Advances in the speed and resolution of light microscopy

Cellpose3: one-click image restoration for improved cellular segmentation

Generalist methods for cellular segmentation have good out-of-the-box performance on a variety of image types; however, existing methods struggle for images that are degraded by noise, blurring or undersampling, all of which are common in microscopy. We focused the development of Cellpose3 on addressing these cases and here we demonstrate substantial out-of-the-box gains in segmentation and image quality for noisy, blurry and undersampled images. Unlike previous approaches that train models to restore pixel values, we trained Cellpose3 to output images that are well segmented by a generalist segmentation model, while maintaining perceptual similarity to the target images. Furthermore, we trained the restoration models on a large, varied collection of datasets, thus ensuring good generalization to user images. We provide these tools as 'one-click' buttons inside the graphical interface of Cellpose as well as in the Cellpose API.

Bacterial Organelles in Iron Physiology

Bacteria were once thought to be simple organisms, lacking the membrane-bound organelles found in eukaryotic cells. However, recent advancements in microscopy have changed this view, revealing a diverse array of organelles within bacterial cells. These organelles, surrounded by lipid bilayers, protein-lipid monolayers, or proteinaceous shells, play crucial roles in facilitating biochemical reactions and protecting cells from harmful byproducts. Unlike eukaryotic organelles, which are universally present, bacterial organelles are species-specific and induced only under certain conditions. This review focuses on the bacterial organelles that contain iron, an essential micronutrient for all life forms but potentially toxic when present in excess. To date, three types of iron-related bacterial organelles have been identified: two membrane-bound organelles, magnetosomes and ferrosomes, and one protein-enclosed organelle, the encapsulated ferritin-like proteins. This article provides an updated overview of the genetics, biogenesis, and physiological functions of these organelles. Furthermore, we discuss how bacteria utilize these specialized structures to adapt, grow, and survive under various environmental conditions.

Quantitative Advantages of Corrosion Sensing Using Fluorescence, Microscopy, and Single-Molecule Detection

The corrosion of metals and alloys is a fundamental issue in modern society. Understanding the mechanisms that cause and prevent corrosion is integral to saving millions of dollars each year and to ensure the safe use of infrastructure subject to the hazardous degrading effects of corrosion. Despite this, corrosion detection techniques have lacked precise, quantitative information, with industries taking a top-down, macroscale approach to analyzing corrosion with tests that span months to years and yield qualitative information. Fluorescence, a well-established optical method, can fill the niche of early-stage, quantitative corrosion detection and can be employed for both bulk and localized testing over time. The latter, fluorescence microscopy, can be pushed to greater levels of detail with single-molecule microscopy, achieving nanometer spatial and subsecond temporal resolutions of corrosion that allow for the extraction of dynamic information and kinetics. This review will present how fluorescence microscopy can provide researchers with a molecular view into the chemical mechanisms of corrosion at interfaces and allow for faster, quantitative studies of how to detect and prevent corrosion.

Multiscale fluorescence imaging of living samples

Fluorescence microscopy is a highly effective tool for interrogating biological structure and function, particularly when imaging across multiple spatiotemporal scales. Here we survey recent innovations and applications in the relatively understudied area of multiscale fluorescence imaging of living samples. We discuss fundamental challenges in live multiscale imaging and describe successful examples that highlight the power of this approach. We attempt to synthesize general strategies from these test cases, aiming to help accelerate progress in this exciting area.

Finding Needles in a Haystack with Light: Resolving the Microcircuitry of the Brain with Fluorescence Microscopy

To understand the microcircuitry of the brain, the anatomical and functional connectivity among neurons must be resolved. One of the technical hurdles to achieving this goal is that the anatomical connections, or synapses, are often smaller than the diffraction limit of light and thus are difficult to resolve by conventional microscopy, while the microcircuitry of the brain is on the scale of 1 mm or larger. To date, the gold standard method for microcircuit reconstruction has been electron microscopy (EM). However, despite its rapid development, EM has clear shortcomings as a method for microcircuit reconstruction. The greatest weakness of this method is arguably its incompatibility with functional and molecular analysis. Fluorescence microscopy, on the other hand, is readily compatible with numerous physiological and molecular analyses. We believe that recent advances in various fluorescence microscopy techniques offer a new possibility for reliable synapse detection in large volumes of neural circuits. In this minireview, we summarize recent advances in fluorescence-based microcircuit reconstruction. In the same vein as these studies, we introduce our recent efforts to analyze the long-range connectivity among brain areas and the subcellular distribution of synapses of interest in relatively large volumes of cortical tissue with array tomography and superresolution microscopy.

