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Published on: October 1, 2015
Immunofluorescence Microscopy
Domenico F Galati1, David J Asai2
1Biology Department, College of Science and Engineering, Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington.
Insights
Immunofluorescence microscopy visualizes cellular molecules using fluorescent antibodies. This guide details protocols for various cell types and advanced imaging techniques, including super-resolution microscopy.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Microscopy
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Visualizing fluorescence-tagged molecules reveals cellular dynamics.
- Immunofluorescence microscopy uses fluorescently labeled antibodies to detect specific molecules.
- Effective application requires careful consideration of antigen, antibody, fixation, and imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide detailed protocols for immunofluorescence staining and imaging.
- To cover diverse cell types, including adherent fibroblasts and suspension Tetrahymena.
- To enable visualization using widefield, confocal, and super-resolution microscopy.
Main Methods:
- Protocol for immunofluorescence staining of adherent cells (fibroblasts).
- Protocol for immunofluorescence staining of suspension cells (Tetrahymena).
- Protocols for visualization using widefield, laser scanning confocal, and super-resolution (SRRF) microscopy.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated protocols for successful immunofluorescence staining in fibroblasts and Tetrahymena.
- Enabled visualization of cytoskeleton and organelles in different cell types.
- Facilitated imaging across a range of fluorescence microscopy techniques.
Conclusions:
- Immunofluorescence microscopy is a versatile technique for visualizing cellular structures.
- Standardized protocols can be adapted for various cell types and advanced imaging.
- This work provides a comprehensive resource for researchers using immunofluorescence microscopy.
Abstract:
Visualizing fluorescence-tagged molecules is a powerful strategy that can reveal the complex dynamics of the cell. One robust and broadly applicable method is immunofluorescence microscopy, in which a fluorescence-labeled antibody binds the molecule of interest and then the location of the antibody is determined by fluorescence microscopy. The effective application of this technique includes several considerations, such as the nature of the antigen, specificity of the antibody, permeabilization and fixation of the specimen, and fluorescence imaging of the cell. Although each protocol will require fine-tuning depending on the cell type, antibody, and antigen, there are steps common to nearly all applications. This article provides protocols for staining the cytoskeleton and organelles in two very different kinds of cells: flat, adherent fibroblasts and thick, free-swimming Tetrahymena cells. Additional protocols enable visualization with widefield, laser scanning confocal, and eSRRF super-resolution fluorescence microscopy. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Immunofluorescence staining of adherent cells such as fibroblasts Basic Protocol 2: Immunofluorescence of suspension cells such as Tetrahymena Basic Protocol 3: Visualizing samples with a widefield fluorescence microscope Alternate Protocol 1: Staining suspension cells adhered to poly-l-lysine-coated coverslips Alternate Protocol 2: Visualizing samples with a laser scanning confocal microscope Alternate Protocol 3: Generating super-resolution images with SRRF microscopy.
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