Our recent study shows that combining Array Tomography with an advanced imaging technique called Two-Colour Direct Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy (dSTORM) allows for the observation of tau pathology at synapses with unprecedented detail. This approach offers new insights into how these proteins disrupt brain function in Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
What Was Done in This Study?
We used dSTORM to enhance the lateral resolution of imaging, enabling the visualisation of tau proteins at synaptic sites in greater detail than ever before. By focusing on two-colour imaging, we demonstrated the presence of oligomeric tau within synapses, which are critical for neuronal communication.
Main Results
- Combining Array Tomography with Two-Colour Direct Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy provides optimal resolution to detect pathological synaptic tau in human AD brains.
- This combination allows for the study of the spatial relationship between pathological tau and both presynaptic and postsynaptic terminals.
- These innovative techniques provide crucial insights into the study of intact human synapses and highlight the importance of synaptic pathology in AD.
Relevance of the Study
The use of dSTORM also sets a new standard for studying neurodegenerative diseases, providing a tool that could be applied to other conditions where synaptic dysfunction plays a role.