Naslov
Cryoelectron Tomography: Implications for Actin Cytoskeleton Research

Autori
Weber, Igor

Izvornik
Croatica chemica acta (0011-1643) 78 (2005); 325-331

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
actin; cytoskeleton; cryofixation; electron microscopy; tomography

Sažetak
Disclosing undistorted spatial organization of the actin cytoskeleton with molecular resolution is fundamental for understanding the cellular ultrastructure. Whereas important insights into the architecture of microfilament networks have been gained by negative staining, critical point drying, and freeze-fracturing methods, it is cryoelectron tomography that provides, for the first time, a comprehensive three-dimensional view of the intact actin cytoskeleton in situ. In particular, topological relationships such as microfilament three-dimensional proximity, angles at filament branching points, and modes of microfilament interaction with the plasma membrane can be visualized with an unprecedented accuracy using this technique. Further improvements are expected to bring the resolution into the realm of 2– 3 nm, where automatic pattern- recognition methods can be applied to identify actin-binding complexes. Combining cryoelectron tomography with ultra-fine immunolabeling and high-resolution fluorescence microscopy will make it possible to correlate structural data on the nanometer scale with molecular specificity and dynamical information.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Fizika, Kemija, Biologija

POVEZANOST RADA