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Tuijtel MW, Cruz-León S, Kreysing JP, Welsch S, Hummer G, Beck M, Turoňová B. Thinner is not always better: Optimizing cryo-lamellae for subtomogram averaging. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk6285. [PMID: 38669330 PMCID: PMC11051657 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk6285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) is a powerful method to elucidate subcellular architecture and to structurally analyze biomolecules in situ by subtomogram averaging, yet data quality critically depends on specimen thickness. Cells that are too thick for transmission imaging can be thinned into lamellae by cryo-focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) milling. Despite being a crucial parameter directly affecting attainable resolution, optimal lamella thickness has not been systematically investigated nor the extent of structural damage caused by gallium ions used for FIB milling. We thus systematically determined how resolution is affected by these parameters. We find that ion-induced damage does not affect regions more than 30 nanometers from either lamella surface and that up to ~180-nanometer lamella thickness does not negatively affect resolution. This shows that there is no need to generate very thin lamellae and lamella thickness can be chosen such that it captures cellular features of interest, thereby opening cryo-ET also for studies of large complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarten W. Tuijtel
- Department of Molecular Sociology, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Max-von-Laue-Straße 3, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sergio Cruz-León
- Department of Theoretical Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Max-von-Laue-Straße 3, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jan Philipp Kreysing
- Department of Molecular Sociology, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Max-von-Laue-Straße 3, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- IMPRS on Cellular Biophysics, Max-von-Laue-Straße 3, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sonja Welsch
- Central Electron Microscopy Facility, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Max-von-Laue-Straße 3, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Gerhard Hummer
- Department of Theoretical Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Max-von-Laue-Straße 3, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Institute of Biophysics, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Martin Beck
- Department of Molecular Sociology, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Max-von-Laue-Straße 3, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Beata Turoňová
- Department of Molecular Sociology, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Max-von-Laue-Straße 3, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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2
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Dudek NK, Galaz-Montoya JG, Shi H, Mayer M, Danita C, Celis AI, Viehboeck T, Wu GH, Behr B, Bulgheresi S, Huang KC, Chiu W, Relman DA. Previously uncharacterized rectangular bacterial structures in the dolphin mouth. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2098. [PMID: 37055390 PMCID: PMC10102025 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37638-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Much remains to be explored regarding the diversity of uncultured, host-associated microbes. Here, we describe rectangular bacterial structures (RBSs) in the mouths of bottlenose dolphins. DNA staining revealed multiple paired bands within RBSs, suggesting the presence of cells dividing along the longitudinal axis. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy and tomography showed parallel membrane-bound segments that are likely cells, encapsulated by an S-layer-like periodic surface covering. RBSs displayed unusual pilus-like appendages with bundles of threads splayed at the tips. We present multiple lines of evidence, including genomic DNA sequencing of micromanipulated RBSs, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and fluorescence in situ hybridization, suggesting that RBSs are bacterial and distinct from the genera Simonsiella and Conchiformibius (family Neisseriaceae), with which they share similar morphology and division patterning. Our findings highlight the diversity of novel microbial forms and lifestyles that await characterization using tools complementary to genomics such as microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha K Dudek
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Quantori, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | | | - Handuo Shi
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Megan Mayer
- Division of CryoEM and Bioimaging, SSRL, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Cristina Danita
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Arianna I Celis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Tobias Viehboeck
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Environmental Cell Biology Group, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Division of Microbial Ecology, Center for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, and Vienna Doctoral School of Ecology and Evolution, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gong-Her Wu
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Barry Behr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Silvia Bulgheresi
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Environmental Cell Biology Group, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kerwyn Casey Huang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Wah Chiu
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Division of CryoEM and Bioimaging, SSRL, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - David A Relman
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
- Infectious Diseases Section, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA.
