Electron tomography of ER, Golgi and related membrane systems

A primary goal of cell biology is to uncover the mechanisms of cellular processes. A detailed structural understanding of the organelles and subcellular structures involved in these processes has often formed the foundation for the elucidation of their function. Electron tomography is a powerful technique for characterizing subcellular architecture and structural details in three dimensions. Electron tomography of cryofixed, freeze-substituted, and plastic-embedded samples allows three-dimensional visualization and display of dynamic, pleiomorphic structures at a resolution of ∼7 nm in cell volumes up to ∼25 μm3. In this review, we describe the electron tomography protocols that we have employed to determine the 3D architecture of complex cellular structures, thereby gaining insights into their functional organization. We stress the need for studying specimens preserved by cryofixation methods to obtain accurate information on the geometry and size of cellular structures. We also discuss some of the challenges associated with the staining of certain types of membranes. Finally, we provide examples of how tomographic data can be analyzed, dissected, and displayed using the tools built into the IMOD software package.