Fluorescence CLEM in biology: historic developments and current super-resolution applications

Area of Science:

• * Cellular and Molecular Biology
• * Microscopy Techniques

Background:

• * Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy (CLEM) enables direct correlation of light and electron microscopy data.
• * Growing interest in CLEM for biological applications driven by advances in fluorescence microscopy.
• * Historical development of fluorescence CLEM from the late 1970s onwards.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To review key developments in CLEM for biological applications, emphasizing fluorescence and electron microscopy integration.
• * To highlight the impact of fluorescent proteins and super-resolution microscopy on CLEM.
• * To discuss future prospects, challenges, and potential advancements in fluorescence CLEM.

Main Methods:

• * Review of historical and recent literature on CLEM techniques.
• * Focus on the synergy between fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy.
• * Discussion of technological advancements like fluorescent proteins and super-resolution microscopy.

Main Results:

• * Significant advancements in fluorescence microscopy have renewed interest and broadened CLEM applications.
• * Engineered fluorescent proteins and super-resolution techniques have enhanced CLEM capabilities.
• * Fluorescence CLEM is now widely applied across various cellular and molecular biology fields.

Conclusions:

• * Fluorescence CLEM is a powerful tool for biological research, bridging light and electron microscopy.
• * Future directions include novel workflows, improved probes, and enhanced quantification.
• * Continued innovation promises to expand the utility and impact of CLEM in biology.