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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Simultaneous Visualization of the Dynamics of Crosslinked and Single Microtubules In Vitro by TIRF Microscopy

Simultaneous Visualization of the Dynamics of Crosslinked and Single Microtubules In Vitro by TIRF Microscopy

Published on: February 18, 2022

Microtubule dynamics at the cell cortex probed by TIRF microscopy.

Ilya Grigoriev¹, Anna Akhmanova

¹Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Methods in Cell Biology

|August 20, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy visualizes cellular processes near membranes. This technique enables detailed study of microtubule dynamics in live mammalian cells with high sensitivity and low photodamage.

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Last Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Simultaneous Visualization of the Dynamics of Crosslinked and Single Microtubules In Vitro by TIRF Microscopy

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Published on: February 18, 2022

Visualizing Actin and Microtubule Coupling Dynamics In Vitro by Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) Microscopy

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Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Microscopy Techniques

Background:

Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy selectively excites fluorescence near interfaces.
TIRF microscopy offers advantages like high signal-to-noise ratio, sensitivity, and low photobleaching/photodamage.

Purpose of the Study:

To describe the application of a commercial setup for analyzing microtubule behavior in live mammalian cells using TIRF microscopy.

Main Methods:

Utilizing Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy.
Employing a commercially available setup for live-cell imaging.
Focusing on selective excitation of fluorescence near the cell's basal membrane.

Main Results:

TIRF microscopy allows visualization of microtubule subpopulations near the basal cortex.
The technique facilitates the study of cortical microtubule attachment, stabilization, and interactions.
Analysis of specific molecules involved in microtubule-cell cortex interactions is enabled.

Conclusions:

TIRF microscopy is a powerful tool for studying cellular processes near the basal membrane.
It enables detailed investigation of microtubule dynamics and associated molecular behaviors in live mammalian cells.
The described application highlights the utility of TIRF microscopy for advancing cell biology research.