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We present an approach for the preparation of immuno-labelled ultrathin sections from cells or tissue that are compatible with both fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. Our approach is inspired by a method of Sabanay et al. (1991) that is based on the Tokuyasu technique for immunogold labelling of sections from aldehyde-fixed samples. The difference of this method with the original Tokuyasu technique is that the immuno-labelled sections are stabilized in a thin layer of vitreous water by plunge-freezing prior to electron microscopical observation. The vitrification step allows for phase contrast-based imaging at cryogenic conditions. We show that this immuno-labelling method is well-suited for imaging cellular ultrastructure in three dimensions (tomography) at cryogenic conditions, and that fluorescence associated with the sections is retained. This method is a valuable tool for Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy (CLEM), and we refer to this method in combination with CLEM as VOS (vitrification of sections). We provide examples for the application of VOS using dendritic cells and neurons, and show specifically that this method enables the researcher to navigate to lysosomes and synapses.
Pubmed ID: 24704216 RIS Download
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Biomedical technology research center that develops computer-aided, advanced microscopy for the acquisition of structural and functional data in the dimensional range of 1 nm to 100 um, a range encompassing macromolecules, subcellular structures and cells. Novel specimen-staining methods, imaging instrumentsincluding intermediate high-voltage transmission electron microscopes (IVEMs) and high-speed, large-format laser-scanning light microscopesand computational capabilities are available for addressing mesoscale biological microscopy of proteins and macromolecular complexes in their cellular and tissue environments. These technologies are developed to bridge understanding of biological systems between the gross anatomical and molecular scales and to make these technologies broadly available to biomedical researchers. NCMIR provides expertise, infrastructure, technological development, and an environment in which new information about the 3D ultrastructure of tissues, cells, and macromolecular complexes may be accurately and easily obtained and analyzed. NCMIR fulfills its mission through technology development, collaboration, service, training, and dissemination. It aims to develop preparative methods and analytical approaches to 3D microscopy applicable to neurobiology and cell biology, incorporating equipment and implementing software that expand the analysis of 3D structure. The core research activities in the areas of specimen development, instrument development, and software infrastructures maximize the advantages of higher voltage electron microscopy and correlated light microscopies to make ambitious imaging studies across scales routine, and to facilitate the use of resources by biomedical researchers. NCMIR actively recruits outside users who will not only make use of these resources, but who also will drive technology development and receive training.
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