Examples of Images and Videos

General microscopy, including scanning laser confocal microscopy


RPE cells differentiated from stem cells

Confocal microscopy

Differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into a polarized RPE cell culture

Description:
Differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into a polarized RPE cell culture.  Two RPE tight junction proteins, zonula occludens-1 and claudin-19, are colocalized to an apical region of the cell periphery, where they contribute to a tight junctional complex that characterizes a differentiated RPE culture.  The tight junction limits movement of substances through the paracellular space and forms a boundary between the distinct apical and basolateral plasma membranes.  From Roni Hazim, postdoctoral fellow.

Differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into a polarized RPE cell culture

Examples of Videos


Photoreceptor nascent disk ultrastructure
EM Tomography
Serial EM tomograms of the base of a monkey rod outer segment

Description:
Sequential z-slices from four serial EM tomograms have been incorporated into a video. Each z-slice is only a few nm thick, thus providing superior resolution over a conventional transmission EM section (70-80 nm thick). Moreover, the combination of z-slices provides a 3D perspective. From Stefanie Volland, postdoctoral fellow.

Sequential z-slices from four serial EM tomograms have been incorporated into a video

Photoreceptor Disks in 3D
Image analysis/EM tomography
3D model from reconstruction of an EM tomogram, showing the base of a monkey rod outer segment

Description:
A 3D model of the base of a monkey rod outer segment, generated by segmentation of an EM tomogram. The nascent membranes are still continuous with the plasma membrane (green), whereas the more mature membranes have closed off into discrete disks (blue). From Stefanie Volland, postdoctoral fellow.

A 3D model of the base of a monkey rod outer segment, generated by segmentation of an EM tomogram.

Phagocytosis of Photoreceptor Outer Segment (POS) Membranes
Spinning disk confocal microscopy
Engulfment of fragments of photoreceptor outer segments (red) by the RPE (green)

Description:
Spinning disk confocal microscopy was used to capture the engulfment of fragments of POSs (red) by a cultured RPE cell, expressing GFP (green). Imaged by Tanja Diemer, postdoctoral fellow.

Spinning disk confocal microscopy was used to capture the engulfment of fragments of POSs (red) by a cultured RPE cell, expressing GFP (green). Imaged by Tanja Diemer, postdoctoral fellow.

Phagosome Motility: Phagosome Motility
Spinning disk confocal microscopy
Photoreceptor outer segment phagosomes (red) moving along microtubules (green) in an RPE cell

Description:
Photoreceptor outer segment (POS) phagosomes (red) moving along microtubules (green) in an RPE cell. Spinning disk confocal microscopy was used to capture the bidirectional movements of POS phagosomes. These movements facilitate interactions with endolysosomes and thus their efficient degradation. From Mei Jiang, postdoctoral fellow.

Photoreceptor outer segment (POS) phagosomes (red) moving along microtubules (green) in an RPE cell.