A rapid denoised contrast enhancement method digitally mimicking an adaptive illumination in submicron-resolution neuronal imaging

Optical neuronal imaging often shows ultrafine structures, such as a nerve fiber, coexisting with ultrabright structures, such as a soma with a substantially higher fluorescence-protein concentration. Owing to experimental and environmental factors, a laser-scanning multiphoton optical microscope (MPM) often encounters a high-frequency background noise that might contaminate such weak-intensity ultrafine neuronal structures. A straightforward contrast enhancement often leads to the saturation of the brighter ones, and might further amplify the high-frequency background noise. We report a digital approach called rapid denoised contrast enhancement (DCE), which digitally mimics a hardware-based adaptive/controlled illumination technique by means of digitally optimizing the signal strengths and hence the visibility of such weak-intensity structures while mostly preventing the saturation of the brightest ones. With large field-of-view (FOV) two-photon excitation fluorescence (TPEF) neuronal imaging, we validate the effectiveness of DCE over state-of-the-art digital image processing algorithms. With compute-unified-device-architecture (CUDA)-acceleration, a real-time DCE is further enabled with a reduced time complexity.

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A real-time applicable CUDA-accelerated Noise-suppressed Contrast Enhancement method

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Digitally mimics a traditional hardware-based adaptive/controlled illumination

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Drastically improves the visibility of noise-contaminated ultrafine neuronal structures

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Applicable in large-field high-NFOM multiphoton optical microscopes

Super-Resolution Fluorescence Microscopy Methods for Assessing Mouse Biology

Super-resolution (diffraction unlimited) microscopy was developed 15 years ago; the developers were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in recognition of their work in 2014. Super-resolution microscopy is increasingly being applied to diverse scientific fields, from single molecules to cell organelles, viruses, bacteria, plants, and animals, especially the mammalian model organism Mus musculus. In this review, we explain how super-resolution microscopy, along with fluorescence microscopy from which it grew, has aided the renaissance of the light microscope. We cover experiment planning and specimen preparation and explain structured illumination microscopy, super-resolution radial fluctuations, stimulated emission depletion microscopy, single-molecule localization microscopy, and super-resolution imaging by pixel reassignment. The final section of this review discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each super-resolution technique and how to choose the best approach for your research. © 2021 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Dose-independent threshold illumination for non-invasive time-lapse fluorescence imaging of live cells

Fluorescent microscopy employs monochromatic light for excitation, which can adversely affect the cells being observed. We reported earlier that fibroblasts relax their contractile force in response to green light of typical intensity. Here we show that such effects are independent of extracellular matrix and cell lines. In addition, we establish a threshold intensity that elicits minimal or no adverse effect on cell contractility even for long-time exposure. This threshold intensity is wavelength dependent. We cultured fibroblasts on soft 2D elastic hydrogels embedded with fluorescent beads to trace substrate deformation and cell forces. The beads move towards cell center when cells contract, but they move away when cells relax. We use relaxation/contraction ratio (λ _r), in addition to traction force, as measures of cell response to red (wavelength, λ=635-650 nm), green (λ=545-580 nm) and blue (λ=455-490 nm) lights with varying intensities. Our results suggest that intensities below 57, 31 and 3.5 W/m² for red, green and blue lights, respectively, do not perturb force homeostasis. To our knowledge, these intensities are the lowest reported safe thresholds, implying that cell traction is a highly sensitive readout of the effect of light on cells. Most importantly, we find these threshold intensities to be dose-independent; i.e., safe regardless of the energy dosage or time of exposure. Conversely, higher intensities result in widespread force-relaxation in cells with λ _r > 1. Furthermore, we present a photo-reaction based model that simulates photo-toxicity and predicts threshold intensity for different wavelengths within the visible spectra. In conclusion, we recommend employing illumination intensities below aforementioned wavelength-specific thresholds for time-lapse imaging of cells and tissues in order to avoid light-induced artifacts in experimental observations.

Bioimage Analysis and Cell Motility

Bioimage analysis (BIA) has historically helped study how and why cells move; biological experiments evolved in intimate feedback with the most classical image processing techniques because they contribute objectivity and reproducibility to an eminently qualitative science. Cell segmentation, tracking, and morphology descriptors are all discussed here. Using ameboid motility as a case study, these methods help us illustrate how proper quantification can augment biological data, for example, by choosing mathematical representations that amplify initially subtle differences, by statistically uncovering general laws or by integrating physical insight. More recently, the non-invasive nature of quantitative imaging is fertilizing two blooming fields: mechanobiology, where many biophysical measurements remain inaccessible, and microenvironments, where the quest for physiological relevance has exploded data size. From relief to remedy, this trend indicates that BIA is to become a main vector of biological discovery as human visual analysis struggles against ever more complex data.

Advances in Confocal Microscopy and Selected Applications

Over the last 30 years, confocal microscopy has emerged as a primary tool for biological investigation across many disciplines. The simplicity of use and widespread accessibility of confocal microscopy ensure that it will have a prominent place in biological imaging for many years to come, even with the recent advances in light sheet and field synthesis microscopy. Since these more advanced technologies still require significant expertise to effectively implement and carry through to analysis, confocal microscopy-based approaches still remain the easiest way for biologists with minimal imaging experience to address fundamental questions about how their systems are arranged through space and time. In this review, we discuss a number of advanced applications of confocal microscopy for probing the spatiotemporal dynamics of biological systems.

