Electron cryo-tomography of vestibular hair-cell stereocilia

Metlagel, Z.; Krey, J. F.; Song, J.; Swift, M. F.; Tivol, W. J.; Dumont, R. A.; Thai, J.; Chang, A.; Seifikar, H.; Volkmann, N.; Hanein, D.; Barr-Gillespie, P. G.; Auer, M.

doi:10.1101/496513

bioRxiv · 10.1101/496513

Electron cryo-tomography of vestibular hair-cell stereocilia

Metlagel, Z.·Krey, J. F.·Song, J.·Swift, M. F.·Tivol, W. J.·Dumont, R. A.·Thai, J.·Chang, A.·Seifikar, H.·Volkmann, N.·Hanein, D.·Barr-Gillespie, P. G.·Auer, M.

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Abstract

High-resolution imaging of hair-cell stereocilia of the inner ear has contributed substantially to our understanding of auditory and vestibular function. To provide three-dimensional views of the structure of stereocilia cytoskeleton and membranes, we developed a method for rapidly freezing unfixed stereocilia on electron microscopy grids, which allowed subsequent 3D imaging by electron cryo-tomography. Structures of stereocilia tips, shafts, and tapers were revealed, demonstrating that the actin paracrystal was not perfectly ordered. This sample-preparation and imaging procedure will allow for examination of structural features of stereocilia in a near-native state.

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Metlagel, Z., Krey, J. F., Song, J., Swift, M. F., Tivol, W. J., Dumont, R. A., Thai, J., Chang, A., Seifikar, H., Volkmann, N., Hanein, D., Barr-Gillespie, P. G., Auer, M.. 2018-12-13. Electron cryo-tomography of vestibular hair-cell stereocilia. https://doi.org/10.1101/496513

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