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Liang FX, Sall J, Petzold C, van Opbergen CJM, Liang X, Delmar M. Nanogold based protein localization enables subcellular visualization of cell junction protein by SBF-SEM. Methods Cell Biol 2023; 177:55-81. [PMID: 37451776 PMCID: PMC10612668 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2022.12.020] [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] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in volume electron microscopy (vEM) allow unprecedented visualization of the electron-dense structures of cells, tissues and model organisms at nanometric resolution in three dimensions (3D). Light-based microscopy has been widely used for specific localization of proteins; however, it is restricted by the diffraction limit of light, and lacks the ability to identify underlying structures. Here, we describe a protocol for ultrastructural detection, in three dimensions, of a protein (Connexin 43) expressed in the intercalated disc region of adult murine heart. Our protocol does not rest on the expression of genetically encoded proteins and it overcomes hurdles related to pre-embedding and immunolabeling, such as the penetration of the label and the preservation of the tissue. The pre-embedding volumetric immuno-electron microscopy (pre-embedding vIEM) protocol presented here combines several practical strategies to balance sample fixation with antigen and ultrastructural preservation, and penetration of labeling with blocking of non-specific antigen binding sites. The small 1.4 nm gold along with surrounded silver used as a detection marker buried in the sample also serves as a functional conductive resin that significantly reduces the charging of samples. Our protocol also presents strategies for facilitating the successful cutting of the samples during serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) imaging. Our results suggest that the small gold-based pre-embedding vIEM is an ideal labeling method for molecular localization throughout the depth of the sample at subcellular compartments and membrane microdomains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Xia Liang
- Microscopy Laboratory, Division of Advanced Research Technologies, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Department of Cell Biology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Joseph Sall
- Microscopy Laboratory, Division of Advanced Research Technologies, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Chris Petzold
- Microscopy Laboratory, Division of Advanced Research Technologies, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Chantal J M van Opbergen
- Leon H Charney Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Xiangxi Liang
- Microscopy Laboratory, Division of Advanced Research Technologies, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mario Delmar
- Leon H Charney Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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Tillberg PW, Chen F, Piatkevich KD, Zhao Y, Yu CC(J, English BP, Gao L, Martorell A, Suk HJ, Yoshida F, DeGennaro EM, Roossien DH, Gong G, Seneviratne U, Tannenbaum SR, Desimone R, Cai D, Boyden ES. Protein-retention expansion microscopy of cells and tissues labeled using standard fluorescent proteins and antibodies. Nat Biotechnol 2016; 34:987-92. [PMID: 27376584 PMCID: PMC5068827 DOI: 10.1038/nbt.3625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 370] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Expansion microscopy (ExM) enables imaging of preserved specimens with nanoscale precision on diffraction-limited instead of specialized super-resolution microscopes. ExM works by physically separating fluorescent probes after anchoring them to a swellable gel. The first ExM method did not result in the retention of native proteins in the gel and relied on custom-made reagents that are not widely available. Here we describe protein retention ExM (proExM), a variant of ExM in which proteins are anchored to the swellable gel, allowing the use of conventional fluorescently labeled antibodies and streptavidin, and fluorescent proteins. We validated and demonstrated the utility of proExM for multicolor super-resolution (∼70 nm) imaging of cells and mammalian tissues on conventional microscopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul W. Tillberg
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kiryl D. Piatkevich
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yongxin Zhao
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Chih-Chieh (Jay) Yu
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Brian P. English
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Linyi Gao
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Anthony Martorell
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ho-Jun Suk
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Fumiaki Yoshida
- Osaka University Medical School, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- McGovern Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ellen M. DeGennaro
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McGovern Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Guanyu Gong
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Uthpala Seneviratne
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Steven R. Tannenbaum
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Robert Desimone
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McGovern Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Dawen Cai
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Edward S. Boyden
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McGovern Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Kolotuev I. Positional correlative anatomy of invertebrate model organisms increases efficiency of TEM data production. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2014; 20:1392-1403. [PMID: 25180638 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927614012999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is an important tool for studies in cell biology, and is essential to address research questions from bacteria to animals. Recent technological innovations have advanced the entire field of TEM, yet classical techniques still prevail for most present-day studies. Indeed, the majority of cell and developmental biology studies that use TEM do not require cutting-edge methodologies, but rather fast and efficient data generation. Although access to state-of-the-art equipment is frequently problematic, standard TEM microscopes are typically available, even in modest research facilities. However, a major unmet need in standard TEM is the ability to quickly prepare and orient a sample to identify a region of interest. Here, I provide a detailed step-by-step method for a positional correlative anatomy approach to flat-embedded samples. These modifications make the TEM preparation and analytic procedures faster and more straightforward, supporting a higher sampling rate. To illustrate the modified procedures, I provide numerous examples addressing research questions in Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila. This method can be equally applied to address questions of cell and developmental biology in other small multicellular model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Kolotuev
- 1Fédération de Recherche BIOSIT,Université de Rennes 1,Plateforme microscopie électronique MRic,Campus santé,2 avenue du Professeur Léon-Bernard,35043 Rennes,France
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Local regularization of tilt projections reduces artifacts in electron tomography. J Struct Biol 2014; 186:28-37. [PMID: 24632448 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2014.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Revised: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Electron tomography produces very high resolution 3D image volumes useful for investigating the structure and function of cellular components. Unfortunately, unavoidable discontinuities and physical constraints in the acquisition geometry lead to a range of artifacts that can affect the reconstructed image. In particular, highly electron dense regions, such as gold nanoparticles, can hide proximal biological structures and degrade the overall quality of the reconstructed tomograms. In this work we introduce a pre-reconstruction non-conservative non-linear isotropic diffusion (NID) filter that automatically identifies and reduces local irregularities in the tilt projections. We illustrate the improvement in quality obtained using this approach for reconstructed tomograms generated from samples of malaria parasite-infected red blood cells. A quantitative and qualitative evaluation for our approach on both simulated and real data is provided.
