Tracking of single receptor molecule mobility in neuronal membranes: a quick theoretical and practical guide

Single-molecule detection enables us to visualise the real-time dynamics of individual molecules in live cells. We review the recent advancements in single-molecule fluorescence tracking of receptor protein mobility in the neuronal membrane. First, we discuss the practical consideration of single-molecule tracking in neurones, including the choice of cells and possible fluorescent labelling, as well as the appropriate optical set-up and imaging technology. We then describe the analysis of the single-molecule imaging data, including its theoretical and practical aspects of and relevant estimations of the biophysical parameters. Finally, we provide an example of a single-molecule tracking study in neuroendocrinology and highlight the next frontiers of single-molecule detection technologies.