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3
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Yang Z, Zhang Z, Zhao Y, Ye Q, Li X, Meng L, Long J, Zhang S, Zhang L. Organelle Interaction and Drug Discovery: Towards Correlative Nanoscopy and Molecular Dynamics Simulation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:935898. [PMID: 35795548 PMCID: PMC9251060 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.935898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The inter-organelle interactions, including the cytomembrane, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondrion, lysosome, dictyosome, and nucleus, play the important roles in maintaining the normal function and homeostasis of cells. Organelle dysfunction can lead to a range of diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and cancer), and provide a new perspective for drug discovery. With the development of imaging techniques and functional fluorescent probes, a variety of algorithms and strategies have been developed for the ever-improving estimation of subcellular structures, organelle interaction, and organelle-related drug discovery with accounting for the dynamic structures of organelles, such as the nanoscopy technology and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Accordingly, this work summarizes a series of state-of-the-art examples of the recent progress in this rapidly changing field and uncovering the drug screening based on the structures and interactions of organelles. Finally, we propose the future outlook for exciting applications of organelle-related drug discovery, with the cooperation of nanoscopy and MD simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Zhiwei Yang, ; Lei Zhang,
| | - Zichen Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yizhen Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qiushi Ye
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xuhua Li
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Lingjie Meng
- School of Chemistry, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Instrumental Analysis Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jiangang Long
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Shengli Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Zhiwei Yang, ; Lei Zhang,
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4
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Klumpe S, Fung HKH, Goetz SK, Zagoriy I, Hampoelz B, Zhang X, Erdmann PS, Baumbach J, Müller CW, Beck M, Plitzko JM, Mahamid J. A modular platform for automated cryo-FIB workflows. eLife 2021; 10:e70506. [PMID: 34951584 PMCID: PMC8769651 DOI: 10.7554/elife.70506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Lamella micromachining by focused ion beam milling at cryogenic temperature (cryo-FIB) has matured into a preparation method widely used for cellular cryo-electron tomography. Due to the limited ablation rates of low Ga+ ion beam currents required to maintain the structural integrity of vitreous specimens, common preparation protocols are time-consuming and labor intensive. The improved stability of new-generation cryo-FIB instruments now enables automated operations. Here, we present an open-source software tool, SerialFIB, for creating automated and customizable cryo-FIB preparation protocols. The software encompasses a graphical user interface for easy execution of routine lamellae preparations, a scripting module compatible with available Python packages, and interfaces with three-dimensional correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) tools. SerialFIB enables the streamlining of advanced cryo-FIB protocols such as multi-modal imaging, CLEM-guided lamella preparation and in situ lamella lift-out procedures. Our software therefore provides a foundation for further development of advanced cryogenic imaging and sample preparation protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Klumpe
- Department Molecular Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of BiochemistryMartinsriedGermany
| | - Herman KH Fung
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology LaboratoryHeidelbergGermany
| | - Sara K Goetz
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology LaboratoryHeidelbergGermany
- Collaboration for joint PhD degree between EMBL and Heidelberg University, Faculty of BiosciencesHeidelbergGermany
| | - Ievgeniia Zagoriy
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology LaboratoryHeidelbergGermany
| | - Bernhard Hampoelz
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology LaboratoryHeidelbergGermany
| | - Xiaojie Zhang
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology LaboratoryHeidelbergGermany
| | - Philipp S Erdmann
- Department Molecular Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of BiochemistryMartinsriedGermany
| | - Janina Baumbach
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology LaboratoryHeidelbergGermany
| | - Christoph W Müller
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology LaboratoryHeidelbergGermany
| | - Martin Beck
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology LaboratoryHeidelbergGermany
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology LaboratoryHeidelbergGermany
| | - Jürgen M Plitzko
- Department Molecular Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of BiochemistryMartinsriedGermany
| | - Julia Mahamid
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology LaboratoryHeidelbergGermany
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5
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Han Z, Porter AE. In situ Electron Microscopy of Complex Biological and Nanoscale Systems: Challenges and Opportunities. FRONTIERS IN NANOTECHNOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fnano.2020.606253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In situ imaging for direct visualization is important for physical and biological sciences. Research endeavors into elucidating dynamic biological and nanoscale phenomena frequently necessitate in situ and time-resolved imaging. In situ liquid cell electron microscopy (LC-EM) can overcome certain limitations of conventional electron microscopies and offer great promise. This review aims to examine the status-quo and practical challenges of in situ LC-EM and its applications, and to offer insights into a novel correlative technique termed microfluidic liquid cell electron microscopy. We conclude by suggesting a few research ideas adopting microfluidic LC-EM for in situ imaging of biological and nanoscale systems.
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6
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Ultee E, van der Aart LT, Zhang L, van Dissel D, Diebolder CA, van Wezel GP, Claessen D, Briegel A. Teichoic acids anchor distinct cell wall lamellae in an apically growing bacterium. Commun Biol 2020; 3:314. [PMID: 32555532 PMCID: PMC7300013 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-1038-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterial cell wall is a multicomponent structure that provides structural support and protection. In monoderm species, the cell wall is made up predominantly of peptidoglycan, teichoic acids and capsular glycans. Filamentous monoderm Actinobacteria incorporate new cell-wall material at their tips. Here we use cryo-electron tomography to reveal the architecture of the actinobacterial cell wall of Streptomyces coelicolor. Our data shows a density difference between the apex and subapical regions. Removal of teichoic acids results in a patchy cell wall and distinct lamellae. Knock-down of tagO expression using CRISPR-dCas9 interference leads to growth retardation, presumably because build-in of teichoic acids had become rate-limiting. Absence of extracellular glycans produced by MatAB and CslA proteins results in a thinner wall lacking lamellae and patches. We propose that the Streptomyces cell wall is composed of layers of peptidoglycan and extracellular polymers that are structurally supported by teichoic acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveline Ultee
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Centre for Microbial Cell Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lizah T van der Aart
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Centre for Microbial Cell Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Le Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Centre for Microbial Cell Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Dino van Dissel
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Centre for Microbial Cell Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Christoph A Diebolder
- Netherlands Centre for Electron Nanoscopy (NeCEN), Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gilles P van Wezel
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Centre for Microbial Cell Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis Claessen
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Centre for Microbial Cell Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ariane Briegel
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Centre for Microbial Cell Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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7
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Revealing Sources of Variation for Reproducible Imaging of Protein Assemblies by Electron Microscopy. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11030251. [PMID: 32120860 PMCID: PMC7143348 DOI: 10.3390/mi11030251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Electron microscopy plays an important role in the analysis of functional nano-to-microstructures. Substrates and staining procedures present common sources of variation for the analysis. However, systematic investigations on the impact of these sources on data interpretation are lacking. Here we pinpoint key determinants associated with reproducibility issues in the imaging of archetypal protein assemblies, protein shells, and filaments. The effect of staining on the morphological characteristics of the assemblies was assessed to reveal differential features for anisotropic (filaments) and isotropic (shells) forms. Commercial substrates and coatings under the same staining conditions gave comparable results for the same model assembly, while highlighting intrinsic sample variations including the density and heterogenous distribution of assemblies on the substrate surface. With no aberrant or disrupted structures observed, and putative artefacts limited to substrate-associated markings, the study emphasizes that reproducible imaging must correlate with an optimal combination of substrate stability, stain homogeneity, accelerating voltage, and magnification.
