scholarly journals Comparing Super-Resolution Microscopy Techniques to Analyze Chromosomes

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 1903
Author(s):  
Ivona Kubalová ◽  
Alžběta Němečková ◽  
Klaus Weisshart ◽  
Eva Hřibová ◽  
Veit Schubert
Keyword(s):  
Single Molecule ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Chromatin Condensation ◽  
Super Resolution ◽  
Stimulated Emission ◽  
Wide Field ◽  
Structured Illumination Microscopy ◽  
Metaphase Chromosomes ◽  
Localization Microscopy ◽  
Super Resolution Microscopy

The importance of fluorescence light microscopy for understanding cellular and sub-cellular structures and functions is undeniable. However, the resolution is limited by light diffraction (~200–250 nm laterally, ~500–700 nm axially). Meanwhile, super-resolution microscopy, such as structured illumination microscopy (SIM), is being applied more and more to overcome this restriction. Instead, super-resolution by stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy achieving a resolution of ~50 nm laterally and ~130 nm axially has not yet frequently been applied in plant cell research due to the required specific sample preparation and stable dye staining. Single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) including photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM) has not yet been widely used, although this nanoscopic technique allows even the detection of single molecules. In this study, we compared protein imaging within metaphase chromosomes of barley via conventional wide-field and confocal microscopy, and the sub-diffraction methods SIM, STED, and SMLM. The chromosomes were labeled by DAPI (4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindol), a DNA-specific dye, and with antibodies against topoisomerase IIα (Topo II), a protein important for correct chromatin condensation. Compared to the diffraction-limited methods, the combination of the three different super-resolution imaging techniques delivered tremendous additional insights into the plant chromosome architecture through the achieved increased resolution.

scholarly journals Systematic Tuning of Rhodamine Spirocyclization for Super-Resolution Microscopy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas Lardon ◽  
Lu Wang ◽  
Aline Tschanz ◽  
Philipp Hoess ◽  
Mai Tran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Molecule ◽  
Large Range ◽  
Dynamic Equilibrium ◽  
Super Resolution ◽  
Live Cell ◽  
Stimulated Emission ◽  
Important Class ◽  
Localization Microscopy ◽  
Super Resolution Microscopy ◽  
Single Molecule Localization Microscopy

Rhodamines are the most important class of fluorophores for applications in live-cell fluorescence microscopy. This is mainly because rhodamines exist in a dynamic equilibrium between a fluorescent zwitterion and a non-fluorescent but cell-permeable spirocyclic form. Different imaging applications require different positions of this dynamic equilibrium, which poses a challenge for the design of suitable probes. We describe here how the conversion of the ortho-carboxy moiety of a given rhodamine into substituted acyl benzenesulfonamides and alkylamides permits the systematic tuning of the equilibrium of spirocyclization with unprecedented accuracy and over a large range. This allows to transform the same rhodamine into either a highly fluorogenic and cell-permeable probe for live-cell stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, or into a spontaneously blinking dye for single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM). We used this approach to generate differently colored probes optimized for different labeling systems and imaging applications.

Single-Molecule Localization Super-Resolution Microscopy: Deeper and Faster

2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 1419-1429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sébastien Herbert ◽  
Helena Soares ◽  
Christophe Zimmer ◽  
Ricardo Henriques
Keyword(s):  
Single Molecule ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Super Resolution ◽  
Fluorescence Labeling ◽  
High Temporal Resolution ◽  
Wide Field ◽  
Resolution Limit ◽  
Localization Microscopy ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Potential Applications

AbstractFor over a decade fluorescence microscopy has demonstrated the capacity to achieve single-molecule localization accuracies of a few nanometers, well below the ∼200 nm lateral and ∼500 nm axial resolution limit of conventional microscopy. Yet, only the recent development of new fluorescence labeling modalities, the increase in sensitivity of imaging hardware, and the creation of novel image analysis tools allow for the emergence of single-molecule-based super-resolution imaging techniques. Novel methods such as photoactivated localization microscopy and stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy can typically reach a tenfold increase in resolution compared to standard microscopy methods. Their implementation is relatively easy only requiring minimal changes to a conventional wide-field or total internal reflection fluorescence microscope. The recent translation of these two methods into commercial imaging systems has made them further accessible to researchers in biology. However, these methods are still evolving rapidly toward imaging live samples with high temporal resolution and depth. In this review, we recall the roots of single-molecule localization microscopy, summarize major recent developments, and offer perspective on potential applications.

