Nanoscale imaging of molecular positions and anisotropies

Nat Methods. 2008 Dec;5(12):1027-30. doi: 10.1038/nmeth.1271. Epub 2008 Nov 16.

Abstract

Knowledge of the orientation of molecules within biological structures is crucial to understanding the mechanisms of cell function. We present a method to image simultaneously the positions and fluorescence anisotropies of large numbers of single molecules with nanometer lateral resolution within a sample. Based on a simple modification of fluorescence photoactivation localization microscopy (FPALM), polarization (P)-FPALM does not compromise speed or sensitivity. We show results for mouse fibroblasts expressing Dendra2-actin or Dendra2-hemagglutinin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anisotropy
  • Biopolymers / chemistry*
  • Biopolymers / metabolism*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods*
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure
  • Nanotechnology / methods*

Substances

  • Biopolymers