Mesoscopic structural analysis via deep learning processing, with a special reference to in vitro alteration in collagen fibre induced by a gap junction inhibitor.

Dense connective tissue, including the ligament, tendon, fascia and cornea, is formed by regularly arranged collagen fibres synthesized by fibroblasts (Fbs). The mechanism by which fibre orientation is determined remains unclear. Periodontal ligament Fbs consistently communicate with their surroundings via gap junctions (GJs), leading to the formation of a wide cellular network.

Correlative volume-imaging using combined array tomography and FIB-SEM tomography with beam deceleration for 3D architecture visualization in tissue.

Focused ion beamed (FIB) SEM has a higher spatial resolution than other volume-imaging methods owing to the use of ion beams. However, in this method, it is challenging to analyse entire biological structures buried deep in the resin block. We developed a novel volume-imaging method by combining array tomography and FIB-SEM tomography and investigated the chondrocyte ultrastructure.

Three-dimensional ultrastructure and histomorphology of mouse circumvallate papillary taste buds before and after birth using focused ion beam-scanning electron microscope tomography.

Early taste buds are formed from placode cells. Placode cells differentiate into Type I-Ⅲ cells at birth; however, the ultrastructure of these first taste cells remain elusive. Here, we used focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) to analyze taste buds on the dorsal surface of the circumvallate papilla on embryonic day (E) 18.

Correlative imaging of collagen fibers and fibroblasts using CLEM optimized for picrosirius red staining and FIB/SEM tomography.

Conventional imaging for three-dimensional (3D) ultra-architectural analysis of collagen fibers and fibroblasts is time-consuming and requires numerous ultrathin sections to search the target area. Currently, no method allows 3D ultra-architectural analysis of predetermined areas including spatial relationships between collagen fibers and fibroblasts in vitro. Herein, we developed a new method for in vitro analysis of the 3D ultrastructure of fibroblasts and collagen fibers using CLEM optimized for picrosirius red staining and FIB/SEM tomography.

Cellular network across cementum and periodontal ligament elucidated by FIB/SEM tomography.

Cementocytes in cementum form a lacuna-canalicular network. However, the 3D ultrastructure and range of the cementocyte network are unclear. Here, the 3D ultrastructure of the cementocyte network at the interface between cementum and periodontal ligament (PDL) was investigated on the mesoscale using FIB/SEM tomography.