Imaging Giardia intestinalis cellular organisation using expansion microscopy reveals atypical centrin localisation

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Cell Biology
• Parasitology

Background:

• Advanced imaging of microorganisms like Giardia intestinalis is difficult due to their small size.
• Specimen expansion improves resolution and cellular detail for microscopic observation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a sample preparation workflow for enhanced observation of Giardia intestinalis.
• To improve the visualization of subcellular structures and organelles within the parasite.

Main Methods:

• Developed a sample preparation protocol involving specimen expansion.
• Utilized expansion and confocal microscopy for high-resolution imaging.
• Applied antibody staining and amino-reactive esters for labeling.

Main Results:

• Achieved detailed visualization of Giardia intestinalis subcellular structures and organelles.
• Observed novel centrin localization at basal bodies, including an atypical non-luminal arrangement.
• Demonstrated the protocol's suitability for epitope-tagged protein localization and organelle labeling.

Conclusions:

• The presented technique significantly enhances the imaging of Giardia intestinalis.
• The method allows for detailed study of parasite morphology and protein localization without super-resolution equipment.
• This workflow is fast, simple, and suitable for routine use in research labs.