Chasing Uptake: Super-Resolution Microscopy in Endocytosis and Phagocytosis

Maksim V Baranov; Rodica Alis Olea; Geert van den Bogaart

doi:10.1016/j.tcb.2019.05.006

Chasing Uptake: Super-Resolution Microscopy in Endocytosis and Phagocytosis

Trends Cell Biol. 2019 Sep;29(9):727-739. doi: 10.1016/j.tcb.2019.05.006. Epub 2019 Jun 18.

Authors

Maksim V Baranov¹, Rodica Alis Olea², Geert van den Bogaart³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Molecular Immunology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
² Nanoscopy for Nanomedicine Group, Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Carrer Baldiri Reixac 15-21, 08024 Barcelona, Spain.
³ Department of Molecular Immunology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 31227311
DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2019.05.006

Abstract

Since their invention about two decades ago, super-resolution microscopes have become a method of choice in cell biology. Owing to a spatial resolution below 50 nm, smaller than the size of most organelles, and an order of magnitude better than the diffraction limit of conventional light microscopes, super-resolution microscopy is a powerful technique for resolving intracellular trafficking. In this review we discuss discoveries in endocytosis and phagocytosis that have been made possible by super-resolution microscopy - from uptake at the plasma membrane, endocytic coat formation, and cytoskeletal rearrangements to endosomal maturation. The detailed visualization of the diverse molecular assemblies that mediate endocytic uptake will provide a better understanding of how cells ingest extracellular material.

Keywords: endocytosis; endosomes; organelles; super-resolution microscopy; trafficking.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Cell Membrane / physiology
Endocytosis*
Endosomes / metabolism*
Fluorescence
Humans
Microscopy / methods*
Phagocytosis*
Protein Transport