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8
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Turchetti M, Kim CS, Hobbs R, Yang Y, Kruit P, Berggren KK. Design and simulation of a linear electron cavity for quantum electron microscopy. Ultramicroscopy 2019; 199:50-61. [PMID: 30772718 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 01/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Quantum electron microscopy (QEM) is a measurement approach that could reduce sample radiation damage, which represents the main obstacle to sub-nanometer direct imaging of molecules in conventional electron microscopes. This method is based on the exploitation of interaction-free measurements in an electron resonator. In this work, we present the design of a linear resonant electron cavity, which is at the core of QEM. We assess its stability and optical properties during resonance using ray-tracing electron optical simulations. Moreover, we analyze the issue of spherical aberrations inside the cavity and we propose and verify through simulation two possible approaches to the problem. Finally, we discuss some of the important design parameters and constraints, such as conservation of temporal coherence and effect of alignment fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Turchetti
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - Chung-Soo Kim
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Richard Hobbs
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Yujia Yang
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Pieter Kruit
- Department of Imaging Physics, Delft University of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628CJ Delft, Netherlands
| | - Karl K Berggren
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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9
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Himes BA, Zhang P. emClarity: software for high-resolution cryo-electron tomography and subtomogram averaging. Nat Methods 2018; 15:955-961. [PMID: 30349041 PMCID: PMC6281437 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-018-0167-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Macromolecular complexes are intrinsically flexible and often challenging to purify for structure determination by single particle cryoEM. Such complexes may be studied using cryo-electron tomography combined with sub-tomogram alignment and classification, which in exceptional cases reaches sub-nanometer resolution, yielding insight into structure-function relationships. Extending this approach to specimens that exhibit conformational or compositional heterogeneity, and that may be present at low abundance, remains challenging. To address this challenge, we developed emClarity (https://github.com/bHimes/emClarity/wiki), a GPU-accelerated image processing package, which features an iterative tomographic tilt-series refinement algorithm using sub-tomograms as fiducial markers and a 3D-samping function compensated, multi-scale Principle Component Analysis classification method. We demonstrate substantial improvements in the resolution of maps and in the separation of different functional states of macromolecular complexes, compared to those generated using current state-of-the-art software.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A Himes
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Peijun Zhang
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,Electron Bio-Imaging Centre, Diamond Light Source, Didcot, UK.