scholarly journals Laser-free super-resolution microscopy

2021 ◽  
Vol 379 (2199) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirti Prakash
Keyword(s):  
Single Molecule ◽  
Super Resolution ◽  
Stimulated Emission ◽  
Structured Illumination ◽  
Structured Illumination Microscopy ◽  
Correlative Imaging ◽  
Deep Blue ◽  
Meiotic Chromosomes ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Super Resolution Microscopy

We report that high-density single-molecule super-resolution microscopy can be achieved with a conventional epifluorescence microscope set-up and a mercury arc lamp. The configuration termed as laser-free super-resolution microscopy (LFSM) is an extension of single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) techniques and allows single molecules to be switched on and off (a phenomenon termed as ‘blinking’), detected and localized. The use of a short burst of deep blue excitation (350–380 nm) can be further used to reactivate the blinking, once the blinking process has slowed or stopped. A resolution of 90 nm is achieved on test specimens (mouse and amphibian meiotic chromosomes). Finally, we demonstrate that stimulated emission depletion and LFSM can be performed on the same biological sample using a simple commercial mounting medium. It is hoped that this type of correlative imaging will provide a basis for a further enhanced resolution. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘Super-resolution structured illumination microscopy (part 1)’.

scholarly journals Super-Resolution Imaging of Tight and Adherens Junctions: Challenges and Open Questions

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 744 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannes Gonschior ◽  
Volker Haucke ◽  
Martin Lehmann
Keyword(s):  
Single Molecule ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Ion Homeostasis ◽  
Super Resolution ◽  
Stimulated Emission ◽  
Molecular Architecture ◽  
Structured Illumination ◽  
Structured Illumination Microscopy ◽  
Resolution Imaging

The tight junction (TJ) and the adherens junction (AJ) bridge the paracellular cleft of epithelial and endothelial cells. In addition to their role as protective barriers against bacteria and their toxins they maintain ion homeostasis, cell polarity, and mechano-sensing. Their functional loss leads to pathological changes such as tissue inflammation, ion imbalance, and cancer. To better understand the consequences of such malfunctions, the junctional nanoarchitecture is of great importance since it remains so far largely unresolved, mainly because of major difficulties in dynamically imaging these structures at sufficient resolution and with molecular precision. The rapid development of super-resolution imaging techniques ranging from structured illumination microscopy (SIM), stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, and single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) has now enabled molecular imaging of biological specimens from cells to tissues with nanometer resolution. Here we summarize these techniques and their application to the dissection of the nanoscale molecular architecture of TJs and AJs. We propose that super-resolution imaging together with advances in genome engineering and functional analyses approaches will create a leap in our understanding of the composition, assembly, and function of TJs and AJs at the nanoscale and, thereby, enable a mechanistic understanding of their dysfunction in disease.

scholarly journals Superresolving the kidney—a practical comparison of fluorescence nanoscopy of the glomerular filtration barrier

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucia C. S. Wunderlich ◽  
Florian Ströhl ◽  
Stefan Ströhl ◽  
Oliver Vanderpoorten ◽  
Luca Mascheroni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Glomerular Filtration ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
Super Resolution ◽  
Stimulated Emission ◽  
Structured Illumination ◽  
Structured Illumination Microscopy ◽  
Glomerular Filtration Barrier ◽  
Maximum Resolution ◽  
Filtration Barrier ◽  
Super Resolution Microscopy

