Three-Dimensional Surface Rendering of ESCRT Proteins Microscopy Data Using UCSF Chimera Software

Abstract

Visualization of subcellular localization of ESCRT proteins and their interactions with different cellular compartments are critical to understand their function. This approach requires the generation of an important amount of 3D fluorescence microscopy data that is not always easy to visualize and apprehend. We describe a step-by-step protocol for 3D surface rendering of confocal microscopy acquisitions using the free software UCSF-Chimera, generating snapshots and animations to facilitate analysis and presentation of subcellular localization data.