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Holland ND, Holland LZ. The Rohde-like cells at the posterior end of the dorsal nerve cord of amphioxus (Cephalochordata). J Comp Neurol 2024; 532:e25644. [PMID: 38852044 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
For postmetamorphic specimens of amphioxus (Cephalochordata), serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBSEM) is used to describe the long-ignored Rohde-like cells (RLCs) at the extreme posterior end of the dorsal nerve cord. These cells, numbering about three dozen in all, are divisible into a group with larger diameters running near the dorsal side of the cord and a more ventral group with smaller diameters closely associated with the central canal of the neurocoel. It is possible that the smaller ventral cells might be generated at the ependymal zone of the dorsal nerve cord and later migrate to a dorsal position, although a functional reason for this remains a mystery. All the RLCs have conspicuous regions of microvilli covering as much as 40% of their surface; limited data (by others) on the more anterior bona fide Rohde cells also indicate an extensive microvillar surface. Thus, both the RLCs and the better-known Rohde cells appear to be rhabdomeric photoreceptors, although a specific function for this feature is currently unknown. Even more perplexingly, although the Rohde cells are quintessential neurons extending giant processes, each RLC comprises a perikaryon that does not bear any neurites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D Holland
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Linda Z Holland
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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2
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Schmidt M, Motta A, Sievers M, Helmstaedter M. RoboEM: automated 3D flight tracing for synaptic-resolution connectomics. Nat Methods 2024; 21:908-913. [PMID: 38514779 PMCID: PMC11093750 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-024-02226-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Mapping neuronal networks from three-dimensional electron microscopy (3D-EM) data still poses substantial reconstruction challenges, in particular for thin axons. Currently available automated image segmentation methods require manual proofreading for many types of connectomic analysis. Here we introduce RoboEM, an artificial intelligence-based self-steering 3D 'flight' system trained to navigate along neurites using only 3D-EM data as input. Applied to 3D-EM data from mouse and human cortex, RoboEM substantially improves automated state-of-the-art segmentations and can replace manual proofreading for more complex connectomic analysis problems, yielding computational annotation cost for cortical connectomes about 400-fold lower than the cost of manual error correction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Schmidt
- Department of Connectomics, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Alessandro Motta
- Department of Connectomics, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Meike Sievers
- Department of Connectomics, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany
- Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Moritz Helmstaedter
- Department of Connectomics, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany.
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Holland ND, Holland LZ. Serial block-face scanning electron microscopy of the tail tip of post-metamorphic amphioxus finds novel myomeres with odd shapes and unusually prominent sclerocoels. J Morphol 2024; 285:e21667. [PMID: 38100741 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Serial block-face scanning electron microscopy of the tail tip of post-metamorphic amphioxus (Branchiostoma floridae) revealed some terminal myomeres never been seen before with other techniques. The morphology of these myomeres differed markedly from the chevron shapes of their more anterior counterparts. Histologically, these odd-shaped myomeres ranged from empty vesicles bordered by undifferentiated cells to ventral sacs composed of well-developed myotome, dermatome, and sclerotome. Strikingly, several of these ventral sacs gave rise to a nipple-like dorsal projection composed either entirely of sclerotome or a mixture of sclerotome and myotome. Considered as a whole, from posterior to anterior, these odd-shaped posterior myomeres suggested that their more substantial ventral part may represent the ventral limb of a chevron, while the delicate projection represents a nascent dorsal limb. This scenario contrasts with formation of chevron-shaped myomeres along most of the antero-posterior axis. Although typical chevron formation in amphioxus is surprisingly poorly studied, it seems to be attained by a dorso-ventral extension of the myomere accompanied by the assumption of a V-shape; this is similar to what happens (at least superficially) in developing fishes. Another unusual feature of the odd-shaped posterior myomeres of amphioxus is their especially distended sclerocoels. One possible function for these might be to protect the posterior end of the central nervous system from trauma when the animals burrow into the substratum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D Holland
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Linda Z Holland
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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4
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Mehta K, Ljungquist B, Ogden J, Nanda S, Ascoli RG, Ng L, Ascoli GA. Online conversion of reconstructed neural morphologies into standardized SWC format. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7429. [PMID: 37973857 PMCID: PMC10654402 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42931-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Digital reconstructions provide an accurate and reliable way to store, share, model, quantify, and analyze neural morphology. Continuous advances in cellular labeling, tissue processing, microscopic imaging, and automated tracing catalyzed a proliferation of software applications to reconstruct neural morphology. These computer programs typically encode the data in custom file formats. The resulting format heterogeneity severely hampers the interoperability and reusability of these valuable data. Among these many alternatives, the SWC file format has emerged as a popular community choice, coalescing a rich ecosystem of related neuroinformatics resources for tracing, visualization, analysis, and simulation. This report presents a standardized specification of the SWC file format. In addition, we introduce xyz2swc, a free online service that converts all 26 reconstruction formats (and 72 variations) described in the scientific literature into the SWC standard. The xyz2swc service is available open source through a user-friendly browser interface ( https://neuromorpho.org/xyz2swc/ui/ ) and an Application Programming Interface (API).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ketan Mehta
- Center for Neural Informatics, Structures & Plasticity, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Bengt Ljungquist
- Center for Neural Informatics, Structures & Plasticity, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - James Ogden
- Center for Neural Informatics, Structures & Plasticity, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Sumit Nanda
- Center for Neural Informatics, Structures & Plasticity, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Ruben G Ascoli
- Center for Neural Informatics, Structures & Plasticity, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Lydia Ng
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Giorgio A Ascoli
- Center for Neural Informatics, Structures & Plasticity, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA.
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5
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Collinson LM, Bosch C, Bullen A, Burden JJ, Carzaniga R, Cheng C, Darrow MC, Fletcher G, Johnson E, Narayan K, Peddie CJ, Winn M, Wood C, Patwardhan A, Kleywegt GJ, Verkade P. Volume EM: a quiet revolution takes shape. Nat Methods 2023; 20:777-782. [PMID: 37076630 PMCID: PMC7614633 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-01861-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Volume Electron Microscopy is a group of techniques that reveal the 3D ultrastructure of cells and tissues through volumes greater than 1 cubic micron. A burgeoning grass roots community effort is fast building the profile, and revealing the impact, of vEM technology in the life sciences and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy M Collinson
- Electron Microscopy Science Technology Platform, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
| | - Carles Bosch
- Sensory Circuits and Neurotechnology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Anwen Bullen
- UCL Ear Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jemima J Burden
- Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Raffaella Carzaniga
- Zeiss Research Microscopy Solutions, Carl Zeiss Ltd, Zeiss Group, Cambourne, UK
| | | | - Michele C Darrow
- Artificial Intelligence & Informatics, The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Didcot, UK
- SPT Labtech Ltd., Melbourn, UK
| | | | - Errin Johnson
- Dunn School Bioimaging Facility, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Kedar Narayan
- Center for Molecular Microscopy, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Christopher J Peddie
- Electron Microscopy Science Technology Platform, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Martyn Winn
- UKRI-STFC, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, UK
| | - Charles Wood
- Future Technology Centre, School of Mechanical and Design Engineering, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Ardan Patwardhan
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Hinxton, UK
| | - Gerard J Kleywegt
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Hinxton, UK
| | - Paul Verkade
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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Holland ND, Holland LZ, Somorjai IML. Three-dimensional fine structure of fibroblasts and other mesodermally derived tissues in the dermis of adults of the Bahamas lancelet (Chordata, Cephalohordata), as seen by serial block-face scanning electron microscopy. J Morphol 2022; 283:1289-1298. [PMID: 35971624 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Tissues of adult cephalochordates include sparsely distributed fibroblasts. Previous work on these cells has left unsettled such questions as their developmental origin, range of functions, and even their overall shape. Here, we describe fibroblasts of a cephalochordate, the Bahamas lancelet, Asymmetron lucayanum, by serial block-face scanning electron microscopy to demonstrate their three-dimensional (3D) distribution and fine structure in a 0.56-mm length of the tail. The technique reveals in detail their position, abundance, and morphology. In the region studied, we found only 20 fibroblasts, well separated from one another. Each was strikingly stellate with long cytoplasmic processes rather similar to those of a vertebrate telocyte, a possibly fortuitous resemblance that is considered in the discussion section. In the cephalochordate dermis, the fibroblasts were never linked with one another, although they occasionally formed close associations of unknown significance with other cell types. The fibroblasts, in spite of their name, showed no signs of directly synthesizing fibrillar collagen. Instead, they appeared to be involved in the production of nonfibrous components of the extracellular matrix-both by the release of coarsely granular dense material and by secretion of more finely granular material by the local breakdown of their cytoplasmic processes. For context, the 3D structures of two other mesoderm-derived tissues (the midline mesoderm and the posteriormost somite) are also described for the region studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D Holland
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Linda Z Holland
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Ildiko M L Somorjai
- School of Biology, University of Saint Andrews, St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland, UK
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Peddie CJ, Genoud C, Kreshuk A, Meechan K, Micheva KD, Narayan K, Pape C, Parton RG, Schieber NL, Schwab Y, Titze B, Verkade P, Aubrey A, Collinson LM. Volume electron microscopy. NATURE REVIEWS. METHODS PRIMERS 2022; 2:51. [PMID: 37409324 PMCID: PMC7614724 DOI: 10.1038/s43586-022-00131-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Life exists in three dimensions, but until the turn of the century most electron microscopy methods provided only 2D image data. Recently, electron microscopy techniques capable of delving deep into the structure of cells and tissues have emerged, collectively called volume electron microscopy (vEM). Developments in vEM have been dubbed a quiet revolution as the field evolved from established transmission and scanning electron microscopy techniques, so early publications largely focused on the bioscience applications rather than the underlying technological breakthroughs. However, with an explosion in the uptake of vEM across the biosciences and fast-paced advances in volume, resolution, throughput and ease of use, it is timely to introduce the field to new audiences. In this Primer, we introduce the different vEM imaging modalities, the specialized sample processing and image analysis pipelines that accompany each modality and the types of information revealed in the data. We showcase key applications in the biosciences where vEM has helped make breakthrough discoveries and consider limitations and future directions. We aim to show new users how vEM can support discovery science in their own research fields and inspire broader uptake of the technology, finally allowing its full adoption into mainstream biological imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Peddie
- Electron Microscopy Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Christel Genoud
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anna Kreshuk
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kimberly Meechan
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
- Present address: Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kristina D. Micheva
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Kedar Narayan
- Center for Molecular Microscopy, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Constantin Pape
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Robert G. Parton
- The Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicole L. Schieber
- Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yannick Schwab