A bird's-eye view of deep learning in bioimage analysis

Deep learning of artificial neural networks has become the de facto standard approach to solving data analysis problems in virtually all fields of science and engineering. Also in biology and medicine, deep learning technologies are fundamentally transforming how we acquire, process, analyze, and interpret data, with potentially far-reaching consequences for healthcare. In this mini-review, we take a bird's-eye view at the past, present, and future developments of deep learning, starting from science at large, to biomedical imaging, and bioimage analysis in particular.

A biophysical perspective on receptor-mediated virus entry with a focus on HIV

As part of their entry and infection strategy, viruses interact with specific receptor molecules expressed on the surface of target cells. The efficiency and kinetics of the virus-receptor interactions required for a virus to productively infect a cell is determined by the biophysical properties of the receptors, which are in turn influenced by the receptors' plasma membrane (PM) environments. Currently, little is known about the biophysical properties of these receptor molecules or their engagement during virus binding and entry. Here we review virus-receptor interactions focusing on the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV), the etiological agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), as a model system. HIV is one of the best characterised enveloped viruses, with the identity, roles and structure of the key molecules required for infection well established. We review current knowledge of receptor-mediated HIV entry, addressing the properties of the HIV cell-surface receptors, the techniques used to measure these properties, and the macromolecular interactions and events required for virus entry. We discuss some of the key biophysical principles underlying receptor-mediated virus entry and attempt to interpret the available data in the context of biophysical mechanisms. We also highlight crucial outstanding questions and consider how new tools might be applied to advance understanding of the biophysical properties of viral receptors and the dynamic events leading to virus entry.

Light Microscopy of Mitochondria at the Nanoscale

Mitochondria are essential for eukaryotic life. These double-membrane organelles often form highly dynamic tubular networks interacting with many cellular structures. Their highly convoluted contiguous inner membrane compartmentalizes the organelle, which is crucial for mitochondrial function. Since the diameter of the mitochondrial tubules is generally close to the diffraction limit of light microscopy, it is often challenging, if not impossible, to visualize submitochondrial structures or protein distributions using conventional light microscopy. This renders super-resolution microscopy particularly valuable, and attractive, for studying mitochondria. Super-resolution microscopy encompasses a diverse set of approaches that extend resolution, as well as nanoscopy techniques that can even overcome the diffraction limit. In this review, we provide an overview of recent studies using super-resolution microscopy to investigate mitochondria, discuss the strengths and opportunities of the various methods in addressing specific questions in mitochondrial biology, and highlight potential future developments.

Visualizing Surface T-Cell Receptor Dynamics Four-Dimensionally Using Lattice Light-Sheet Microscopy

The signaling and function of a cell are dictated by the dynamic structures and interactions of its surface receptors. To truly understand the structure-function relationship of these receptors in situ, we need to visualize and track them on the live cell surface with enough spatiotemporal resolution. Here we show how to use recently developed Lattice Light-Sheet Microscopy (LLSM) to image T-cell receptors (TCRs) four-dimensionally (4D, space and time) at the live cell membrane. T cells are one of the main effector cells of the adaptive immune system, and here we used T cells as an example to show that the signaling and function of these cells are driven by the dynamics and interactions of the TCRs. LLSM allows for 4D imaging with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. This microscopy technique therefore can be generally applied to a wide array of surface or intracellular molecules of different cells in biology.

Nanoscale Resolution 3D Snapshot Particle Tracking by Multifocal Microscopy

Accurate, precise, and rapid particle tracking in three dimensions remains a challenge; yet, its achievement will significantly enhance our understanding of living systems. We developed a multifocal microscopy (MFM) that allows snapshot acquisition of the imaging data, and an associated image processing approach, that together allow simultaneous 3D tracking of many fluorescent particles with nanoscale resolution. The 3D tracking was validated by measuring a known trajectory of a fluorescent bead with an axial accuracy of 19 nm through an image depth (axial range) of 3 μm and 4 nm precision of axial localization through an image depth of 4 μm. A second test obtained a uniform axial probability distribution and Brownian dynamics of beads diffusing in solution. We also validated the MFM approach by imaging fluorescent beads immobilized in gels and comparing the 3D localizations to their "ground truth" positions obtained from a confocal microscopy z-stack of finely spaced images. Finally, we applied our MFM and image processing approach to obtain 3D trajectories of insulin granules in pseudoislets of MIN6 cells to demonstrate its compatibility with complex biological systems. Our study demonstrates that multifocal microscopy allows rapid (video rate) and simultaneous 3D tracking of many "particles" with nanoscale accuracy and precision in a wide range of systems, including over spatial scales relevant to whole live cells.

Live-cell STED nanoscopy of mitochondrial cristae

Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that exhibit a complex inner architecture. They exhibit a smooth outer membrane and a highly convoluted inner membrane that forms invaginations called cristae. Imaging cristae in living cells poses a formidable challenge for super-resolution light microscopy. Relying on a cell line stably expressing the mitochondrial protein COX8A fused to the SNAP-tag and using STED (stimulated emission depletion) nanoscopy, we demonstrate the visualization of cristae dynamics in cultivated human cells. We show that in human HeLa cells lamellar cristae are often arranged in groups separated by voids that are generally occupied by mitochondrial nucleoids.

