Applications of Super Resolution Expansion Microscopy in Yeast

Super-resolution microscopy includes multiple techniques in optical microscopy that enable sub-diffraction resolution fluorescence imaging of cellular structures. Expansion microscopy (EXM) is a method of physical expansion to obtain super-resolution images of a biological sample on conventional microscopy. We present images of yeast organelles, applying the combination of super-resolution and ExM techniques. When preparing pre-expanded samples, conventional methods lead to breakage of dividing yeast cells and difficulties in studying division-related proteins. Here, we describe an improved sample preparation technique that avoids such damage. ExM in combination with Airyscan and structured illumination microscopy (SIM) collected sub-cellular structural images of nuclear pore complex, septin, and a-tubulin in yeast. Our method of expansion in yeast is well-suited for super-resolution imaging study of yeast.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the application of Expansion Microscopy (EXM) in super-resolution microscopy, achieving sub-diffraction resolution fluorescence imaging of cellular structures. An improved sample preparation technique was described to prevent damage to dividing yeast cells during conventional methods, allowing for successful super-resolution imaging study in yeast. The combination of ExM with Airyscan and structured illumination microscopy (SIM) collected high-quality sub-cellular structural images of various cellular components in yeast.