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit/ Electron Microscopy Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Paul Verkade
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Aubrey Aubrey
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Lucy M. Collinson
- Electron Microscopy Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
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Landmark-based retrieval of inflamed skin vessels enabled by 3D correlative intravital light and volume electron microscopy. Histochem Cell Biol 2022; 158:127-136. [PMID: 35764846 PMCID: PMC9338004 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-022-02119-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The nanometer spatial resolution of electron microscopy imaging remains an advantage over light microscopy, but the restricted field of view that can be inspected and the inability to visualize dynamic cellular events are definitely drawbacks of standard transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Several methods have been developed to overcome these limitations, mainly by correlating the light microscopical image to the electron microscope with correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) techniques. Since there is more than one method to obtain the region of interest (ROI), the workflow must be adjusted according to the research question and biological material addressed. Here, we describe in detail the development of a three-dimensional CLEM workflow for mouse skin tissue exposed to an inflammation stimulus and imaged by intravital microscopy (IVM) before fixation. Our aim is to relocate a distinct vessel in the electron microscope, addressing a complex biological question: how do cells interact with each other and the surrounding environment at the ultrastructural level? Retracing the area over several preparation steps did not involve any specific automated instruments but was entirely led by anatomical and artificially introduced landmarks, including blood vessel architecture and carbon-coated grids. Successful retrieval of the ROI by electron microscopy depended on particularly high precision during sample manipulation and extensive documentation. Further modification of the TEM sample preparation protocol for mouse skin tissue even rendered the specimen suitable for serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM).
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9
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Whole-body integration of gene expression and single-cell morphology. Cell 2021; 184:4819-4837.e22. [PMID: 34380046 PMCID: PMC8445025 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Animal bodies are composed of cell types with unique expression programs that implement their distinct locations, shapes, structures, and functions. Based on these properties, cell types assemble into specific tissues and organs. To systematically explore the link between cell-type-specific gene expression and morphology, we registered an expression atlas to a whole-body electron microscopy volume of the nereid Platynereis dumerilii. Automated segmentation of cells and nuclei identifies major cell classes and establishes a link between gene activation, chromatin topography, and nuclear size. Clustering of segmented cells according to gene expression reveals spatially coherent tissues. In the brain, genetically defined groups of neurons match ganglionic nuclei with coherent projections. Besides interneurons, we uncover sensory-neurosecretory cells in the nereid mushroom bodies, which thus qualify as sensory organs. They furthermore resemble the vertebrate telencephalon by molecular anatomy. We provide an integrated browser as a Fiji plugin for remote exploration of all available multimodal datasets. A cellular atlas integrates gene expression and ultrastructure for an entire annelid Morphometry of all segmented cells, nuclei, and chromatin categorizes cell classes Molecular anatomy and projectome of head ganglionic nuclei and mushroom bodies An open-source browser for multimodal big image data exploration and analysis
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Kim N, Bahn S, Choi JH, Kim JS, Rah JC. Synapses from the Motor Cortex and a High-Order Thalamic Nucleus are Spatially Clustered in Proximity to Each Other in the Distal Tuft Dendrites of Mouse Somatosensory Cortex. Cereb Cortex 2021; 32:737-754. [PMID: 34355731 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The posterior medial nucleus of the thalamus (POm) and vibrissal primary motor cortex (vM1) convey essential information to the barrel cortex (S1BF) regarding whisker position and movement. Therefore, understanding the relative spatial relationship of these two inputs is a critical prerequisite for acquiring insights into how S1BF synthesizes information to interpret the location of an object. Using array tomography, we identified the locations of synapses from vM1 and POm on distal tuft dendrites of L5 pyramidal neurons where the two inputs are combined. Synapses from vM1 and POm did not show a significant branchlet preference and impinged on the same set of dendritic branchlets. Within dendritic branches, on the other hand, the two inputs formed robust spatial clusters of their own type. Furthermore, we also observed POm clusters in proximity to vM1 clusters. This work constitutes the first detailed description of the relative distribution of synapses from POm and vM1, which is crucial to elucidate the synaptic integration of whisker-based sensory information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nari Kim
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu 41067, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangkyu Bahn
- Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu 41067, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Ho Choi
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu 41067, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinseop S Kim
- Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu 41067, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Cheol Rah
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu 41067, Republic of Korea.,Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
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11
