Labeling Neuronal Proteins with Quantum Dots for Single-Molecule Imaging.

Single-molecule imaging has illuminated dynamics and kinetics of neuronal proteins in their native membranes helping us understand their effective roles in the brain. Here, we describe how nanometer-sized fluorescent semiconductors called quantum dots (QD) can be used to label neuronal proteins in a single QD imaging format. We detail two generalizable protocols accompanied by experimental considerations giving the user options in approach tailored to the materials and equipment available. These protocols can be modified for experiments to verify target specificity, as well as single molecule analysis such as single particle tracking and protein clustering.