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Updated: Jan 31, 2026
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Label-Retention Expansion Microscopy LR-ExM Enables Super-Resolution Imaging and High-Efficiency Labeling
Published on: October 11, 2022
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Imaging cellular ultrastructures using expansion microscopy (U-ExM).
Davide Gambarotto1, Fabian U Zwettler2, Maeva Le Guennec1
1Department of Cell Biology, Sciences III, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
Nature Methods
|December 19, 2018
Summary
Ultrastructure expansion microscopy (U-ExM) visualizes biological ultrastructures with optical microscopy. This technique reveals fine details previously only visible with electron microscopy.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Microscopy
- Biophysics
Background:
- Macromolecular assemblies are crucial for cellular function.
- Determining their structure and composition is a significant biological challenge.
- Existing methods have limitations in visualizing fine ultrastructural details.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce ultrastructure expansion microscopy (U-ExM).
- To enable visualization of preserved ultrastructures using optical microscopy.
- To achieve near-native expansion of diverse biological structures.
Main Methods:
- U-ExM is an extension of expansion microscopy.
- It allows for physical expansion of biological samples.
- Combined with super-resolution microscopy for enhanced detail.
Main Results:
- U-ExM enables visualization of preserved ultrastructures via optical microscopy.
- The method achieves near-native expansion of various structures in vitro and in cells.
- It revealed intricate ultrastructural organization, including centriolar chirality.
Conclusions:
- U-ExM provides a powerful tool for studying macromolecular assemblies.
- It bridges the resolution gap between optical and electron microscopy.
- This technique offers new possibilities for understanding cellular ultrastructure.
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