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10
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Navarro PP, Stahlberg H, Castaño-Díez D. Protocols for Subtomogram Averaging of Membrane Proteins in the Dynamo Software Package. Front Mol Biosci 2018; 5:82. [PMID: 30234127 PMCID: PMC6131572 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2018.00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryo-electron tomography allows low-resolution three-dimensional (3D) viewing of cellular organelles and macromolecular complexes present as multiple copies within a tomogram. These structures are computationally extracted and averaged in order to obtain high-resolution 3D structures, and provide a map of their spatial distribution and interaction with their biological microenvironment. To do so, we apply the user-friendly Dynamo software package on a tomographic data set. Dynamo acts as a modular toolbox adaptable to different biological scenarios, allowing a custom designed pipeline for subtomogram averaging. Here, we use as a textbook example the mitochondrial docking site of the positive-strand RNA Flock house nodavirus (FHV) to describe how Dynamo coordinates several basic steps in the subtomogram averaging workflow. Our framework covers specific strategies to deal with additional issues in subtomogram averaging as tomographic data management, 3D surface visualization, automatic assignment of asymmetry and inherent loss of Fourier information in presence of preferential views.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula P Navarro
- Center for Cellular Imaging and NanoAnalytics, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Henning Stahlberg
- Center for Cellular Imaging and NanoAnalytics, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Castaño-Díez
- BioEM Lab, Center for Cellular Imaging and NanoAnalytics, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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11
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Neumüller J. Electron tomography-a tool for ultrastructural 3D visualization in cell biology and histology. Wien Med Wochenschr 2018; 168:322-329. [PMID: 30084092 PMCID: PMC6132546 DOI: 10.1007/s10354-018-0646-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Electron tomography (ET) was developed to overcome some of the problems associated reconstructing three-dimensional (3D) images from 2D election microscopy data from ultrathin slices. Virtual sections of semithin sample are obtained by incremental rotation of the target and this information is used to assemble a 3D image. Herein, we provide an instruction to ET including the physical principle, possibilities, and limitations. We review the development of innovative methods and highlight important investigations performed in our department and with our collaborators. ET has opened up the third dimension at the ultrastructural level and represents a milestone in structural molecular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Neumüller
- Center of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstraße 17, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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12
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Abstract
Peptidoglycan is an essential component of the cell wall that protects bacteria from environmental stress. A carefully coordinated biosynthesis of peptidoglycan during cell elongation and division is required for cell viability. This biosynthesis involves sophisticated enzyme machineries that dynamically synthesize, remodel, and degrade peptidoglycan. However, when and where bacteria build peptidoglycan, and how this is coordinated with cell growth, have been long-standing questions in the field. The improvement of microscopy techniques has provided powerful approaches to study peptidoglycan biosynthesis with high spatiotemporal resolution. Recent development of molecular probes further accelerated the growth of the field, which has advanced our knowledge of peptidoglycan biosynthesis dynamics and mechanisms. Here, we review the technologies for imaging the bacterial cell wall and its biosynthesis activity. We focus on the applications of fluorescent d-amino acids, a newly developed type of probe, to visualize and study peptidoglycan synthesis and dynamics, and we provide direction for prospective research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atanas D Radkov
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA.,Current affiliation: Biophysics and Biochemistry Department, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA;
| | - Yen-Pang Hsu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA; , ,
| | - Garrett Booher
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA; , ,
| | - Michael S VanNieuwenhze
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA; , ,
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13
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Neumann P, Dickmanns A, Ficner R. Validating Resolution Revolution. Structure 2018; 26:785-795.e4. [PMID: 29606592 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in instrumentation and image-processing software have resulted in a resolution revolution in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and a surge in the popularity of this technique. However, despite technical progress and hundreds of structures determined so far, development of standards assessing the agreement between the cryo-EM map and the respective model has fallen behind. Here we establish a validation procedure evaluating this agreement and applied it to a set of 565 cryo-EM structures. Analysis of the results revealed that three-quarters of the validated structures exhibit moderate or low agreement between the map and the corresponding model, mostly due to limited structural features possessed by these maps. Model re-refinement significantly improved the agreement for only one-fifth of the structures, reaffirming the necessity to re-evaluate map resolution. The presented procedure provides an approach to re-estimate the resolution of cryo-EM map areas interpreted by the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Neumann
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Institute of Microbiology & Genetics, GZMB, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Achim Dickmanns
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Institute of Microbiology & Genetics, GZMB, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ralf Ficner
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Institute of Microbiology & Genetics, GZMB, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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14
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Cryo-soft X-ray tomography: using soft X-rays to explore the ultrastructure of whole cells. Emerg Top Life Sci 2018; 2:81-92. [PMID: 33525785 PMCID: PMC7289011 DOI: 10.1042/etls20170086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cryo-soft X-ray tomography is an imaging technique that addresses the need for mesoscale imaging of cellular ultrastructure of relatively thick samples without the need for staining or chemical modification. It allows the imaging of cellular ultrastructure to a resolution of 25–40 nm and can be used in correlation with other imaging modalities, such as electron tomography and fluorescence microscopy, to further enhance the information content derived from biological samples. An overview of the technique, discussion of sample suitability and information about sample preparation, data collection and data analysis is presented here. Recent developments and future outlook are also discussed.
