Ultrastructure, 3D elemental mapping, and protein localization in in situ frozen-hydrated astrocytes

High-resolution neural imaging requires techniques covering large tissue volumes. Coherent X-ray microscopy provides nanometric resolution¹, while cryo-XRF enables 3D trace element mapping². However, conventional X-ray imaging relies on heavy metal staining, incompatible with XRF and potentially altering astrocytes.
This project integrates cryo-X-ray holotomography, 3D XRF, and immunogold labeling to generate the first nanoscale 3D dataset of astrocytes. By mapping key elements (Fe, Ca, K, Zn, Mn, Cl), we will investigate their roles in calcium signaling, iron metabolism, and neuroprotection.
By correlating molecular organization with elemental composition, this approach will reveal astrocytic functions in synaptic regulation and neuroglial communication, offering critical insights into both normal and pathological brain function.