A primer on resolving the nanoscale structure of the plasma membrane with light and electron microscopy

Taraska reviews the imaging methods that are being used to understand the structure of the plasma membrane at the molecular level.

The plasma membrane separates a cell from its external environment. All materials and signals that enter or leave the cell must cross this hydrophobic barrier. Understanding the architecture and dynamics of the plasma membrane has been a central focus of general cellular physiology. Both light and electron microscopy have been fundamental in this endeavor and have been used to reveal the dense, complex, and dynamic nanoscale landscape of the plasma membrane. Here, I review classic and recent developments in the methods used to image and study the structure of the plasma membrane, particularly light, electron, and correlative microscopies. I will discuss their history and use for mapping the plasma membrane and focus on how these tools have provided a structural framework for understanding the membrane at the scale of molecules. Finally, I will describe how these studies provide a roadmap for determining the nanoscale architecture of other organelles and entire cells in order to bridge the gap between cellular form and function.

Practical Considerations in Particle and Object Tracking and Analysis

The rapid advancement of live-cell imaging technologies has enabled biologists to generate high-dimensional data to follow biological movement at the microscopic level. Yet, the "perceived" ease of use of modern microscopes has led to challenges whereby sub-optimal data are commonly generated that cannot support quantitative tracking and analysis as a result of various ill-advised decisions made during image acquisition. Even optimally acquired images often require further optimization through digital processing before they can be analyzed. In writing this article, we presume our target audience to be biologists with a foundational understanding of digital image acquisition and processing, who are seeking to understand the essential steps for particle/object tracking experiments. It is with this targeted readership in mind that we review the basic principles of image-processing techniques as well as analysis strategies commonly used for tracking experiments. We conclude this technical survey with a discussion of how movement behavior can be mathematically modeled and described. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Holographic two-photon activation for synthetic optogenetics

Optogenetic tools provide users the ability to photocontrol the activity of cells. Commonly, activation is achieved by expression of proteins from photosynthetic organisms, for example, microbial opsins (e.g., ChR2). Alternatively, a sister approach, synthetic optogenetics, enables photocontrol over proteins of mammalian origin by use of photoswitches, visible light (typically), and genetic modification. Thus, synthetic optogenetics facilitates interrogation of native neuronal signaling mechanisms. However, the poor tissue penetration of visible wavelengths impedes the use of the technique in tissue, as two-photon excitation (2PE) is typically required to access the near-infrared window. Here, we describe an alternative technique that uses 2PE-compatible photoswitches (section 1) for photoactivation of genetically modified glutamate receptors (section 2). Furthermore, for fast, multi-region photoactivation, we describe the use of 2P-digital holography (2P-DH) (section 3). We detail how to combine 2P-DH and synthetic optogenetics with electrophysiology, or with red fluorescence Ca²⁺ recordings, for all-optical neural interrogation. The time required to complete the methods, aside from obtaining the necessary reagents and illumination equipment, is ~3 weeks.

Molecular profiling of single axons and dendrites in living neurons using electrosyringe-assisted electrospray mass spectrometry

Electrosyringe-assisted electrospray mass spectrometry (MS) is established for the first time to achieve intracellular sampling from one axon or dendrite in living neurons for mass spectrometric analysis.

Near-Infrared Fluorescent Proteins: Multiplexing and Optogenetics across Scales

Since mammalian tissue is relatively transparent to near-infrared (NIR) light, NIR fluorescent proteins (FPs) engineered from bacterial phytochromes have become widely used probes for non-invasive in vivo imaging. Recently, these genetically encoded NIR probes have been substantially improved, enabling imaging experiments that were not possible previously. Here, we discuss the use of monomeric NIR FPs and NIR biosensors for multiplexed imaging with common visible GFP-based probes and blue light-activatable optogenetic tools. These NIR probes are suitable for visualization of functional activities from molecular to organismal levels. In combination with advanced imaging techniques, such as two-photon microscopy with adaptive optics, photoacoustic tomography and its recent modification reversibly switchable photoacoustic computed tomography, NIR probes allow subcellular resolution at millimeter depths.

Contrast and resolution enhanced optical sectioning in scattering tissue using line-scanning two-photon structured illumination microscopy

Optical sectioning imaging with high spatial resolution deep inside scattering samples such as mammalian brain is of great interest in biological study. Conventional two-photon microscopy deteriorates in focus when light scattering increases. Here we develop an optical sectioning enhanced two-photon technique which incorporates structured illumination into line-scanning spatial-temporal focusing microscopy (LTSIM), and generate patterned illumination via laser intensity modulation synchronized with scanning. LTSIM brings scattering background elimination and in-focus contrast enhancement, and realizes nearly 2-fold increase in spatial resolution to ∼208 nm laterally and ∼0.94 µm axially. In addition, the intensity modulated line-scanning implementation of LTSIM enables fast and flexible generation of structured illumination, permitting adjustable spatial frequency profiles to optimize image contrast. The highly qualified optical sectioning ability of our system is demonstrated on samples including tissue phantom, C. elegans and mouse brain at depths over hundreds of microns.

