Suitable transfection methods for single particle tracing in plant suspension cells

CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing vs. Over-Expression for Fluorescent Extracellular Vesicle-Labeling: A Quantitative Analysis

Over-expression of fluorescently-labeled markers for extracellular vesicles is frequently used to visualize vesicle up-take and transport. EVs that are labeled by over-expression show considerable heterogeneity regarding the number of fluorophores on single particles, which could potentially bias tracking and up-take studies in favor of more strongly-labeled particles. To avoid the potential artefacts that are caused by over-expression, we developed a genome editing approach for the fluorescent labeling of the extracellular vesicle marker CD63 with green fluorescent protein using the CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Using single-molecule sensitive fluorescence microscopy, we quantitatively compared the degree of labeling of secreted small extracellular vesicles from conventional over-expression and the CRISPR/Cas9 approach with true single-particle measurements. With our analysis, we can demonstrate a larger fraction of single-GFP-labeled EVs in the EVs that were isolated from CRISPR/Cas9-modified cells (83%) compared to EVs that were isolated from GFP-CD63 over-expressing cells (36%). Despite only single-GFP-labeling, CRISPR-EVs can be detected and discriminated from auto-fluorescence after their up-take into cells. To demonstrate the flexibility of the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing method, we fluorescently labeled EVs using the HaloTag^® with lipid membrane permeable dye, JaneliaFluor^® 646, which allowed us to perform 3D-localization microscopy of single EVs taken up by the cultured cells.

Localization Microscopy of Actin Cytoskeleton in Human Platelets

Here, we measure the actin cytoskeleton arrangement of different morphological states of human platelets using a new protocol for photo-switching of rhodamine class fluorophores. A new medium composition was established for imaging the cytoskeleton using Alexa Fluor 488 conjugated to phalloidin. Morphological states of platelets bound to a glass substrate are visualized and quantified by two-dimensional localization microscopy at nanoscopic resolution. Marker-less drift correction yields localization of individual Alexa 488 conjugated to phalloidin with a positional accuracy of 12 nm.

Single-molecule fluorescence imaging to quantify membrane protein dynamics and oligomerization in living plant cells

Measuring the mobility and interactions of proteins is key to understanding cellular signaling mechanisms; however, quantitative analysis of protein dynamics in living plant cells remains a major challenge. Here we describe an automated, single-molecule protocol based on total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM) imaging that allows protein tracking and subunit counting in living plant cells. This protocol uses TIRFM to image transgenic plant tissues expressing fluorescently tagged proteins that are localized to the plasma membrane. Next, a tracking algorithm quantifies dynamic changes in fluorescent protein motion types, temporary particle displacement and protein photobleaching steps. This protocol allows researchers to study the kinetic characteristics of heterogeneously distributed proteins. The approach has potential applications for studies of protein dynamics and subunit stoichiometry for a wide variety of plasma membrane and intracellular proteins in living plant cells and other biological specimens visualized by TIRFM or other fluorescence imaging techniques. The whole protocol can be completed in 5-6 h.