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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
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TIRFM and pH-sensitive GFP-probes to Evaluate Neurotransmitter Vesicle Dynamics in SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells: Cell Imaging and Data Analysis
Published on: January 29, 2015
Exocytotic vesicle behaviour assessed by total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy.
James G Burchfield1, Jamie A Lopez, Katarina Mele
1The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia.
Traffic (Copenhagen, Denmark)
|January 15, 2010
Summary
Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM) enables high-resolution studies of vesicle trafficking and exocytosis. This technique visualizes molecular regulation in cellular processes, advancing our understanding of exocytosis mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Regulated exocytosis of cargo-containing vesicles is a fundamental cellular process.
- Studying the dynamics of vesicle trafficking and exocytosis requires high spatio-temporal resolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the contribution of Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy (TIRFM) to understanding exocytosis mechanisms.
- To discuss novel analytical methods for large datasets generated by TIRFM.
Main Methods:
- Coupling fluorescently tagged fusion proteins with Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy (TIRFM).
- Visualizing and dissecting the steps of exocytosis in various cell types.
Main Results:
- TIRFM provides high spatio-temporal resolution for studying sub-plasma membrane vesicle trafficking and exocytosis dynamics.
- Visualization of molecular players involved in the regulation of exocytosis.
Conclusions:
- TIRFM is a powerful technique for elucidating the mechanisms of exocytosis.
- Development of novel data analysis methods is crucial for maximizing TIRFM's potential in exocytosis research.
