In order to overcome these challenges, scientists at Queen Mary University of London have created an innovative live-cell imaging technique called FRAP-SR. This breakthrough approach integrates Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) with Lattice Structured Illumination Microscopy (diSIM/SIM²). FRAP-SR obtains an unprecedented resolution of 60 nanometers, opening up possibilities for in-depth investigations of cellular dynamics.
This approach dramatically reduces light-dependent injury to cells. In doing so, researchers can explore the subtleties of protein dynamics while making an impact on the field with little interference. Professor Viji Draviam and her team drove the exciting collaboration with Carl Zeiss and Rapp OptoElectronics forward. Collaboratively, they were able to optimize the ZEISS Elyra 7 system further by adding FRAP capabilities which were found to be essential for their research.
Enhancing Cellular Imaging
FRAP-SR provides an exciting new approach to studying cellular structures that were once nearly impossible to analyze in live cells. The technique’s incredible resolution empowers scientists to visualize structures down to 60 nanometers.
Such level of detail provides researchers an unprecedented view into the nanoscale organization and behavior of cellular components in real-time. Thanks to FRAP-SR, scientists now have the means to probe even the most fundamentally cellular processes—especially those that can be easily influenced by light exposure—with unprecedented clarity.
“Our FRAP-SR approach enables us to visualize structures as small as 60 nanometers within living cells—a scale previously inaccessible for dynamic studies without causing significant cellular stress.”
One important application of FRAP-SR has been studying the protein 53BP1. This protein is required for the repair of double-strand DNA breaks. The high-resolution imaging made possible by FRAP-SR led us to the unexpected conclusion that 53BP1 liquid-like condensates possess complex structure.
Insights into DNA Repair Mechanisms
These condensates, or foci, are composed of different subcompartments that show different protein mobility, a point overlooked by earlier research. This data is key to unpacking how cells are responding to DNA damage and ultimately, how well they’re orchestrating complex repair systems.
With the development of FRAP-SR, we foresee major impact towards the field of personalized medicine specifically in the area of DNA repair drugs. In 2024, the global DNA repair drugs market was valued at USD 9.18 billion. By 2030, it is expected to increase at a rate of USD 13.97 billion, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7.2%.
FRAP-SR provides a richer understanding of protein dynamics. Such knowledge might accelerate the development of breakthrough DNA repair medicines or medicine candidates. This has the potential to accelerate the development of novel treatments specifically targeting cancers and other diseases associated with DNA damage repair pathways.
“FRAP-SR provides a powerful tool to dissect the dynamic architecture of protein assemblies at the nanoscale in living cells. It allows us to investigate fundamental cellular processes, particularly those sensitive to light exposure, with unprecedented detail and minimal perturbation.”
Potential Impact on Drug Development
Scientists are applying this cutting-edge approach to accelerate therapeutic discovery. Their goal is to personalize treatments to individual patients, greatly improving treatment success.
By providing a more nuanced understanding of protein dynamics, FRAP-SR has the potential to accelerate the development of novel DNA repair drugs or drug candidates. This could lead to advancements in treatments targeting cancer and other diseases linked to DNA damage repair pathways.
As researchers utilize this innovative method, they expect to make significant strides in how drugs are developed and tailored for individual patients, enhancing the effectiveness of treatments.
