Neuroscience at the nanoscale
The brain is characterized by an incredible molecular diversity, that underlies the complex structural specializations of neuronal cells as well as the functional intricacy of neuronal connectivity and synaptic transmission. Knowledge of the localization and positional relationship of the multitude of proteins orchestrating this diversity is essential to understand their roles. However, the fine processes of neurons contain a dense organization of components, and the diffraction limit of conventional optical microscopy (~200 nm) precludes analyses of such information.
Super-resolution imaging methods overcome the diffraction limit and provide optical images of neuronal structures with unprecedented resolutions. Since its first application to neuroscience 14 years ago, super-resolution microscopy has been used to dissect the molecular organization of active zones, actin organization and membrane trafficking in growth cones and dendritic spines protrusion; synaptic transmission and plasticity at the single-molecule level; the nanoscale arrangement of brain circuits; the striking periodicity of the actin and spectrin cytoskeleton under the plasma membrane of axons.
Among all the super-resolution imaging techniques, Single Molecule Localization Microscopy (SMLM) achieves the highest spatial resolution and is ideal for investigating individual molecules’ localization, interaction and dynamics, allowing the visualization of macro-molecular complexes in situ.
Abbelight implements single-molecule localization strategies (STORM, PALM, PAINT) in a powerful and simple-to-use imaging platform, providing neuroscientists with the tools to better understand the nanoscale molecular principles governing neuronal cell’s structure and function.
