What do membranes really look like? New approaches to 3D multiplexed imaging of the cell surface

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Proteins localised to the surface membranes of cells play key roles in normal and diseased cell biology and are the targets for the vast majority of existing pharmacological treatments. To understand these proteins on the molecular level, spatial mapping of their distribution on the surface of cells at nanometre resolution and in three dimensions (3D) is urgently required. We propose to use a combination of novel super-resolution microscopy and fluorescent labels to study the arrangement of transport proteins on the surface of fat cells. This work will thus act as a paradigm for a novel imaging approach of wide applicability and interest to academics and Big Pharma alike. Our proposal links the strategic EPSRC themes of Biophysics and Chemical Biology and will develop enabling platform technologies that will underpin many facets of life and medical sciences.