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15
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Reifarth M, Hoeppener S, Schubert US. Uptake and Intracellular Fate of Engineered Nanoparticles in Mammalian Cells: Capabilities and Limitations of Transmission Electron Microscopy-Polymer-Based Nanoparticles. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2018; 30. [PMID: 29325211 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201703704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In order to elucidate mechanisms of nanoparticle (NP)-cell interactions, a detailed knowledge about membrane-particle interactions, intracellular distributions, and nucleus penetration capabilities, etc. becomes indispensable. The utilization of NPs as additives in many consumer products, as well as the increasing interest of tailor-made nanoobjects as novel therapeutic and diagnostic platforms, makes it essential to gain deeper insights about their biological effects. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) represents an outstanding method to study the uptake and intracellular fate of NPs, since this technique provides a resolution far better than the particle size. Additionally, its capability to highlight ultrastructural details of the cellular interior as well as membrane features is unmatched by other approaches. Here, a summary is provided on studies utilizing TEM to investigate the uptake and mode-of-action of tailor-made polymer nanoparticles in mammalian cells. For this purpose, the capabilities as well as limitations of TEM investigations are discussed to provide a detailed overview on uptake studies of common nanoparticle systems supported by TEM investigations. Furthermore, methodologies that can, in particular, address low-contrast materials in electron microscopy, i.e., polymeric and polymer-modified nanoparticles, are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Reifarth
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstr. 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Jena Center of Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Stephanie Hoeppener
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstr. 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Jena Center of Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Ulrich S Schubert
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstr. 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Jena Center of Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743, Jena, Germany
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16
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Abstract
Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) allows the imaging of intact macromolecular complexes in the context of whole cells. The biological samples for cryo-EM are kept in a near-native state by flash freezing, without the need for any additional sample preparation or fixation steps. Since transmission electron microscopy only generates 2D projections of the samples, the specimen has to be tilted in order to recover its 3D structural information. This is done by collecting images of the sample with various tilt angles in respect to the electron beam. The acquired tilt series can then be computationally back-projected. This technique is called electron cryotomography (ECT), and has been instrumental in unraveling the architecture of chemoreceptor arrays. Here we describe the method of visualizing in vivo bacterial chemoreceptor arrays in three main steps: immobilization of bacterial cells on EM grids by plunge-freezing; 2D image acquisition in tilt series; and 3D tomogram reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Yang
- Department of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ariane Briegel
- Department of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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17
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Engberts KB, Seinen C, Geerts WJC, Heijnen HFG. Electron Tomography and Correlative Approaches in Platelet Studies. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1812:55-79. [PMID: 30171572 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8585-2_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Blood platelets play a central role in the arrest of bleeding and the development of thrombosis. Unraveling the complex processes of platelet biogenesis from megakaryocytes, platelet adhesion, aggregation, and secretory responses are important topics in the field of hemostasis and thrombosis. Analysis of the ultrastructural changes that occur during these processes is essential for understanding the rapid membrane dynamics and has contributed substantially to our present knowledge of platelet formation and functioning. Recent developments in real-time imaging, correlative light and electron microscopy imaging (CLEM), and 3D (cryo) electron microscopy and tomography offer exciting opportunities to improve studies of the platelet adhesive responses and secretion at the ultrastructural level in a close to native environment. In this chapter we discuss and illustrate cryo preparation techniques (high-pressure freezing, vitrification), correlative LM and EM workflows, and 3D cryo-electron tomography that we apply in our current research projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasia B Engberts
- Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cor Seinen
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Willie J C Geerts
- Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Harry F G Heijnen
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands. .,Department of Cell Biology, Cell Microscopy Core, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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18
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Abstract
The spread of bacterial resistance to antibiotics poses the need for antimicrobial discovery. With traditional search paradigms being exhausted, approaches that are altogether different from antibiotics may offer promising and creative solutions. Here, we introduce a de novo peptide topology that—by emulating the virus architecture—assembles into discrete antimicrobial capsids. Using the combination of high-resolution and real-time imaging, we demonstrate that these artificial capsids assemble as 20-nm hollow shells that attack bacterial membranes and upon landing on phospholipid bilayers instantaneously (seconds) convert into rapidly expanding pores causing membrane lysis (minutes). The designed capsids show broad antimicrobial activities, thus executing one primary function—they destroy bacteria on contact. With the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, unconventional approaches to antimicrobial discovery are needed. Here, the authors present a peptide topology that mimics virus architecture and assembles into antimicrobial capsids that disrupt bacterial membranes upon contact.
