Deep learning-based spectroscopic single-molecule localization microscopy

J Biomed Opt. 2024 Jun;29(6):066501. doi: 10.1117/1.JBO.29.6.066501. Epub 2024 May 24.

Abstract

Significance: Spectroscopic single-molecule localization microscopy (sSMLM) takes advantage of nanoscopy and spectroscopy, enabling sub-10 nm resolution as well as simultaneous multicolor imaging of multi-labeled samples. Reconstruction of raw sSMLM data using deep learning is a promising approach for visualizing the subcellular structures at the nanoscale.

Aim: Develop a novel computational approach leveraging deep learning to reconstruct both label-free and fluorescence-labeled sSMLM imaging data.

Approach: We developed a two-network-model based deep learning algorithm, termed DsSMLM, to reconstruct sSMLM data. The effectiveness of DsSMLM was assessed by conducting imaging experiments on diverse samples, including label-free single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) fiber, fluorescence-labeled histone markers on COS-7 and U2OS cells, and simultaneous multicolor imaging of synthetic DNA origami nanoruler.

Results: For label-free imaging, a spatial resolution of 6.22 nm was achieved on ssDNA fiber; for fluorescence-labeled imaging, DsSMLM revealed the distribution of chromatin-rich and chromatin-poor regions defined by histone markers on the cell nucleus and also offered simultaneous multicolor imaging of nanoruler samples, distinguishing two dyes labeled in three emitting points with a separation distance of 40 nm. With DsSMLM, we observed enhanced spectral profiles with 8.8% higher localization detection for single-color imaging and up to 5.05% higher localization detection for simultaneous two-color imaging.

Conclusions: We demonstrate the feasibility of deep learning-based reconstruction for sSMLM imaging applicable to label-free and fluorescence-labeled sSMLM imaging data. We anticipate our technique will be a valuable tool for high-quality super-resolution imaging for a deeper understanding of DNA molecules' photophysics and will facilitate the investigation of multiple nanoscopic cellular structures and their interactions.

Keywords: deep-learning; label-free; nanoscopy; simultaneous multicolor imaging; single-molecule localization microscopy; spectroscopic single-molecule localization microscopy; spectroscopy; super-resolution microscopy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Animals
  • COS Cells
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • DNA, Single-Stranded / analysis
  • DNA, Single-Stranded / chemistry
  • Deep Learning*
  • Histones / analysis
  • Histones / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods
  • Single Molecule Imaging* / methods

Substances

  • DNA, Single-Stranded
  • Histones