Tracking of single receptor molecule mobility in neuronal membranes: a quick theoretical and practical guide.
Single-molecule detection enables us to visualise the real-time dynamics of individual molecules in live cells. We review the recent advancements in single-molecule fluorescence tracking of receptor protein mobility in the neuronal membrane. First, we discuss the practical consideration of single-molecule tracking in neurones, including the choice of cells and possible fluorescent labelling, as well as the appropriate optical set-up and imaging technology. We then describe the analysis of the single-molecule imaging data, including its theoretical and practical aspects of and relevant estimations of the biophysical parameters. Finally, we provide an example of a single-molecule tracking study in neuroendocrinology and highlight the next frontiers of single-molecule detection technologies.
Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, Otago School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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A
Kwakowsky
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D
Potapov
I M
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Abrahám
D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D057054:Molecular Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D009474:Neurons / Q000648:ultrastructure*
D008565:Membrane Proteins
fluorophores; neurones; receptors; single-molecule tracking; total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy