Superresolution Microscopy for Visualization of Physical Contacts Between Chromosomes at Nanoscale Resolution

Abstract

This protocol describes the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) of DNA probes on mitotic chromosome spreads optimized for two super-resolution microscopy approaches-structured illumination microscopy (SIM) and stimulated emission depletion (STED). It is based on traditional DNA FISH methods that can be combined with immunofluorescence labeling (Immuno-FISH). This technique previously allowed us to visualize ribosomal DNA linkages between human acrocentric chromosomes and provided information about the activity status of linked rDNA loci. Compared to the conventional wide-field and confocal microscopy, the quality of SIM and STED data depends a lot more on the optimal specimen preparation, choice of fluorophores, and quality of the fluorescent labeling. This protocol highlights details that make specimens suitable for super-resolution microscopy and tips for good imaging practices.

Keywords: Chromosome spreads; Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH); Immuno-FISH; Ribosomal DNA (rDNA); Stimulated emission depletion (STED); Structured illumination microscopy (SIM).