AbstractImmunofluorescence microscopy is routinely used in the diagnosis of and research on renal impairments. However, this highly specific technique is restricted in its maximum resolution to about 250 nm in the lateral and 700 nm in the axial directions and thus not sufficient to investigate the fine subcellular structure of the kidney’s glomerular filtration barrier. In contrast, electron microscopy offers high resolution, but this comes at the cost of poor preservation of immunogenic epitopes and antibody penetration alongside a low throughput. Many of these drawbacks were overcome with the advent of super-resolution microscopy methods. So far, four different super-resolution approaches have been used to study the kidney: single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM), stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, structured illumination microscopy (SIM), and expansion microscopy (ExM), however, using different preservation methods and widely varying labelling strategies. In this work, all four methods were applied and critically compared on kidney slices obtained from samples treated with the most commonly used preservation technique: fixation by formalin and embedding in paraffin (FFPE). Strengths and weaknesses, as well as the practicalities of each method, are discussed to enable users of super-resolution microscopy in renal research make an informed decision on the best choice of technique. The methods discussed enable the efficient investigation of biopsies stored in kidney banks around the world.

scholarly journals Molecular resolution imaging by post-labeling expansion single-molecule localization microscopy (Ex-SMLM)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabian U. Zwettler ◽  
Sebastian Reinhard ◽  
Davide Gambarotto ◽  
Toby D. M. Bell ◽  
Virginie Hamel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
Super Resolution ◽  
Reference Structure ◽  
Positional Error ◽  
Localization Microscopy ◽  
Resolution Imaging ◽  
Endogenous Proteins ◽  
Super Resolution Microscopy ◽  
Single Molecule Localization Microscopy

AbstractExpansion microscopy (ExM) enables super-resolution fluorescence imaging of physically expanded biological samples with conventional microscopes. By combining expansion microscopy (ExM) with single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) it is potentially possible to approach the resolution of electron microscopy. However, current attempts to combine both methods remained challenging because of protein and fluorophore loss during digestion or denaturation, gelation, and the incompatibility of expanded polyelectrolyte hydrogels with photoswitching buffers. Here we show that re-embedding of expanded hydrogels enables dSTORM imaging of expanded samples and demonstrate that post-labeling ExM resolves the current limitations of super-resolution microscopy. Using microtubules as a reference structure and centrioles, we demonstrate that post-labeling Ex-SMLM preserves ultrastructural details, improves the labeling efficiency and reduces the positional error arising from linking fluorophores into the gel thus paving the way for super-resolution imaging of immunolabeled endogenous proteins with true molecular resolution.

scholarly journals Fast widefield scan provides tunable and uniform illumination optimizing super-resolution microscopy on large fields

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrien Mau ◽  
Karoline Friedl ◽  
Christophe Leterrier ◽  
Nicolas Bourg ◽  
Sandrine Lévêque-Fort
Keyword(s):  
Single Molecule ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Super Resolution ◽  
Uniform Illumination ◽  
Optical Sectioning ◽  
Coated Pits ◽  
Laser Illumination ◽  
Quantitative Analyses ◽  
Super Resolution Microscopy ◽  
Single Molecule Localization Microscopy

AbstractNon-uniform illumination limits quantitative analyses of fluorescence imaging techniques. In particular, single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) relies on high irradiances, but conventional Gaussian-shaped laser illumination restricts the usable field of view to around 40 µm × 40 µm. We present Adaptable Scanning for Tunable Excitation Regions (ASTER), a versatile illumination technique that generates uniform and adaptable illumination. ASTER is also highly compatible with optical sectioning techniques such as total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF). For SMLM, ASTER delivers homogeneous blinking kinetics at reasonable laser power over fields-of-view up to 200 µm × 200 µm. We demonstrate that ASTER improves clustering analysis and nanoscopic size measurements by imaging nanorulers, microtubules and clathrin-coated pits in COS-7 cells, and β2-spectrin in neurons. ASTER’s sharp and quantitative illumination paves the way for high-throughput quantification of biological structures and processes in classical and super-resolution fluorescence microscopies.

scholarly journals Photoactivation of silicon rhodamines via a light-induced protonation

