Calendar

Join us in person for refreshments beginning at 1:30 p.m. outside Beckman 3151, Anna-Karin Gustavsson will speak at 2 p.m. in Beckman 3269.

Title: Mapping cellular function with 3D single-molecule tracking and super-resolution microscopy

Abstract: Cellular function is governed by the molecular organization and interactions at the nanoscale. In this talk, I will present our recent advances in 3D single-molecule tracking of dynamics and super-resolution imaging of nanoscale structures throughout mammalian cells, and showcase applications of our approaches for cellular imaging. I will describe our developments of light sheet microscopy platforms that reduce fluorescence background, photobleaching, and the risk of photodamaging sensitive samples. Combined with point spread function (PSF) engineering for nanoscale localization of individual molecules in 3D, deep learning for analysis of overlapping emitters, and a novel 3D nanoprinted microfluidic chip for environmental control, these platforms enable whole-cell multi-target 3D single-molecule super-resolution imaging with improved accuracy, precision, and imaging speed. I will also highlight our recent developments and applications of dCas9-based labels that enable flexible, long-term tracking of endogenous, non-repetitive genomic loci in live human cells with excellent spatiotemporal resolution. Using this approach, we demonstrate correlative tracking of gene dynamics and transcription for improved understanding of gene regulation. I will further showcase studies of disease mechanisms and novel therapies for the premature aging disorder Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome. Together, these imaging technologies provide a versatile toolkit for quantitative studies of molecular dynamics, nanoscale structures, and molecular mechanisms, enabling new insights into a broad range of chemical, biological, and biomedical questions related to cellular function and pathogenesis.