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Manzini I, Schild D, Di Natale C. Principles of odor coding in vertebrates and artificial chemosensory systems. Physiol Rev 2021; 102:61-154. [PMID: 34254835 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00036.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological olfactory system is the sensory system responsible for the detection of the chemical composition of the environment. Several attempts to mimic biological olfactory systems have led to various artificial olfactory systems using different technical approaches. Here we provide a parallel description of biological olfactory systems and their technical counterparts. We start with a presentation of the input to the systems, the stimuli, and treat the interface between the external world and the environment where receptor neurons or artificial chemosensors reside. We then delineate the functions of receptor neurons and chemosensors as well as their overall I-O relationships. Up to this point, our account of the systems goes along similar lines. The next processing steps differ considerably: while in biology the processing step following the receptor neurons is the "integration" and "processing" of receptor neuron outputs in the olfactory bulb, this step has various realizations in electronic noses. For a long period of time, the signal processing stages beyond the olfactory bulb, i.e., the higher olfactory centers were little studied. Only recently there has been a marked growth of studies tackling the information processing in these centers. In electronic noses, a third stage of processing has virtually never been considered. In this review, we provide an up-to-date overview of the current knowledge of both fields and, for the first time, attempt to tie them together. We hope it will be a breeding ground for better information, communication, and data exchange between very related but so far little connected fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Manzini
- Animal Physiology and Molecular Biomedicine, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Detlev Schild
- Institute of Neurophysiology and Cellular Biophysics, University Medical Center, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Corrado Di Natale
- Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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12
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Friedrich RW, Wanner AA. Dense Circuit Reconstruction to Understand Neuronal Computation: Focus on Zebrafish. Annu Rev Neurosci 2021; 44:275-293. [PMID: 33730512 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-110220-013050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The dense reconstruction of neuronal wiring diagrams from volumetric electron microscopy data has the potential to generate fundamentally new insights into mechanisms of information processing and storage in neuronal circuits. Zebrafish provide unique opportunities for dynamical connectomics approaches that combine reconstructions of wiring diagrams with measurements of neuronal population activity and behavior. Such approaches have the power to reveal higher-order structure in wiring diagrams that cannot be detected by sparse sampling of connectivity and that is essential for neuronal computations. In the brain stem, recurrently connected neuronal modules were identified that can account for slow, low-dimensional dynamics in an integrator circuit. In the spinal cord, connectivity specifies functional differences between premotor interneurons. In the olfactory bulb, tuning-dependent connectivity implements a whitening transformation that is based on the selective suppression of responses to overrepresented stimulus features. These findings illustrate the potential of dynamical connectomics in zebrafish to analyze the circuit mechanisms underlying higher-order neuronal computations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer W Friedrich
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; .,Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Basel, 4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Adrian A Wanner
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA;
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13
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Abstract
Since its entry into biomedical research in the first half of the twentieth century, electron microscopy has been a valuable tool for lung researchers to explore the lung's delicate ultrastructure. Among others, it proved the existence of a continuous alveolar epithelium and demonstrated the surfactant lining layer. With the establishment of serial sectioning transmission electron microscopy, as the first "volume electron microscopic" technique, electron microscopy entered the third dimension and investigations of the lung's three-dimensional ultrastructure became possible. Over the years, further techniques, ranging from electron tomography over serial block-face and focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy to array tomography became available. All techniques cover different volumes and resolutions, and, thus, different scientific questions. This review gives an overview of these techniques and their application in lung research, focusing on their fields of application and practical implementation. Furthermore, an introduction is given how the output raw data are processed and the final three-dimensional models can be generated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Philipp Schneider
- Institute of Functional and Applied Anatomy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jan Hegermann
- Institute of Functional and Applied Anatomy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Research Core Unit Electron Microscopy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Christoph Wrede
- Institute of Functional and Applied Anatomy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Research Core Unit Electron Microscopy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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14
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Braubach O, Croll RP. The glomerular network of the zebrafish olfactory bulb. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 383:255-271. [PMID: 33484356 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03394-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Each zebrafish olfactory bulb contains ~ 140 glomeruli that are distinguishable based on size, location, neurochemistry and function. Here we examine the mitral cell innervation of differently sized glomeruli in adult zebrafish. Type 1 glomeruli had diameters of 80.9 ± 8.1 μm and were innervated by 5.9 ± 0.9 mitral cells. The Type 1 mediodorsal glomeruli (mdG) were innervated by both uniglomerular (innervating only single glomeruli) and multiglomerular mitral cells (innervating two or more glomeruli). In contrast, the Type 1 ventroposterior (vpG) and lateral glomeruli (lG) were only innervated by uniglomerular mitral cells. Type 2 ventral glomeruli were 46 ± 5.1 μm in diameter and were innervated by 3.3 ± 0.2 mitral cells. Type 2 ventromedial glomeruli (vmG) were innervated exclusively by uniglomerular mitral cells. Type 3 glomeruli had diameters of 17 ± 2.5 μm and were innervated by 1.1 ± 0.6 multiglomerular mitral cells each. Finally, Type 4 glomeruli were small, with average diameters of 4.8 ± 3.9 μm and were restricted to the lateral plexus. These glomeruli were innervated mainly by multiglomerular mitral cells with extensively branching dendrites. This study provides the first specific associations between uni- and multiglomerular mitral cells with known zebrafish glomeruli. Our results suggest that glomeruli are distinguishable based on their postsynaptic compartment and that distinct input-output computations occur in different types of zebrafish glomeruli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Braubach
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H4R2, Canada.