Learning-based single-shot superresolution in diffractive imaging

We present a method of retrieving a superresolved object field from a single captured intensity image in diffraction-limited diffractive imaging based on machine learning. In this method, the inverse process of diffractive imaging is regressed by using a number of pairs, each consisting of object and captured images. The proposed method is experimentally demonstrated by using a lensless imaging setup with or without scattering media.

Surpassing light-induced cell damage in vitro with novel cell culture media

Light is extensively used to study cells in real time (live cell imaging), separate cells using fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) and control cellular functions with light sensitive proteins (Optogenetics). However, photo-sensitive molecules inside cells and in standard cell culture media generate toxic by-products that interfere with cellular functions and cell viability when exposed to light. Here we show that primary cells from the rat central nervous system respond differently to photo-toxicity, in that astrocytes and microglia undergo morphological changes, while in developing neurons and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) it induces cellular death. To prevent photo-toxicity and to allow for long-term photo-stimulation without causing cellular damage, we formulated new photo-inert media called MEMO and NEUMO, and an antioxidant rich and serum free supplement called SOS. These new media reduced the detrimental effects caused by light and allowed cells to endure up to twenty times more light exposure without adverse effects, thus bypassing the optical constraints previously limiting experiments.

Two-Photon Laser Scanning Stereomicroscopy for Fast Volumetric Imaging

Bessel beams have been successfully used in two-photon laser scanning fluorescence microscopy to extend the depth of field (EDF), which makes it possible to observe fast events volumetrically. However, the depth information is lost due to integration of fluorescence signals along the propagation direction. We describe the design and implementation of two-photon lasers scanning stereomicroscopy, which allows viewing dynamic processes in three-dimensional (3D) space stereoscopically in real-time with shutter glasses at the speed of 1.4 volumes per second. The depth information can be appreciated by human visual system or be recovered with correspondence algorithms for some cases.

Spatially-controlled illumination microscopy

Live-cell and live-tissue imaging using fluorescence optical microscopes presents an inherent trade-off between image quality and photodamage. Spatially-controlled illumination microscopy (SCIM) aims to strike the right balance between obtaining good image quality and minimizing the risk of photodamage. In traditional imaging, illumination is performed with a spatially-uniform light dose resulting in spatially-variable detected signals. SCIM adopts an alternative imaging approach where illumination is performed with a spatially-variable light dose resulting in spatially-uniform detected signals. The actual image information of the biological specimen in SCIM is predominantly encoded in the illumination profile. SCIM uses real-time spatial control of illumination in the imaging of fluorescent biological specimens. This alternative imaging paradigm reduces the overall illumination light dose during imaging, which facilitates prolonged imaging of live biological specimens by minimizing photodamage without compromising image quality. Additionally, the dynamic range of a SCIM image is no longer limited by the dynamic range of the detector (or camera), since it employs a uniform detection strategy. The large dynamic range of SCIM is predominantly determined by the illumination profile, and is advantageous for imaging both live and fixed biological specimens. In the present review, the concept and working mechanisms of SCIM are discussed, together with its application in various types of optical microscopes.

Super-resolution microscopy as a potential approach to diagnosis of platelet granule disorders

BACKGROUND

Many platelet functions are dependent on bioactive molecules released from their granules. Deficiencies of these granules in number, shape or content are associated with bleeding. The small size of these granules is such that imaging them for diagnosis has traditionally required electron microscopy. However, recently developed super-resolution microscopes provide sufficient spatial resolution to effectively image platelet granules. When combined with automated image analysis, these methods provide a quantitative, unbiased, rapidly acquired dataset that can readily and reliably reveal differences in platelet granules between individuals.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the ability of structured illumination microscopy (SIM) to efficiently differentiate between healthy volunteers and three patients with Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome.

METHODS

Blood samples were taken from three patients with Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome and seven controls. Patients 1-3 have gene defects in HPS1, HPS6 and HPS5, respectively; all controls were healthy volunteers. Platelet-rich plasma was isolated from blood and the platelets fixed, stained for CD63 and processed for analysis by immunofluorescence microscopy, using a custom-built SIM microscope.

RESULTS

SIM can successfully resolve CD63-positive structures in fixed platelets. A determination of the number of CD63-positive structures per platelet allowed us to conclude that each patient was significantly different from all of the controls with 99% confidence.

CONCLUSIONS

A super-resolution imaging approach is effective and rapid in objectively differentiating between patients with a platelet bleeding disorder and healthy volunteers. CD63 is a useful marker for predicting Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome and could be used in the diagnosis of patients suspected of other platelet granule disorders.

