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GelMap: intrinsic calibration and deformation mapping for expansion microscopy.
Hugo G J Damstra1, Josiah B Passmore1,2, Albert K Serweta1
1Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Nature Methods
|September 18, 2023
Summary
GelMap is a new quality control method for expansion microscopy (ExM). It uses a fluorescent grid to accurately measure expansion and correct for deformations in biological samples, improving ExM reliability.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Microscopy
- Biophysics
Background:
- Expansion microscopy (ExM) enhances light microscopy resolution by physically expanding specimens.
- Quantitative ExM requires precise quality control for expansion factor determination and deformation mapping.
- Anisotropic expansion in ExM can introduce distortions, complicating analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a robust quality control method for expansion microscopy.
- To enable precise measurement of expansion factors and sample deformations.
- To facilitate quantitative and diagnostic applications of ExM.
Main Methods:
- Introduction of a fluorescent grid into hydrogels before or during ExM.
- The grid scales with specimen expansion and reports local deformations.
- GelMap workflow is demonstrated on various biological samples, including tissues.
Main Results:
- GelMap accurately determines local expansion factors without cellular references.
- Deformations caused by anisotropic expansion are precisely mapped and correctable.
- The method aids sample navigation for correlative imaging in ExM.
Conclusions:
- GelMap provides a flexible and accurate quality control solution for ExM.
- It enhances the reliability of quantitative and diagnostic ExM applications.
- GelMap is compatible with tissue expansion and integrates seamlessly into existing ExM workflows.