| | - Roger P Croll
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H4R2, Canada
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15
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Holland ND, Somorjai IML. Tail regeneration in a cephalochordate, the Bahamas lancelet, Asymmetron lucayanum. J Morphol 2020; 282:217-229. [PMID: 33179804 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Lancelets (Phylum Chordata, subphylum Cephalochordata) readily regenerate a lost tail. Here, we use light microscopy and serial blockface scanning electron microscopy (SBSEM) to describe tail replacement in the Bahamas lancelet, Asymmetron lucayanum. One day after amputation, the monolayered epidermis has migrated over the wound surface. At 4 days, the regenerate is about 3% as long as the tail length removed. The re-growing nerve cord is a tubular outgrowth of ependymal cells, and the new part of the notochord consists of several degenerating lamellar cells anterior to numerous small vacuolated cells. The cut edges of the mesothelium project into the regenerate as tubular extensions. These tubes anastomose with each other and with midline mesodermal canals beneath the regenerating edges of the dorsal and ventral fins. SBSEM did not reveal a blastema-like aggregation of undifferentiated cells anywhere in the regenerate. At 6 days, the regenerate (10% of the amputated tail length) includes a notochord in which the small vacuolated cells mentioned above are differentiating into lamellar cells. At 10 days, the regenerate is 22% of the amputated tail length: myocytes have appeared in the walls of the myomeres, and sclerocoels have formed. By 14 days, the regenerate is 35% the length of the amputated tail, and the new tissues resemble smaller versions of those originally lost. The present results for A. lucayanum, a species regenerating quickly and with little inter-specimen variability, provide the morphological background for future cell-tracer, molecular genetic, and genomic studies of cephalochordate regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D Holland
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
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16
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Holland ND, Somorjai IML. Serial blockface SEM suggests that stem cells may participate in adult notochord growth in an invertebrate chordate, the Bahamas lancelet. EvoDevo 2020; 11:22. [PMID: 33088474 PMCID: PMC7568382 DOI: 10.1186/s13227-020-00167-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The cellular basis of adult growth in cephalochordates (lancelets or amphioxus) has received little attention. Lancelets and their constituent organs grow slowly but continuously during adult life. Here, we consider whether this slow organ growth involves tissue-specific stem cells. Specifically, we focus on the cell populations in the notochord of an adult lancelet and use serial blockface scanning electron microscopy (SBSEM) to reconstruct the three-dimensional fine structure of all the cells in a tissue volume considerably larger than normally imaged with this technique. Results In the notochordal region studied, we identified 10 cells with stem cell-like morphology at the posterior tip of the organ, 160 progenitor (Müller) cells arranged along its surface, and 385 highly differentiated lamellar cells constituting its core. Each cell type could clearly be distinguished on the basis of cytoplasmic density and overall cell shape. Moreover, because of the large sample size, transitions between cell types were obvious. Conclusions For the notochord of adult lancelets, a reasonable interpretation of our data indicates growth of the organ is based on stem cells that self-renew and also give rise to progenitor cells that, in turn, differentiate into lamellar cells. Our discussion compares the cellular basis of adult notochord growth among chordates in general. In the vertebrates, several studies implied that proliferating cells (chordoblasts) in the cortex of the organ might be stem cells. However, we think it is more likely that such cells actually constitute a progenitor population downstream from and maintained by inconspicuous stem cells. We venture to suggest that careful searches should find stem cells in the adult notochords of many vertebrates, although possibly not in the notochordal vestiges (nucleus pulposus regions) of mammals, where the presence of endogenous proliferating cells remains controversial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D Holland
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California At San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Ildiko M L Somorjai
- School of Biology, University of Saint Andrews, St. Andrews, KY16 9ST Scotland
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17
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Holland ND, Somorjai IML. The sensory peripheral nervous system in the tail of a cephalochordate studied by serial blockface scanning electron microscopy. J Comp Neurol 2020; 528:2569-2582. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.24913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D. Holland
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of OceanographyUniversity of California at San Diego La Jolla California USA
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18
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Holland ND. Hunting needles in a haystack: Migrating precursors of epidermal sensory neurons in amphioxus found with serial blockface scanning electron microscopy (SBSEM). ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D. Holland
- Marine Biology Research Division Scripps Institution of Oceanography University of California at San Diego San Diego California
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19
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Whitening of odor representations by the wiring diagram of the olfactory bulb. Nat Neurosci 2020; 23:433-442. [PMID: 31959937 PMCID: PMC7101160 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-019-0576-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal computations underlying higher brain functions depend on synaptic interactions among specific neurons. A mechanistic understanding of such computations requires wiring diagrams of neuronal networks. In this study, we examined how the olfactory bulb (OB) performs 'whitening', a fundamental computation that decorrelates activity patterns and supports their classification by memory networks. We measured odor-evoked activity in the OB of a zebrafish larva and subsequently reconstructed the complete wiring diagram by volumetric electron microscopy. The resulting functional connectome revealed an over-representation of multisynaptic connectivity motifs that mediate reciprocal inhibition between neurons with similar tuning. This connectivity suppressed redundant responses and was necessary and sufficient to reproduce whitening in simulations. Whitening of odor representations is therefore mediated by higher-order structure in the wiring diagram that is adapted to natural input patterns.
