3D Ultrastructural Imaging of Chromosomes Using Serial Block-Face Scanning Electron Microscopy (SBFSEM)

Abstract

To date, our understanding of how DNA is packaged in the cell nucleus, condensed from chromatin into chromosomes, and organized throughout the cell cycle remains sparse. Three dimensional (3D) ultrastructural imaging is an important tool for unravelling the organizational structure of chromosomes. For large volume 3D imaging of biological samples, serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBFSEM) has been applied, whereby ultrastructural information is achieved by analyzing 3D reconstructions acquired from measured data sets. In this review, we summarize the contribution of SBFSEM for obtaining 3D images of chromosomes to investigate their ultrastructure and organization in the cell and its nucleus. Furthermore, this review highlights the potential of SBFSEM for advancing 3D chromosome research.