Challenges Facing an EM Core Laboratory: Mitochondria Structural Preservation and 3DEM Data Presentation

Abstract

Modern electron microscopy permits scientists to study the fine detail of cells and tissues, using both two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging modalities. However, achieving optimal preservation of ultrastructure for a variety of biological samples remains a challenge. Here, we describe practical methods to preserve the fine structure of mouse skeletal muscle and sciatic nerve and to obtain high-resolution images of mitochondria in cultured cells, flow-sorted T-cells, and mouse urothelium. We also propose an effective and economical workflow for three-dimensional electron microscopy in the context of a microscopy core facility.