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Measuring nanoscale diffusion dynamics in cellular membranes with super-resolution STED-FCS
Erdinc Sezgin1, Falk Schneider2, Silvia Galiani2
1MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. erdinc.sezgin@rdm.ox.ac.uk.
Super-resolution microscopy combined with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (STED-FCS) allows direct observation of molecular diffusion in live cells. This technique bridges the gap between spatial and temporal resolution for studying cellular dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Super-resolution microscopy offers high spatial resolution but lacks temporal resolution for studying molecular diffusion.
- Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) provides fast temporal resolution but limited spatial resolution.
- Investigating nanoscale molecular dynamics in live cells requires combining high spatial and temporal resolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail protocols for performing Stimulated Emission Depletion-Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (STED-FCS) in live cells.
- To enable direct investigation of fast molecular diffusion at the nanoscale.
- To provide a method for analyzing 2D diffusion dynamics in cellular membranes.
Main Methods:
- Combining super-resolution Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscopy with Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS).
- Performing measurements in point STED-FCS (pSTED-FCS) and scanning STED-FCS (sSTED-FCS) modes.
- Detailed protocols for sample preparation, calibration, data acquisition, and analysis.
Main Results:
- STED-FCS successfully reveals nanoscale diffusion behavior of molecules in live cells.
- The protocol emphasizes 2D diffusion dynamics in cellular membranes using organic fluorophore-tagged molecules.
- Measurements are achievable within 4-6 hours for proficient users.
Conclusions:
- STED-FCS is a powerful technique for studying fast molecular dynamics at the nanoscale in live cells.
- This protocol provides a comprehensive guide for implementing STED-FCS.
- The method facilitates a deeper understanding of cellular membrane dynamics.
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