Synapses underlie rapid and flexible neural communication in the brain and they hold the key to understanding higher brain functions in health and disease. Because they are very small and highly dynamic, it is very difficult to study them with traditional techniques. Fortunately, recent ground-breaking advances in optical microscopy (e.g. STED, PALM, STORM, SIM) have greatly improved our ability to image living synapses at the nanoscale, even down to the level of single molecules. The proposed volume brings together leading researchers to review these exciting new techniques and their application in neurobiological research. It will explain and discuss the basic principles behind the various superresolution modalities, how they are implemented, what their scope and limitations are etc. In addition, several key research discoveries on synapses enabled by these novel approaches will be highlighted.

Timeliness Superresolution methods are beginning to transform neurobiological research Relevance Progress in synapse research hinges on advances in superresolution imaging Competence Chapters are written by leading innovators and practitioners in the field of bioimaging Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Inhalt

Preface.- Nanoscale imaging of protein molecules at the postsynaptic densit.- Electron tomography for the study of synaptic ultrastructure in fixed brain sections.- Time-resolved electron microscopy: coupling optogenetics with high-pressure freezing.- Investigating AMPA receptors diffusion and nanoscale organization at synapses with high density single molecule tracking methods.- Visualising the ultra-structures and dynamics of synapses by single molecule nanoscopy.- Live-cell PALM of intracellular proteins in neurons.- Monitoring nanoscale mobility of small molecules with time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy imaging.- Imaging signalling transduction in single dendritic spines.- Imaging-based measures of synaptic tenacity.- Zooming in on the (peri)synaptic extracellular matrix.- Two-photon STED microscopy for imaging synapses and glia in acute brain slices.- Index.