Spatiotemporal Rank Filtering Improves Image Quality Compared to Frame Averaging in 2-Photon Laser Scanning Microscopy

Live imaging of biological specimens using optical microscopy is limited by tradeoffs between spatial and temporal resolution, depth into intact samples, and phototoxicity. Two-photon laser scanning microscopy (2P-LSM), the gold standard for imaging turbid samples in vivo, has conventionally constructed images with sufficient signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) generated by sequential raster scans of the focal plane and temporal integration of the collected signals. Here, we describe spatiotemporal rank filtering, a nonlinear alternative to temporal integration, which makes more efficient use of collected photons by selectively reducing noise in 2P-LSM images during acquisition. This results in much higher SNR while preserving image edges and fine details. Practically, this allows for at least a four fold decrease in collection times, a substantial improvement for time-course imaging in biological systems.

Single neuron transcriptome analysis can reveal more than cell type classification: Does it matter if every neuron is unique?

A recent single cell mRNA sequencing study by Dueck et al. compares neuronal transcriptomes to the transcriptomes of adipocytes and cardiomyocytes. Single cell omic approaches such as those used by the authors are at the leading edge of molecular and biophysical measurement. Many groups are currently employing single cell sequencing approaches to understand cellular heterogeneity in cancer and during normal development. These single cell approaches also are beginning to address long-standing questions regarding nervous system diversity. Beyond an innate interest in cataloging cell type diversity in the brain, single cell neuronal diversity has important implications for neurotypic neural circuit function and for neurological disease. Herein, we review the authors' methods and findings, which most notably include evidence of unique expression profiles in some single neurons.

Differential Translocation of Host Cellular Materials into the Chlamydia trachomatis Inclusion Lumen during Chemical Fixation

Chlamydia trachomatis manipulates host cellular pathways to ensure its proliferation and survival. Translocation of host materials into the pathogenic vacuole (termed 'inclusion') may facilitate nutrient acquisition and various organelles have been observed within the inclusion, including lipid droplets, peroxisomes, multivesicular body components, and membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). However, few of these processes have been documented in living cells. Here, we survey the localization of a broad panel of subcellular elements and find ER, mitochondria, and inclusion membranes within the inclusion lumen of fixed cells. However, we see little evidence of intraluminal localization of these organelles in live inclusions. Using time-lapse video microscopy we document ER marker translocation into the inclusion lumen during chemical fixation. These intra-inclusion ER elements resist a variety of post-fixation manipulations and are detectable via immunofluorescence microscopy. We speculate that the localization of a subset of organelles may be exaggerated during fixation. Finally, we find similar structures within the pathogenic vacuole of Coxiella burnetti infected cells, suggesting that fixation-induced translocation of cellular materials may occur into the vacuole of a range of intracellular pathogens.

Knowing a synapse when you see one

Recent years have seen a rapidly growing recognition of the complexity and diversity of the myriad individual synaptic connections that define brain synaptic networks. It has also become increasingly apparent that the synapses themselves are a major key to understanding the development, function and adaptability of those synaptic networks. In spite of this growing appreciation, the molecular, structural and functional characteristics of individual synapses and the patterning of their diverse characteristics across functional networks have largely eluded quantitative study with available imaging technologies. Here we offer an overview of new computational imaging methods that promise to bring single-synapse analysis of synaptic networks to the fore. We focus especially on the challenges and opportunities associated with quantitative detection of individual synapses and with measuring individual synapses across network scale populations in mammalian brain.

Quantitative comparison of multiframe data association techniques for particle tracking in time-lapse fluorescence microscopy

Biological studies of intracellular dynamic processes commonly require motion analysis of large numbers of particles in live-cell time-lapse fluorescence microscopy imaging data. Many particle tracking methods have been developed in the past years as a first step toward fully automating this task and enabling high-throughput data processing. Two crucial aspects of any particle tracking method are the detection of relevant particles in the image frames and their linking or association from frame to frame to reconstruct the trajectories. The performance of detection techniques as well as specific combinations of detection and linking techniques for particle tracking have been extensively evaluated in recent studies. Comprehensive evaluations of linking techniques per se, on the other hand, are lacking in the literature. Here we present the results of a quantitative comparison of data association techniques for solving the linking problem in biological particle tracking applications. Nine multiframe and two more traditional two-frame techniques are evaluated as a function of the level of missing and spurious detections in various scenarios. The results indicate that linking techniques are generally more negatively affected by missing detections than by spurious detections. If misdetections can be avoided, there appears to be no need to use sophisticated multiframe linking techniques. However, in the practically likely case of imperfect detections, the latter are a safer choice. Our study provides users and developers with novel information to select the right linking technique for their applications, given a detection technique of known quality.