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19
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Kłosowski MM, McGilvery CM, Li Y, Abellan P, Ramasse Q, Cabral JT, Livingston AG, Porter AE. Micro-to nano-scale characterisation of polyamide structures of the SW30HR RO membrane using advanced electron microscopy and stain tracers. J Memb Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2016.07.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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21
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Noble JE, De Santis E, Ravi J, Lamarre B, Castelletto V, Mantell J, Ray S, Ryadnov MG. A De Novo Virus-Like Topology for Synthetic Virions. J Am Chem Soc 2016; 138:12202-10. [PMID: 27585246 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.6b05751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A de novo topology of virus-like assembly is reported. The design is a trifaceted coiled-coil peptide helix, which self-assembles into ultrasmall, monodisperse, anionic virus-like shells that encapsulate and transfer both RNA and DNA into human cells. Unlike existing artificial systems, these shells share the same physical characteristics of viruses being anionic, nonaggregating, abundant, hollow, and uniform in size, while effectively mediating gene silencing and transgene expression. These are the smallest virus-like structures reported to date, both synthetic and native, with the ability to adapt and transfer small and large nucleic acids. The design thus offers a promising solution for engineering bespoke artificial viruses with desired functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Noble
- National Physical Laboratory , Hampton Road, Teddington TW11 0LW, United Kingdom
| | - Emiliana De Santis
- National Physical Laboratory , Hampton Road, Teddington TW11 0LW, United Kingdom
| | - Jascindra Ravi
- National Physical Laboratory , Hampton Road, Teddington TW11 0LW, United Kingdom
| | - Baptiste Lamarre
- National Physical Laboratory , Hampton Road, Teddington TW11 0LW, United Kingdom
| | - Valeria Castelletto
- Department of Chemistry, University of Reading , Reading RG6 6AD, United Kingdom
| | - Judith Mantell
- Wolfson Bio-imaging Facility, Department of Biochemistry, University of Bristol , Bristol BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
| | - Santanu Ray
- SET, University of Brighton , Brighton BN2 4GJ, United Kingdom
| | - Maxim G Ryadnov
- National Physical Laboratory , Hampton Road, Teddington TW11 0LW, United Kingdom
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22
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Kruit P, Hobbs R, Kim CS, Yang Y, Manfrinato V, Hammer J, Thomas S, Weber P, Klopfer B, Kohstall C, Juffmann T, Kasevich M, Hommelhoff P, Berggren K. Designs for a quantum electron microscope. Ultramicroscopy 2016; 164:31-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2016.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2015] [Revised: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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23
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Three-Dimensional Structural Characterization of HIV-1 Tethered to Human Cells. J Virol 2015; 90:1507-21. [PMID: 26582000 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01880-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Tetherin (BST2, CD317, or HM1.24) is a host cellular restriction factor that prevents the release of enveloped viruses by mechanically linking virions to the plasma membrane. The precise arrangement of tetherin molecules at the plasma membrane site of HIV-1 assembly, budding, and restriction is not well understood. To gain insight into the biophysical mechanism underlying tetherin-mediated restriction of HIV-1, we utilized cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) to directly visualize HIV-1 virus-like particles (VLPs) and virions tethered to human cells in three dimensions (3D). Rod-like densities that we refer to as tethers were seen connecting HIV-1 virions to each other and to the plasma membrane. Native immunogold labeling showed tetherin molecules located on HIV-1 VLPs and virions in positions similar to those of the densities observed by cryo-ET. The location of the tethers with respect to the ordered immature Gag lattice or mature conical core was random. However, tethers were not uniformly distributed on the viral membrane but rather formed clusters at sites of contact with the cell or other virions. Chains of tethered HIV-1 virions often were arranged in a linear fashion, primarily as single chains and, to a lesser degree, as branched chains. Distance measurements support the extended tetherin model, in which the coiled-coil ectodomains are oriented perpendicular with respect to the viral and plasma membranes. IMPORTANCE Tetherin is a cellular factor that restricts HIV-1 release by directly cross-linking the virus to the host cell plasma membrane. We used cryo-electron tomography to visualize HIV-1 tethered to human cells in 3D. We determined that tetherin-restricted HIV-1 virions were physically connected to each other or to the plasma membrane by filamentous tethers that resembled rods ∼15 nm in length, which is consistent with the extended tetherin model. In addition, we found the position of the tethers to be arbitrary relative to the ordered immature Gag lattice or the mature conical cores. However, when present as multiple copies, the tethers clustered at the interface between virions. Tethered HIV-1 virions were arranged in a linear fashion, with the majority as single chains. This study advances our understanding of tetherin-mediated HIV-1 restriction by defining the spatial arrangement and orientation of tetherin molecules at sites of HIV-1 restriction.
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Takizawa T, Powell RD, Hainfeld JF, Robinson JM. FluoroNanogold: an important probe for correlative microscopy. J Chem Biol 2015; 8:129-42. [PMID: 26884817 PMCID: PMC4744603 DOI: 10.1007/s12154-015-0145-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Correlative microscopy is a powerful imaging approach that refers to observing the same exact structures within a specimen by two or more imaging modalities. In biological samples, this typically means examining the same sub-cellular feature with different imaging methods. Correlative microscopy is not restricted to the domains of fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy; however, currently, most correlative microscopy studies combine these two methods, and in this review, we will focus on the use of fluorescence and electron microscopy. Successful correlative fluorescence and electron microscopy requires probes, or reporter systems, from which useful information can be obtained with each of the imaging modalities employed. The bi-functional immunolabeling reagent, FluoroNanogold, is one such probe that provides robust signals in both fluorescence and electron microscopy. It consists of a gold cluster compound that is visualized by electron microscopy and a covalently attached fluorophore that is visualized by fluorescence microscopy. FluoroNanogold has been an extremely useful labeling reagent in correlative microscopy studies. In this report, we present an overview of research using this unique probe.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard D. Powell