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Jiménez N, Post JA. A novel permeabilization protocol to obtain intracellular 3D immunolabeling for electron tomography. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1174:285-295. [PMID: 24947390 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0944-5_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Electron tomography (ET) is a very important high-resolution tool for 3D imaging in cell biology. By combining the technique with immunolabeling, ET can provide essential insights into both cellular architecture and dynamics. We recently developed a protocol to achieve 3D immunolabeling of intracellular antigens without the need for uncontrolled permeabilization steps that cause random, extensive cell membrane disruption. Here we describe this novel method based on well-controlled permeabilization by targeted laser cell perforation. Mechanical permeabilization of the plasma membrane can be applied at specific sites without affecting other parts of the plasma membrane and intracellular membranes. Despite the relatively small opening created in the plasma membrane, the method allows specific 3D immunolocalization of cytoplasmic antigens in cultured cells by a pre-embedment protocol. The approach is unique and leads to a superior ultrastructural preservation for transmission electron microscopy and electron tomography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Jiménez
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Krouwer VJD, Hekking LHP, Langelaar-Makkinje M, Regan-Klapisz E, Post JA. Endothelial cell senescence is associated with disrupted cell-cell junctions and increased monolayer permeability. Vasc Cell 2012; 4:12. [PMID: 22929066 PMCID: PMC3527188 DOI: 10.1186/2045-824x-4-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2012] [Accepted: 08/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cellular senescence is associated with cellular dysfunction and has been shown to occur in vivo in age-related cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. Atherogenesis is accompanied by intimal accumulation of LDL and increased extravasation of monocytes towards accumulated and oxidized LDL, suggesting an affected barrier function of vascular endothelial cells. Our objective was to study the effect of cellular senescence on the barrier function of non-senescent endothelial cells. Methods Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cultured until senescence. Senescent cells were compared with non-senescent cells and with co-cultures of non-senescent and senescent cells. Adherens junctions and tight junctions were studied. To assess the barrier function of various monolayers, assays to measure permeability for Lucifer Yellow (LY) and horseradish peroxidase (PO) were performed. Results The barrier function of monolayers comprising of senescent cells was compromised and coincided with a change in the distribution of junction proteins and a down-regulation of occludin and claudin-5 expression. Furthermore, a decreased expression of occludin and claudin-5 was observed in co-cultures of non-senescent and senescent cells, not only between senescent cells but also along the entire periphery of non-senescent cells lining a senescent cell. Conclusions Our findings show that the presence of senescent endothelial cells in a non-senescent monolayer disrupts tight junction morphology of surrounding young cells and increases the permeability of the monolayer for LY and PO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent J D Krouwer
- Department of Biomolecular Imaging, Faculty of Science, Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Jiménez N, Krouwer VJD, Post JA. A new, rapid and reproducible method to obtain high quality endothelium in vitro. Cytotechnology 2012; 65:1-14. [PMID: 22573289 PMCID: PMC3536875 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-012-9459-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2012] [Accepted: 04/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cultured in vitro are a commonly used experimental system. When properly differentiated they acquire the so-called cobblestone phenotype; thereby mimicking an endothelium in vivo that can be used to shed light on multiple endothelial-related processes. In the present paper we report a simple, flexible, fast and reproducible method for an efficient isolation of viable HUVECs. The isolation is performed by sequential short trypsinization steps at room temperature. As umbilical cords are often damaged during labor, it is noteworthy that this new method can be applied even to short pieces of cord with success. In addition, we describe how to culture HUVECs as valid cobblestone cells in vitro on different types of extracellular matrix (basement membrane matrix, fibronectin and gelatin). We also show how to recognize mature cobblestone HUVECs by ordinary phase contrast microscopy. Our HUVEC model is validated as a system that retains important features inherent to the human umbilical vein endothelium in vivo. Phase contrast microscopy, immuno-fluorescence and electron microscopy reveal a tight cobblestone monolayer. Therein cells show Weibel-Palade bodies, caveolae and junctional complexes (comparable to the in vivo situation, as also shown in this study) and can internalize human low density lipoprotein. Isolation and culture of HUVECs as reported in this paper will result in an endothelium-mimicking experimental model convenient for multiple research goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Jiménez
- Department of Biomolecular Imaging, Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands,
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