Fast super-resolution imaging with ultra-high labeling density achieved by joint tagging super-resolution optical fluctuation imaging

Previous stochastic localization-based super-resolution techniques are largely limited by the labeling density and the fidelity to the morphology of specimen. We report on an optical super-resolution imaging scheme implementing joint tagging using multiple fluorescent blinking dyes associated with super-resolution optical fluctuation imaging (JT-SOFI), achieving ultra-high labeling density super-resolution imaging. To demonstrate the feasibility of JT-SOFI, quantum dots with different emission spectra were jointly labeled to the tubulin in COS7 cells, creating ultra-high density labeling. After analyzing and combining the fluorescence intermittency images emanating from spectrally resolved quantum dots, the microtubule networks are capable of being investigated with high fidelity and remarkably enhanced contrast at sub-diffraction resolution. The spectral separation also significantly decreased the frame number required for SOFI, enabling fast super-resolution microscopy through simultaneous data acquisition. As the joint-tagging scheme can decrease the labeling density in each spectral channel, thereby bring it closer to single-molecule state, we can faithfully reconstruct the continuous microtubule structure with high resolution through collection of only 100 frames per channel. The improved continuity of the microtubule structure is quantitatively validated with image skeletonization, thus demonstrating the advantage of JT-SOFI over other localization-based super-resolution methods.

Objective comparison of particle tracking methods

Particle tracking is of key importance for quantitative analysis of intracellular dynamic processes from time-lapse microscopy image data. Because manually detecting and following large numbers of individual particles is not feasible, automated computational methods have been developed for these tasks by many groups. Aiming to perform an objective comparison of methods, we gathered the community and organized an open competition in which participating teams applied their own methods independently to a commonly defined data set including diverse scenarios. Performance was assessed using commonly defined measures. Although no single method performed best across all scenarios, the results revealed clear differences between the various approaches, leading to notable practical conclusions for users and developers.

Development of FRET biosensors for mammalian and plant systems

Genetically encoded biosensors are increasingly used in visualising signalling processes in different organisms. Sensors based on green fluorescent protein technology are providing a great opportunity for using Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) as a tool that allows for monitoring dynamic processes in living cells. The development of these FRET biosensors requires careful selection of fluorophores, substrates and recognition domains. In this review, we will discuss recent developments, strategies to create and optimise FRET biosensors and applications of FRET-based biosensors for use in the two major eukaryotic kingdoms and elaborate on different methods for FRET detection.

Subdiffractive microscopy: techniques, applications, and challenges

Cellular processes rely on the precise orchestration of signaling and effector molecules in space and time, yet it remains challenging to gain a comprehensive picture of the molecular organization underlying most basic biological functions. This organization often takes place at length scales below the resolving power of conventional microscopy. In recent years, several 'superresolution' fluorescence microscopic techniques have emerged that can surpass the diffraction limit of conventional microscopy by a factor of 2-20. These methods have been used to reveal previously unknown organization of macromolecular complexes and cytoskeletal structures. The resulting high-resolution view of molecular organization and dynamics is already changing our understanding of cellular processes at the systems level. However, current subdiffractive microscopic techniques are not without limitations; challenges remain to be overcome before these techniques achieve their full potential. Here, we introduce three primary types of subdiffractive microscopic techniques, consider their current limitations and challenges, and discuss recent biological applications.

Astrocyte-synapse structural plasticity

The function and efficacy of synaptic transmission are determined not only by the composition and activity of pre- and postsynaptic components but also by the environment in which a synapse is embedded. Glial cells constitute an important part of this environment and participate in several aspects of synaptic functions. Among the glial cell family, the roles played by astrocytes at the synaptic level are particularly important, ranging from the trophic support to the fine-tuning of transmission. Astrocytic structures are frequently observed in close association with glutamatergic synapses, providing a morphological entity for bidirectional interactions with synapses. Experimental evidence indicates that astrocytes sense neuronal activity by elevating their intracellular calcium in response to neurotransmitters and may communicate with neurons. The precise role of astrocytes in regulating synaptic properties, function, and plasticity remains however a subject of intense debate and many aspects of their interactions with neurons remain to be investigated. A particularly intriguing aspect is their ability to rapidly restructure their processes and modify their coverage of the synaptic elements. The present review summarizes some of these findings with a particular focus on the mechanisms driving this form of structural plasticity and its possible impact on synaptic structure and function.

Dark-field illumination on zero-mode waveguide/microfluidic hybrid chip reveals T4 replisomal protein interactions

The ability of zero-mode waveguides (ZMWs) to guide light energy into subwavelength-diameter cylindrical nanoapertures has been exploited for single-molecule fluorescence studies of biomolecules at micromolar concentrations, the typical dissociation constants for biomolecular interactions. Although epi-fluorescence microscopy is now adopted for ZMW-based imaging as an alternative to the commercialized ZMW imaging platform, its suitability and performance awaits rigorous examination. Here, we present conical lens-based dark-field fluorescence microscopy in combination with a ZMW/microfluidic chip for single-molecule fluorescence imaging. We demonstrate that compared to epi-illumination, the dark-field configuration displayed diminished background and noise and enhanced signal-to-noise ratios. This signal-to-noise ratio for imaging using the dark-field setup remains essentially unperturbed by the presence of background fluorescent molecules at micromolar concentration. Our design allowed single-molecule FRET studies that revealed weak DNA-protein and protein-protein interactions found with T4 replisomal proteins.