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle S. Frei ◽  
Philipp Hoess ◽  
Marko Lampe ◽  
Bianca Nijmeijer ◽  
Moritz Kueblbeck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Molecule ◽  
Particle Tracking ◽  
Single Particle ◽  
Super Resolution ◽  
Spectroscopic Properties ◽  
Single Particle Tracking ◽  
Live Cell ◽  
Localization Microscopy ◽  
Super Resolution Microscopy ◽  
Single Molecule Localization Microscopy

Abstract Photoactivatable fluorophores are important for single-particle tracking and super-resolution microscopy. Here we present a photoactivatable fluorophore that forms a bright silicon rhodamine derivative through a light-dependent protonation. In contrast to other photoactivatable fluorophores, no caging groups are required, nor are there any undesired side-products released. Using this photoactivatable fluorophore, we create probes for HaloTag and actin for live-cell single-molecule localization microscopy and single-particle tracking experiments. The unusual mechanism of photoactivation and the fluorophore’s outstanding spectroscopic properties make it a powerful tool for live-cell super-resolution microscopy.

scholarly journals The Nanoscopic Organization of Synapse Structures: A Common Basis for Cell Communication

Membranes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 248
Author(s):  
Xiaojuan Yang ◽  
Wim Annaert
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Super Resolution ◽  
Diffraction Limit ◽  
Stimulated Emission ◽  
Synaptic Proteins ◽  
Resolving Power ◽  
Structured Illumination Microscopy ◽  
Membrane Contact Sites ◽  
Super Resolution Microscopy

Synapse structures, including neuronal and immunological synapses, can be seen as the plasma membrane contact sites between two individual cells where information is transmitted from one cell to the other. The distance between the two plasma membranes is only a few tens of nanometers, but these areas are densely populated with functionally different proteins, including adhesion proteins, receptors, and transporters. The narrow space between the two plasma membranes has been a barrier for resolving the synaptic architecture due to the diffraction limit in conventional microscopy (~250 nm). Various advanced super-resolution microscopy techniques, such as stimulated emission depletion (STED), structured illumination microscopy (SIM), and single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM), bypass the diffraction limit and provide a sub-diffraction-limit resolving power, ranging from 10 to 100 nm. The studies using super-resolution microscopy have revealed unprecedented details of the nanoscopic organization and dynamics of synaptic molecules. In general, most synaptic proteins appear to be heterogeneously distributed and form nanodomains at the membranes. These nanodomains are dynamic functional units, playing important roles in mediating signal transmission through synapses. Herein, we discuss our current knowledge on the super-resolution nanoscopic architecture of synapses and their functional implications, with a particular focus on the neuronal synapses and immune synapses.

scholarly journals Nanoscopy on the Chea(i)p

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benedict Diederich ◽  
Øystein Helle ◽  
Patrick Then ◽  
Pablo Carravilla ◽  
Kay Oliver Schink ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Molecule ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Super Resolution ◽  
Image Sensor ◽  
Optical Diffraction ◽  
Sensor Technology ◽  
Safety Level ◽  
Resolution Imaging ◽  
Super Resolution Microscopy

AbstractSuper-resolution microscopy allows for stunning images with a resolution well beyond the optical diffraction limit, but the imaging techniques are demanding in terms of instrumentation and software. Using scientific-grade cameras, solid-state lasers and top-shelf microscopy objective lenses drives the price and complexity of the system, limiting its use to well-funded institutions. However, by harnessing recent developments in CMOS image sensor technology and low-cost illumination strategies, super-resolution microscopy can be made available to the mass-markets for a fraction of the price. Here, we present a 3D printed, self-contained super-resolution microscope with a price tag below 1000 $ including the objective and a cellphone. The system relies on a cellphone to both acquire and process images as well as control the hardware, and a photonic-chip enabled illumination. The system exhibits 100nm optical resolution using single-molecule localization microscopy and can provide live super-resolution imaging using light intensity fluctuation methods. Furthermore, due to its compactness, we demonstrate its potential use inside bench-top incubators and high biological safety level environments imaging SARS-CoV-2 viroids. By the development of low-cost instrumentation and by sharing the designs and manuals, the stage for democratizing super-resolution imaging is set.

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