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20
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Motta A, Berning M, Boergens KM, Staffler B, Beining M, Loomba S, Hennig P, Wissler H, Helmstaedter M. Dense connectomic reconstruction in layer 4 of the somatosensory cortex. Science 2019; 366:science.aay3134. [PMID: 31649140 DOI: 10.1126/science.aay3134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The dense circuit structure of mammalian cerebral cortex is still unknown. With developments in three-dimensional electron microscopy, the imaging of sizable volumes of neuropil has become possible, but dense reconstruction of connectomes is the limiting step. We reconstructed a volume of ~500,000 cubic micrometers from layer 4 of mouse barrel cortex, ~300 times larger than previous dense reconstructions from the mammalian cerebral cortex. The connectomic data allowed the extraction of inhibitory and excitatory neuron subtypes that were not predictable from geometric information. We quantified connectomic imprints consistent with Hebbian synaptic weight adaptation, which yielded upper bounds for the fraction of the circuit consistent with saturated long-term potentiation. These data establish an approach for the locally dense connectomic phenotyping of neuronal circuitry in the mammalian cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Motta
- Department of Connectomics, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Manuel Berning
- Department of Connectomics, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Kevin M Boergens
- Department of Connectomics, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Benedikt Staffler
- Department of Connectomics, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Marcel Beining
- Department of Connectomics, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sahil Loomba
- Department of Connectomics, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Philipp Hennig
- Probabilistic Numerics Group, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Heiko Wissler
- Department of Connectomics, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Moritz Helmstaedter
- Department of Connectomics, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany.
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21
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Parton RG. Twenty years of traffic: A 2020 vision of cellular electron microscopy. Traffic 2019; 21:156-161. [DOI: 10.1111/tra.12684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert G. Parton
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience and Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
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22
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Olivares J, Schmachtenberg O. An update on anatomy and function of the teleost olfactory system. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7808. [PMID: 31579633 PMCID: PMC6768218 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
About half of all extant vertebrates are teleost fishes. Although our knowledge about anatomy and function of their olfactory systems still lags behind that of mammals, recent advances in cellular and molecular biology have provided us with a wealth of novel information about the sense of smell in this important animal group. Its paired olfactory organs contain up to five types of olfactory receptor neurons expressing OR, TAAR, VR1- and VR2-class odorant receptors associated with individual transduction machineries. The different types of receptor neurons are preferentially tuned towards particular classes of odorants, that are associated with specific behaviors, such as feeding, mating or migration. We discuss the connections of the receptor neurons in the olfactory bulb, the differences in bulbar circuitry compared to mammals, and the characteristics of second order projections to telencephalic olfactory areas, considering the everted ontogeny of the teleost telencephalon. The review concludes with a brief overview of current theories about odor coding and the prominent neural oscillations observed in the teleost olfactory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Olivares
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso (CINV), Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.,Universidad de Valparaíso, PhD Program in Neuroscience, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Oliver Schmachtenberg
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso (CINV), Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
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23
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Smith D, Starborg T. Serial block face scanning electron microscopy in cell biology: Applications and technology. Tissue Cell 2019; 57:111-122. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2018.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Wanner AA, Vishwanathan A. Methods for Mapping Neuronal Activity to Synaptic Connectivity: Lessons From Larval Zebrafish. Front Neural Circuits 2018; 12:89. [PMID: 30410437 PMCID: PMC6209671 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2018.00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
For a mechanistic understanding of neuronal circuits in the brain, a detailed description of information flow is necessary. Thereby it is crucial to link neuron function to the underlying circuit structure. Multiphoton calcium imaging is the standard technique to record the activity of hundreds of neurons simultaneously. Similarly, recent advances in high-throughput electron microscopy techniques allow for the reconstruction of synaptic resolution wiring diagrams. These two methods can be combined to study both function and structure in the same specimen. Due to its small size and optical transparency, the larval zebrafish brain is one of the very few vertebrate systems where both, activity and connectivity of all neurons from entire, anatomically defined brain regions, can be analyzed. Here, we describe different methods and the tools required for combining multiphoton microscopy with dense circuit reconstruction from electron microscopy stacks of entire brain regions in the larval zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian A Wanner
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States
| | - Ashwin Vishwanathan
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States
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25