Nanoscale protein architecture of the kidney glomerular basement membrane

In multicellular organisms, proteins of the extracellular matrix (ECM) play structural and functional roles in essentially all organs, so understanding ECM protein organization in health and disease remains an important goal. Here, we used sub-diffraction resolution stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to resolve the in situ molecular organization of proteins within the kidney glomerular basement membrane (GBM), an essential mediator of glomerular ultrafiltration. Using multichannel STORM and STORM-electron microscopy correlation, we constructed a molecular reference frame that revealed a laminar organization of ECM proteins within the GBM. Separate analyses of domains near the N- and C-termini of agrin, laminin, and collagen IV in mouse and human GBM revealed a highly oriented macromolecular organization. Our analysis also revealed disruptions in this GBM architecture in a mouse model of Alport syndrome. These results provide the first nanoscopic glimpse into the organization of a complex ECM. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01149.001.

Investigating cellular structures at the nanoscale with organic fluorophores

Super-resolution fluorescence imaging can provide insights into cellular structure and organization with a spatial resolution approaching virtually electron microscopy. Among all the different super-resolution methods single-molecule-based localization microscopy could play an exceptional role in the future because it can provide quantitative information, for example, the absolute number of biomolecules interacting in space and time. Here, small organic fluorophores are a decisive factor because they exhibit high fluorescence quantum yields and photostabilities, thus enabling their localization with nanometer precision. Besides past progress, problems with high-density and specific labeling, especially in living cells, and the lack of suited standards and long-term continuous imaging methods with minimal photodamage render the exploitation of the full potential of the method currently challenging.

Labeling Cytosolic Targets in Live Cells with Blinking Probes

With the advent of superresolution imaging methods, fast dynamic imaging of biological processes in live cells remains a challenge. A subset of these methods requires the cellular targets to be labeled with spontaneously blinking probes. The delivery and specific targeting of cytosolic targets and the control of the probes' blinking properties are reviewed for three types of blinking probes: quantum dots, synthetic dyes, and fluorescent proteins.

Carbofluoresceins and carborhodamines as scaffolds for high-contrast fluorogenic probes

Fluorogenic molecules are important tools for advanced biochemical and biological experiments. The extant collection of fluorogenic probes is incomplete, however, leaving regions of the electromagnetic spectrum unutilized. Here, we synthesize green-excited fluorescent and fluorogenic analogues of the classic fluorescein and rhodamine 110 fluorophores by replacement of the xanthene oxygen with a quaternary carbon. These anthracenyl “carbofluorescein” and “carborhodamine 110” fluorophores exhibit excellent fluorescent properties and can be masked with enzyme- and photolabile groups to prepare high-contrast fluorogenic molecules useful for live cell imaging experiments and super-resolution microscopy. Our divergent approach to these red-shifted dye scaffolds will enable the preparation of numerous novel fluorogenic probes with high biological utility.

Measuring collective cell movement and extracellular matrix interactions using magnetic resonance imaging

Collective cell behaviors in migration and force generation were studied at the mesoscopic-level using cells grown in a 3D extracellular matrix (ECM) simulating tissues. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was applied to investigate dynamic cell mechanics at this level. MDCK, NBT2, and MEF cells were embedded in 3D ECM, forming clusters that then migrated and generated forces affecting the ECM. The cells demonstrated MRI contrast due to iron accumulation in the clusters. Timelapse-MRI enabled the measurement of dynamic stress fields generated by the cells, as well as simultaneous monitoring of the cell distribution and ECM deformation/remodeling. We found cell clusters embedded in the 3D ECM can exert translational forces to pull and push, as well as torque, their surroundings. We also observed that the sum of forces generated by multiple cell clusters may result in macroscopic deformation. In summary, MRI can be used to image cell-ECM interactions mesoscopically.

Ultrastructural analysis of neuronal synapses using state-of-the-art nano-imaging techniques

Neuronal synapses are functional nodes in neural circuits. Their organization and activity define an individual's level of intelligence, emotional state and mental health. Changes in the structure and efficacy of synapses are the biological basis of learning and memory. However, investigation of the molecular architecture of synapses has been impeded by the lack of efficient techniques with sufficient resolution. Recent developments in state-of-the-art nano-imaging techniques have opened up a new window for dissecting the molecular organization of neuronal synapses with unprecedented resolution. Here, we review recent technological advances in nano-imaging techniques as well as their applications to the study of synapses, emphasizing super-resolution light microscopy and 3-dimensional electron tomography.

Drift estimation for single marker switching based imaging schemes

In recent years, the diffraction barrier in fluorescence imaging has been broken and optical nanoscopes now routinely image with resolutions of down to 20 nm, an improvement of more than 10 fold. Because this allows imaging much smaller features and because all super-resolution approaches trade off speed for spatial resolution, mechanical instabilities of the microscopes become a limiting factor. Here, we propose a fully data-driven statistical registration method for drift detection and drift correction for single marker switching (SMS) imaging schemes, including a guideline for parameter choice and quality checks of the drift analysis. The necessary assumptions about the drift are minimal, allowing a model-free approach, but more specific models can easily be integrated. We determine the resulting performance on standard SMS measurements and show that the drift determination can be routinely brought to the range of precision achievable by fiducial marker-tracking methods.