Multimodal interference-based imaging of nanoscale structure and macromolecular motion uncovers UV induced cellular paroxysm

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09717-6
• Publication Date: 2019-04-10T10:18:48Z
• Authors: Scott Gladstein; Luay M. Almassalha; Lusik Cherkezyan; John E. Chandler; Adam Eshein; Aya Eid; Di Zhang; Wenli Wu; Greta M. Bauer; Andrew D. Stephens; Simona Morochnik; Hariharan Subrama...; John F. Marko; Guillermo A. Ameer; Igal Szleifer; Vadim Backman
• Keywords: Photobleaching; Millisecond; Live cell imaging

Understanding the relationship between intracellular motion and macromolecular structure remains a challenge in biology. Macromolecular structures are assembled from numerous molecules, some of which cannot be labeled. Most techniques to study require potentially cytotoxic dyes or transfection, can alter cellular behavior susceptible photobleaching. Here we present multimodal label-free imaging platform for measuring dynamics living cells with sensitivity as small 20 nm millisecond temporal resolution. We develop validate theory measurements light interference. In vitro, how higher-order chromatin change during cell differentiation ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Finally, discover paroxysms, near-instantaneous burst that occurs UV induced death. With nanoscale sensitive, resolved capabilities, this could address critical questions about live cells.