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Zhang XY, Huang ZQ, Ning T, Xiang XH, Li CQ, Chen SY, Xiao H. Microscopic and Submicroscopic Gradient Variation of Olfactory Systems among Six Sinocyclocheilus Species Living in Different Environments. Zoolog Sci 2018; 35:411-420. [PMID: 30298784 DOI: 10.2108/zs170126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The fish genus Sinocyclocheilus contains many different species that inhabit diverse natural environments, such as surface water layer, cave, or intermediate. As a result of these different habitats there are some differences in their sensory systems. Microscopic and submicroscopic structures of olfactory systems in six representative species of Sinocyclocheilus were studied, including one surface-dwelling species (S. grahami), two intermediate species (S. jii and S. macrophthalmus) and three cave-dwelling species (S. brevibarbatus, S. anshuiensis, and S. tianlinensis). Due to adaptive evolution under extreme environmental conditions, cave-dwelling species have more developed olfactory systems. We observed that, compared with surface-dwelling species, the olfactory sac of the cave-dwelling Sinocyclocheilus species has the following characteristics: higher density of cilia, greater length of sensory cilia, many other special structures (micro-ridge, olfactory islet, rod cilia). These results reveal different levels of olfactory system development, consistent with the view that that cave-dwelling species have more developed olfactory systems than intermediate and surface-dwelling species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yan Zhang
- 1 School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Zhu-Qin Huang
- 1 School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Tiao Ning
- 2 College of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming University, Kunming 650214, China
| | - Xiao-Han Xiang
- 1 School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Chun-Qing Li
- 1 School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Shan-Yuan Chen
- 1 School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Heng Xiao
- 1 School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China.,3 Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Diversity and Evolution of High Education in Yunnan Province, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
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26
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Titze B, Genoud C, Friedrich RW. SBEMimage: Versatile Acquisition Control Software for Serial Block-Face Electron Microscopy. Front Neural Circuits 2018; 12:54. [PMID: 30108489 PMCID: PMC6079252 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2018.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We present SBEMimage, an open-source Python-based application to operate serial block-face electron microscopy (SBEM) systems. SBEMimage is designed for complex, challenging acquisition tasks, such as large-scale volume imaging of neuronal tissue or other biological ultrastructure. Advanced monitoring, process control, and error handling capabilities improve reliability, speed, and quality of acquisitions. Debris detection, autofocus, real-time image inspection, and various other quality control features minimize the risk of data loss during long-term acquisitions. Adaptive tile selection allows for efficient imaging of large tissue volumes of arbitrary shape. The software’s graphical user interface is optimized for remote operation. In its user-friendly viewport, tile grids covering the region of interest to be acquired are overlaid on previously acquired overview images of the sample surface. Images from other sources, e.g., light microscopes, can be imported and superimposed. SBEMimage complements existing DigitalMicrograph (Gatan Microscopy Suite) installations on 3View systems but permits higher acquisition rates by interacting directly with the microscope’s control software. Its modular architecture and the use of Python/PyQt make SBEMimage highly customizable and extensible, which allows for fast prototyping and will permit adaptation to a wide range of SBEM systems and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Titze
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christel Genoud
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rainer W Friedrich
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.,Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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27
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Holland ND. Formation of the initial kidney and mouth opening in larval amphioxus studied with serial blockface scanning electron microscopy (SBSEM). EvoDevo 2018; 9:16. [PMID: 29977493 PMCID: PMC6013890 DOI: 10.1186/s13227-018-0104-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background For early larvae of amphioxus, Kaji et al. (Zool Lett 2:2, 2016) proposed that mesoderm cells are added to the rim of the forming mouth, giving it the quality of a coelomoduct without homology to the oral openings of other animals. They depended in part on non-serial transmission electron microscopic (TEM) sections and could not readily put fine structural details into a broader context. The present study of amphioxus larvae is based largely on serial blockface scanning electron microscopy (SBSEM), a technique revealing TEM-level details within an extensive anatomical volume that can be reconstructed in three dimensions. Results In amphioxus larvae shortly before mouth formation, a population of compact mesoderm cells is present at the posterior extremity of the first left somite. As development continues, the more dorsal of these cells give rise to the initial kidney (Hatschek’s nephridium), while the more ventral cells become interposed between the ectoderm and endoderm in a localized region where the mouth will soon penetrate. SBSEM reveals that, after the mouth has opened, a majority of these mesoderm cells can still be detected, sandwiched between the ectoderm and endoderm; they are probably myoblasts destined to develop into the perioral muscles. Conclusions SBSEM has provided the most accurate and detailed description to date of the tissues at the anterior end of amphioxus larvae. The present study supports the finding of Kaji et al. (2016) that the more dorsal of the cells in the posterior region of the first left somite give rise to the initial kidney. In contrast, the fate of the more ventral cells (called here the oral mesoderm) is less well understood. Although Kaji et al. (2016) implied that all of the oral mesoderm cells joined the rim of the forming mouth, SBSEM reveals that many of them are still present after mouth penetration. Even so, some of those cells go missing during mouth penetration and their fate is unknown. It cannot be ruled out that they were incorporated into the rim of the nascent mouth as proposed by Kaji et al. (2016). On the other hand, they might have degenerated or been shed from the larva during the morphogenetic interaction between the ectoderm and endoderm to form the mouth. The present SBSEM study, like Kaji et al. (2016), is based on static morphological data, and dynamic cell tracer experiments would be needed to decide among these possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D Holland
