A method for detailed analysis of the structure of mast cell secretory granules by negative contrast imaging.

ABSTRACT: Secretory granules (SGs) in mast cells contain various molecules that elicit allergy symptoms and are generally considered therapeutic targets. However, the biogenesis, maintenance, regulation, and recycling of these granules remain controversial, mainly due to the lack of suitable live-cell imaging methods. In this study, we applied negative contrast imaging with soluble green fluorescent protein (GFP) expressed in the cytoplasm as a method to validate structural information of mast cell SGs. We evaluated the accuracy of the method in detail, and we demonstrated that it can be used for quantitative analysis. Using this technique, secretory granules, the nucleus, mitochondria, and the cell body were visualized in individual RBL-2H3 mast cells without any influence. When combined with conve

SUBMITTER: Tanaka S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4800307 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature