, the photoreceptor layer, resulting in alignment of analogous subcellular compartments. Traditionally, tangential sectioning of the frozen flat-mounted retina has been used to study the movement and localization of proteins within different rod compartments. However, the high curvature of the rod-dominant mouse retina makes tangential sectioning challenging. Motivated by the study of protein transport between compartments, we developed two peeling methods that reliably isolate the rod outer segment (ROS) and other subcellular compartments for western blots. Our relatively quick and simple techniques deliver enriched and subcellular-specific fractions to quantitatively measure the distribution and redistribution of important photoreceptor proteins in normal rods. Moreover, these isolation techniques can also be easily adapted to isolate and quantitatively investigate the protein composition of other cellular layers within both healthy and degenerating retinae.

This protocol presents two techniques to isolate the subcellular compartments of murine rod photoreceptors for protein analysis. The first method utilizes live retinae and cellulose filter paper to separate rod outer segments, while the second employs lyophilized retinae and adhesive tape to peel away rod inner and outer segment layers.

Rod photoreceptors are highly polarized sensory neurons with distinct compartments. Mouse rods are long (~80 &#181;m) and thin (~2 &#181;m) and are ...

Neuroscience

Cryo-section Dissection of the Adult Subependymal Zone for Accurate and Deep Quantitative Proteome Analysis

The subependymal neurogenic niche consists of a paraventricular ribbon of the lateral ventricular wall of the lateral ventricle. The subependymal zone (SEZ) is a thin and distinct region exposed to the ventricles and cerebrospinal fluid. The isolation of this niche allows the analysis of a neurogenic stem cell microenvironment. However, extraction of small tissues for proteome analysis&#160;is challenging, especially for the maintenance of considerable measurement depth and the achievement of reliable robustness. A new method termed cryo-section-dissection (CSD), combining high precision with minimal tissue perturbation, was developed to address these challenges. The method is compatible with state-of-the-art mass spectrometry (MS) methods that allow the detection of low-abundant niche regulators. This study compared the CSD and its proteome data to the method and data obtained by laser-capture-microdissection (LCM) and a standard wholemount dissection. The CSD method resulted in twice the quantification depth in less than half the preparation time compared to the LCM and simultaneously clearly outperformed the dissection precision of the wholemount dissection. Hence, CSD is a superior method for collecting the SEZ for proteome analysis.

Cryo-section-dissection allows fresh, frozen preparation of the largest neurogenic niche in the murine brain for deep quantitative proteome analysis. The method is precise, efficient, and causes minimal tissue perturbation. Therefore, it is ideally suited for studying the molecular microenvironment of this niche, as well as other organs, regions, and species.

The subependymal neurogenic niche consists of a paraventricular ribbon of the lateral ventricular wall of the lateral ventricle. The subependymal zone ...

Miniaturized Sample Preparation for Transmission Electron Microscopy

Due to recent technological progress, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is rapidly becoming a standard method for the structural analysis of protein complexes to atomic resolution. However, protein isolation techniques and sample preparation methods for EM remain a bottleneck. A relatively small number (100,000 to a few million) of individual protein particles need to be imaged for the high-resolution analysis of proteins by the single particle EM approach, making miniaturized sample handling techniques and microfluidic principles feasible.
A miniaturized, paper-blotting-free EM grid preparation method for sample pre-conditioning, EM grid priming and post processing that only consumes nanoliter-volumes of sample is presented. The method uses a dispensing system with sub-nanoliter precision to control liquid uptake and EM grid priming, a platform to control the grid temperature thereby determining the relative humidity above the EM grid, and a pick-and-plunge-mechanism for sample vitrification. For cryo-EM, an EM grid is placed on the temperature-controlled stage and the sample is aspirated into a capillary. The capillary tip is positioned in proximity to the grid surface, the grid is loaded with the sample and excess is re-aspirated into the microcapillary. Subsequently, the sample film is stabilized and slightly thinned by controlled water evaporation regulated by the offset of the platform temperature relative to the dew-point. At a given point the pick-and-plunge mechanism is triggered, rapidly transferring the primed EM grid into liquid ethane for sample vitrification. Alternatively, sample-conditioning methods are available to prepare nanoliter-sized sample volumes for negative stain (NS) EM.
The methodologies greatly reduce sample consumption and avoid approaches potentially harmful to proteins, such as the filter paper blotting used in conventional methods. Furthermore, the minuscule amount of sample required allows novel experimental strategies, such as fast sample conditioning, combination with single-cell lysis for &#34;visual proteomics,&#34; or &#34;lossless&#34; total sample preparation for quantitative analysis of complex samples.

An instrument and methods for the preparation of nanoliter-sized sample volumes for transmission electron microscopy is presented. No paper-blotting steps are required, thus avoiding the detrimental consequences this can have for proteins, significantly reducing sample loss and enabling the analysis of single cell lysate for visual proteomics.

Due to recent technological progress, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is rapidly becoming a standard method for the structural analysis of protein ...