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California at San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
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28
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Deerinck TJ, Shone T, Bushong EA, Ramachandra R, Peltier ST, Ellisman MH. High-performance serial block-face SEM of nonconductive biological samples enabled by focal gas injection-based charge compensation. J Microsc 2018; 270:142-149. [PMID: 29194648 PMCID: PMC5910240 DOI: 10.1111/jmi.12667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A longstanding limitation of imaging with serial block-face scanning electron microscopy is specimen surface charging. This charging is largely due to the difficulties in making biological specimens and the resins in which they are embedded sufficiently conductive. Local accumulation of charge on the specimen surface can result in poor image quality and distortions. Even minor charging can lead to misalignments between sequential images of the block-face due to image jitter. Typically, variable-pressure SEM is used to reduce specimen charging, but this results in a significant reduction to spatial resolution, signal-to-noise ratio and overall image quality. Here we show the development and application of a simple system that effectively mitigates specimen charging by using focal gas injection of nitrogen over the sample block-face during imaging. A standard gas injection valve is paired with a precisely positioned but retractable application nozzle, which is mechanically coupled to the reciprocating action of the serial block-face ultramicrotome. This system enables the application of nitrogen gas precisely over the block-face during imaging while allowing the specimen chamber to be maintained under high vacuum to maximise achievable SEM image resolution. The action of the ultramicrotome drives the nozzle retraction, automatically moving it away from the specimen area during the cutting cycle of the knife. The device described was added to a Gatan 3View system with minimal modifications, allowing high-resolution block-face imaging of even the most charge prone of epoxy-embedded biological samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. Deerinck
- Center for Research in Biological Systems and the National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tristan Shone
- Center for Research in Biological Systems and the National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eric A. Bushong
- Center for Research in Biological Systems and the National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ranjan Ramachandra
- Center for Research in Biological Systems and the National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Steven T. Peltier
- Center for Research in Biological Systems and the National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mark H. Ellisman
- Center for Research in Biological Systems and the National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92093, USA
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA, USA
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29
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Integrative whole-brain neuroscience in larval zebrafish. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2018; 50:136-145. [PMID: 29486425 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Due to their small size and transparency, zebrafish larvae are amenable to a range of fluorescence microscopy techniques. With the development of sensitive genetically encoded calcium indicators, this has extended to the whole-brain imaging of neural activity with cellular resolution. This technique has been used to study brain-wide population dynamics accompanying sensory processing and sensorimotor transformations, and has spurred the development of innovative closed-loop behavioral paradigms in which stimulus-response relationships can be studied. More recently, microscopes have been developed that allow whole-brain calcium imaging in freely swimming and behaving larvae. In this review, we highlight the technologies underlying whole-brain functional imaging in zebrafish, provide examples of the sensory and motor processes that have been studied with this technique, and discuss the need to merge data from whole-brain functional imaging studies with neurochemical and anatomical information to develop holistic models of functional neural circuits.
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30
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Boergens KM, Berning M, Bocklisch T, Bräunlein D, Drawitsch F, Frohnhofen J, Herold T, Otto P, Rzepka N, Werkmeister T, Werner D, Wiese G, Wissler H, Helmstaedter M. webKnossos: efficient online 3D data annotation for connectomics. Nat Methods 2017; 14:691-694. [PMID: 28604722 DOI: 10.1038/nmeth.4331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We report webKnossos, an in-browser annotation tool for 3D electron microscopic data. webKnossos provides flight mode, a single-view egocentric reconstruction method enabling trained annotator crowds to reconstruct at a speed of 1.5 ± 0.6 mm/h for axons and 2.1 ± 0.9 mm/h for dendrites in 3D electron microscopic data from mammalian cortex. webKnossos accelerates neurite reconstruction for connectomics by 4- to 13-fold compared with current state-of-the-art tools, thus extending the range of connectomes that can realistically be mapped in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Boergens
- Department of Connectomics, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Manuel Berning
- Department of Connectomics, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Tom Bocklisch
- Scalable minds UG (haftungsbeschränkt) &Co. KG, Potsdam, Germany
| | | | - Florian Drawitsch
- Department of Connectomics, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Tom Herold
- Scalable minds UG (haftungsbeschränkt) &Co. KG, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Philipp Otto
- Scalable minds UG (haftungsbeschränkt) &Co. KG, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Norman Rzepka
- Scalable minds UG (haftungsbeschränkt) &Co. KG, Potsdam, Germany
| | | | - Daniel Werner
- Scalable minds UG (haftungsbeschränkt) &Co. KG, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Georg Wiese
- Scalable minds UG (haftungsbeschränkt) &Co. KG, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Heiko Wissler
- Department of Connectomics, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Moritz Helmstaedter
- Department of Connectomics, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany
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