Multifocal Plane Microscopy to Track Single Molecules in Cells

Research teams at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and the University of Texas at Dallas have deployed a three-dimensional cell imaging method to examine complicated spatial-temporal dynamics of protein transport. The study will offer a solution to this issue in cell biology.

The study revealed that capturing images of such cell processes in three dimensions is difficult in a complicated cell monolayer caused by cell-to-cell differences in thickness and temporal characteristics of protein transport. Using multifocal plane microscopy (MUM) along with nanodot labeling technology allowed the team to label individual molecules in live cells and monitor their movement and relationship with other molecules in a thick cell for prolonged periods. The main reason for developing these imaging techniques is to track the movement of therapeutic antibodies to know where they go and what they do once they enter the body, said Ram, lead author of the study.

Source: http://www.utexas.edu/