Sub-second, super-resolved imaging of biological systems using parallel EO-STED

Advances in the study of organelle interactions and their role in neurodegenerative diseases enabled by super-resolution microscopy

From the first illustrations of neuronal morphology by Ramón y Cajal to the recent three-dimensional reconstruction of synaptic connections, the development of modern neuroscience has greatly benefited from breakthroughs in imaging technology. This also applies specifically to the study of neurodegenerative diseases. Much of the research into these diseases relies on the direct visualisation of intracellular structures and their dynamics in degenerating neural cells, which cannot be fully resolved by diffraction-limited microscopes. Progress in the field has therefore been closely linked to the development of super-resolution imaging methods. Their application has greatly advanced our understanding of disease mechanisms, ranging from the structural progression of protein aggregates to defects in organelle morphology. Recent super-resolution studies have specifically implicated the disruption of inter-organelle interactions in multiple neurodegenerative diseases. In this article, we describe some of the key super-resolution techniques that have contributed to this field. We then discuss work to visualise changes in the structure and dynamics of organelles and associated dysfunctions. Finally, we consider what future developments in imaging technology may further our knowledge of these processes.

Challenges facing quantitative large-scale optical super-resolution, and some simple solutions

Optical super-resolution microscopy (SRM) has enabled biologists to visualize cellular structures with near-molecular resolution, giving unprecedented access to details about the amounts, sizes, and spatial distributions of macromolecules in the cell. Precisely quantifying these molecular details requires large datasets of high-quality, reproducible SRM images. In this review, we discuss the unique set of challenges facing quantitative SRM, giving particular attention to the shortcomings of conventional specimen preparation techniques and the necessity for optimal labeling of molecular targets. We further discuss the obstacles to scaling SRM methods, such as lengthy image acquisition and complex SRM data analysis. For each of these challenges, we review the recent advances in the field that circumvent these pitfalls and provide practical advice to biologists for optimizing SRM experiments.

Stimulated emission depletion microscopy for biological imaging in four dimensions: A review

Stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy allows high lateral and axial resolution, long term imaging in living cells. Here we review recent technical advances in STED microscopy, with emphasis on resolution and measurement range of XYZt four dimensions. Different STED technical advances and novel STED probes are discussed with their respective application in biological subcellular imaging. This review may serve as a practical guide for choosing a suitable approach to the advanced STED super-resolution imaging.