Step Into the Matrix

What am I looking at?

The red/orange streaks and waves are the molecular components of the extracellular matrix (1). The blue ovals are the nuclei of the cells embedded in this matrix (2).  

Biology in the Background

The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides support and structure for cells in the body. It acts as a scaffold for cells to grow and pathways for them to move. It also determines how different tissues respond to pressure, force, and stress.  It is a complex network of biomolecules like collagens, hyaluronic acid and elastin, which very often contain sugar chains in their structure.  

While the ECM is essential to the proper function of cells in the body, we know less about it than we do about the components of the cells themselves. This is partially due to how difficult it is to visualize the ECM in intact tissue samples and live subjects. However, this image demonstrates how a new labeling technique developed by researchers at HHMI’s Janelia Research Campus can shed light on the ECM without damaging the imaged tissue. The researchers created a new type of fluorescent probe called Rhobo6 that binds molecules in the ECM without crossing the cell membrane. In this image, an additional fluorescent probe was added to label the nuclei, visualizing where the cells are within the ECM scaffold.  

This technique opens the door to a variety of new possibilities for studying the ECM and its role in development, disease, and the normal function of the body.

The nuclei in this image are about 7 micrometers across, roughly 11 times smaller than the width of a human hair.

Technique

This image was created using confocal microscopy of an area near the surface of a section of living tissue.