Multiscale imaging of RNA virus: bridging structural mapping and functional insights

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Microscopy
• Pathogenesis

Background:

• RNA viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, present significant global health challenges due to rapid mutation and host adaptability.
• Understanding viral structures, infection mechanisms, and host interactions is vital for developing effective countermeasures.
• Existing imaging techniques like cryo-electron microscopy and super-resolution microscopy offer valuable insights but have limitations in field of view or resolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in multiscale imaging for RNA virus studies.
• To highlight integrated imaging approaches for understanding RNA virus pathogenesis.
• To bridge structural mapping with functional insights across different biological scales.

Main Methods:

• Examination of cryo-electron tomography for high-resolution structural analysis.
• Review of correlative multiscale imaging techniques.
• Analysis of imaging progress across molecular, cellular, and tissue scales.

Main Results:

• Integrated multiscale imaging approaches are emerging to overcome limitations of individual techniques.
• Advances in cryo-electron tomography and correlative imaging provide deeper insights into viral processes.
• Multiscale imaging links high-resolution structural data with broader biological context.

Conclusions:

• Multiscale imaging is essential for comprehensive studies of RNA virus pathogenesis.
• Advanced imaging tools accelerate the development of timely antiviral countermeasures.
• Integrating molecular, cellular, and tissue-level imaging provides a holistic view of virus-host dynamics.