- />Nanoprobes, Incorporated, 95 Horseblock Road, Unit 1, Yaphank, NY 11980-9710 USA
| | - James F. Hainfeld
- />Nanoprobes, Incorporated, 95 Horseblock Road, Unit 1, Yaphank, NY 11980-9710 USA
| | - John M. Robinson
- />Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
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25
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Diebolder CA, Faas FGA, Koster AJ, Koning RI. Conical Fourier shell correlation applied to electron tomograms. J Struct Biol 2015; 190:215-23. [PMID: 25843950 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2015.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The resolution of electron tomograms is anisotropic due to geometrical constraints during data collection, such as the limited tilt range and single axis tilt series acquisition. Acquisition of dual axis tilt series can decrease these effects. However, in cryo-electron tomography, to limit the electron radiation damage that occurs during imaging, the total dose should not increase and must be fractionated over the two tilt series. Here we set out to determine whether it is beneficial fractionate electron dose for recording dual axis cryo electron tilt series or whether it is better to perform single axis acquisition. To assess the quality of tomographic reconstructions in different directions here we introduce conical Fourier shell correlation (cFSCe/o). Employing cFSCe/o, we compared the resolution isotropy of single-axis and dual-axis (cryo-)electron tomograms using even/odd split data sets. We show that the resolution of dual-axis simulated and cryo-electron tomograms in the plane orthogonal to the electron beam becomes more isotropic compared to single-axis tomograms and high resolution peaks along the tilt axis disappear. cFSCe/o also allowed us to compare different methods for the alignment of dual-axis tomograms. We show that different tomographic reconstruction programs produce different anisotropic resolution in dual axis tomograms. We anticipate that cFSCe/o can also be useful for comparisons of acquisition and reconstruction parameters, and different hardware implementations.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Diebolder
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; Crystal and Structural Chemistry, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - F G A Faas
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - A J Koster
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - R I Koning
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
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26
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Timmermans FJ, Otto C. Contributed review: Review of integrated correlative light and electron microscopy. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2015; 86:011501. [PMID: 25638065 DOI: 10.1063/1.4905434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
New developments in the field of microscopy enable to acquire increasing amounts of information from large sample areas and at an increased resolution. Depending on the nature of the technique, the information may reveal morphological, structural, chemical, and still other sample characteristics. In research fields, such as cell biology and materials science, there is an increasing demand to correlate these individual levels of information and in this way to obtain a better understanding of sample preparation and specific sample properties. To address this need, integrated systems were developed that combine nanometer resolution electron microscopes with optical microscopes, which produce chemically or label specific information through spectroscopy. The complementary information from electron microscopy and light microscopy presents an opportunity to investigate a broad range of sample properties in a correlated fashion. An important part of correlating the differences in information lies in bridging the different resolution and image contrast features. The trend to analyse samples using multiple correlated microscopes has resulted in a new research field. Current research is focused, for instance, on (a) the investigation of samples with nanometer scale distribution of inorganic and organic materials, (b) live cell analysis combined with electron microscopy, and (c) in situ spectroscopic and electron microscopy analysis of catalytic materials, but more areas will benefit from integrated correlative microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- F J Timmermans
- Medical Cell Biophysics Group, MIRA Institute, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - C Otto
- Medical Cell Biophysics Group, MIRA Institute, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
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27
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Kelich JM, Yang W. High-resolution imaging reveals new features of nuclear export of mRNA through the nuclear pore complexes. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:14492-504. [PMID: 25141104 PMCID: PMC4159864 DOI: 10.3390/ijms150814492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Revised: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The nuclear envelope (NE) of eukaryotic cells provides a physical barrier for messenger RNA (mRNA) and the associated proteins (mRNPs) traveling from sites of transcription in the nucleus to locations of translation processing in the cytoplasm. Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) embedded in the NE serve as a dominant gateway for nuclear export of mRNA. However, the fundamental characterization of export dynamics of mRNPs through the NPC has been hindered by several technical limits. First, the size of NPC that is barely below the diffraction limit of conventional light microscopy requires a super-resolution microscopy imaging approach. Next, the fast transit of mRNPs through the NPC further demands a high temporal resolution by the imaging approach. Finally, the inherent three-dimensional (3D) movements of mRNPs through the NPC demand the method to provide a 3D mapping of both transport kinetics and transport pathways of mRNPs. This review will highlight the recently developed super-resolution imaging techniques advanced from 1D to 3D for nuclear export of mRNPs and summarize the new features in the dynamic nuclear export process of mRNPs revealed from these technical advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Kelich
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA.
| | - Weidong Yang
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA.
