AbstractDetection of single molecules in biological systems has rapidly increased in resolution over the past decade. However, delivery of single molecules has remained a challenge. Currently there is no effective method that can both introduce a precise amount of molecules onto or into a single cell at a defined position, and then image the cellular response. Here we have combined light sheet microscopy with local delivery, using a nanopipette, to accurately deliver individual proteins to a defined position. We call this method local delivery selective plane illumination microscopy (ldSPIM). ldSPIM uses a nanopipette and the ionic feedback current at the nanopipette tip to control the position from which molecules are delivered. The number of proteins delivered can be controlled by varying the voltage applied. For single-molecule detection, we implemented single-objective SPIM using a reflective atomic force microscopy cantilever to create a 2µm thin sheet. Using this setup, we demonstrate that ldSPIM can deliver single fluorescently-labeled proteins onto the plasma membrane of HK293 cells or into the cytoplasm. Next, we deposited aggregates of amyloid-β, which causes proteotoxicity relevant to Alzheimer’s disease, onto a single macrophage stably expressing a MyDD88-eGFP fusion construct. Whole-cell imaging in 3D mode enables live detection of MyDD88 accumulation and formation of MyDDosome signaling complexes, as a result of aggregate-induced triggering of toll-like receptor 4. Overall, we demonstrate a novel multifunctional imaging system capable of precise delivery of single proteins to a specific location on the cell surface or inside the cytoplasm and high-speed 3D detection at single-molecule resolution within live cells.Statement of SignificanceThis paper describes and validates a new method to study biological processes based on the controlled local delivery of molecules onto or into the cell, combined with single molecule imaging using light sheet microscopy. we not only demonstrate the instrument’s capability of delivering controlled numbers of molecules to a defined position, down to the level of single molecules, but also its potential in study of the triggering of the innate immune response by protein aggregates, a key process in the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. The same approach could be applied to a wide range of other important biological processes allowing them to be followed in live cells in real-time, hence it will be of great interest to the biophysical community.
Imaging the cell surface and its organization down to the level of single molecules