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28
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Hennig J, Sattler M. The dynamic duo: combining NMR and small angle scattering in structural biology. Protein Sci 2014; 23:669-82. [PMID: 24687405 DOI: 10.1002/pro.2467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Revised: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Structural biology provides essential information for elucidating molecular mechanisms that underlie biological function. Advances in hardware, sample preparation, experimental methods, and computational approaches now enable structural analysis of protein complexes with increasing complexity that more closely represent biologically entities in the cellular environment. Integrated multidisciplinary approaches are required to overcome limitations of individual methods and take advantage of complementary aspects provided by different structural biology techniques. Although X-ray crystallography remains the method of choice for structural analysis of large complexes, crystallization of flexible systems is often difficult and does typically not provide insights into conformational dynamics present in solution. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) is well-suited to study dynamics at picosecond to second time scales, and to map binding interfaces even of large systems at residue resolution but suffers from poor sensitivity with increasing molecular weight. Small angle scattering (SAS) methods provide low resolution information in solution and can characterize dynamics and conformational equilibria complementary to crystallography and NMR. The combination of NMR, crystallography, and SAS is, thus, very useful for analysis of the structure and conformational dynamics of (large) protein complexes in solution. In high molecular weight systems, where NMR data are often sparse, SAS provides additional structural information and can differentiate between NMR-derived models. Scattering data can also validate the solution conformation of a crystal structure and indicate the presence of conformational equilibria. Here, we review current state-of-the-art approaches for combining NMR, crystallography, and SAS data to characterize protein complexes in solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janosch Hennig
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr.1, D-85764, Neuherberg, Germany; Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich at Chair Biomolecular NMR Spectroscopy, Department Chemie, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstr. 4, D-85747, Garching, Germany
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29
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Wolf SG, Houben L, Elbaum M. Cryo-scanning transmission electron tomography of vitrified cells. Nat Methods 2014; 11:423-8. [DOI: 10.1038/nmeth.2842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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30
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Han HM, Bouchet-Marquis C, Huebinger J, Grabenbauer M. Golgi apparatus analyzed by cryo-electron microscopy. Histochem Cell Biol 2013; 140:369-81. [PMID: 23954988 PMCID: PMC3787787 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-013-1136-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In 1898, the Golgi apparatus was discovered by light microscopy, and since the 1950s, the ultrastructure composition is known by electron microscopic investigation. The complex three-dimensional morphology fascinated researchers and was sometimes even the driving force to develop novel visualization techniques. However, the highly dynamic membrane systems of Golgi apparatus are delicate and prone to fixation artifacts. Therefore, the understanding of Golgi morphology and its function has been improved significantly with the development of better preparation methods. Nowadays, cryo-fixation is the method of choice to arrest instantly all dynamic and physiological processes inside cells, tissues, and small organisms. Embedded in amorphous ice, such samples can be further processed by freeze substitution or directly analyzed in their fully hydrated state by cryo-electron microscopy and tomography. Even though the overall morphology of vitrified Golgi stacks is comparable to well-prepared and resin-embedded samples, previously unknown structural details can be observed solely based on their native density. At this point, any further improvement of sample preparation would gain novel insights, perhaps not in terms of general morphology, but on fine structural details of this dynamic organelle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Mei Han
- Department of Systemic Cell Biology, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Cedric Bouchet-Marquis
- Department of Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO USA
- FEI Company, 5350 NE Dawson Creek Drive, Hillsboro, OR 97124 USA
| | - Jan Huebinger
- Department of Systemic Cell Biology, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Markus Grabenbauer
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, INF 307, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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31
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Thomasson MS, Macnaughtan MA. Microscopy basics and the study of actin-actin-binding protein interactions. Anal Biochem 2013; 443:156-65. [PMID: 24044992 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2013.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2013] [Revised: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Actin is a multifunctional eukaryotic protein with a globular monomer form that polymerizes into a thin, linear microfilament in cells. Through interactions with various actin-binding proteins (ABPs), actin plays an active role in many cellular processes, such as cell motility and structure. Microscopy techniques are powerful tools for determining the role and mechanism of actin-ABP interactions in these processes. In this article, we describe the basic concepts of fluorescent speckle microscopy, total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and cryoelectron microscopy and review recent studies that utilize these techniques to visualize the binding of actin with ABPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie S Thomasson
- Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
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32
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Kemmerling S, Arnold SA, Bircher BA, Sauter N, Escobedo C, Dernick G, Hierlemann A, Stahlberg H, Braun T. Single-cell lysis for visual analysis by electron microscopy. J Struct Biol 2013; 183:467-473. [PMID: 23816812 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2013.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2013] [Revised: 06/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The stochastic nature of biological systems makes the study of individual cells a necessity in systems biology. Yet, handling and disruption of single cells and the analysis of the relatively low concentrations of their protein components still challenges available techniques. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) allows for the analysis of proteins at the single-molecule level. Here, we present a system for single-cell lysis under light microscopy observation, followed by rapid uptake of the cell lysate. Eukaryotic cells were grown on conductively coated glass slides and observed by light microscopy. A custom-designed microcapillary electrode was used to target and lyse individual cells with electrical pulses. Nanoliter volumes were subsequently aspirated into the microcapillary and dispensed onto an electron microscopy grid for TEM inspection. We show, that the cell lysis and preparation method conserves protein structures well and is suitable for visual analysis by TEM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Kemmerling
- Center for Cellular Imaging and Nano Analytics (C-CINA), Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan A Arnold
- Center for Cellular Imaging and Nano Analytics (C-CINA), Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin A Bircher
- Center for Cellular Imaging and Nano Analytics (C-CINA), Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nora Sauter
- Center for Cellular Imaging and Nano Analytics (C-CINA), Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Carlos Escobedo
- Bio Engineering Laboratory (BEL), Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE), ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gregor Dernick
- Discovery Technologies, Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Hierlemann
- Bio Engineering Laboratory (BEL), Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE), ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Henning Stahlberg
- Center for Cellular Imaging and Nano Analytics (C-CINA), Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Braun
- Center for Cellular Imaging and Nano Analytics (C-CINA), Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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