Protocol for studying GABAA receptor subsynaptic domains in rat hippocampal neurons using single-molecule localization microscopy
Abstract
The study of protein organization at synapses and their rearrangement to maintain efficient synaptic transmission is made possible by single-molecule super-resolution imaging. Here, we present a protocol for studying the organization of GABA A R subdomains at inhibitory synapses. We describe steps for cell fixation, immunolabeling, super-resolution acquisition, and data analysis using a MATLAB open-source algorithm. This protocol has potential applications in the study of membrane molecules at synapses, as well as in other cellular compartments. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Merlaud et al. 1 • Instructions for implementing PALM/STORM microscopy • Steps for accessing nanoscale organization of membrane proteins via PALM/STORM imaging • Guidance on how to study GABA A R molecular organization within synapses at nanoscale Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics. The study of protein organization at synapses and their rearrangement to maintain efficient synaptic transmission is made possible by single-molecule super-resolution imaging. Here, we present a protocol for studying the organization of GABA A R subdomains at inhibitory synapses. We describe steps for cell fixation, immunolabeling, super-resolution acquisition, and data analysis using a MATLAB open-source algorithm. This protocol has potential applications in the study of membrane molecules at synapses, as well as in other cellular compartments.
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BibTeX
@article{lima2026protocol,
title = {{Protocol for studying GABAA receptor subsynaptic domains in rat hippocampal neurons using single-molecule localization microscopy}},
author = {Tânia Lima and Anne-Lise Paupiah and Zaha Merlaud and Zahra Imani and Sabine Lévi},
journal = {STAR Protocols},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1016/j.xpro.2025.104031},
url = {https://hal.science/hal-05784047v1},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Protocol for studying GABAA receptor subsynaptic domains in rat hippocampal neurons using single-molecule localization microscopy
AU - Tânia Lima
AU - Anne-Lise Paupiah
AU - Zaha Merlaud
AU - Zahra Imani
AU - Sabine Lévi
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/07
JO - STAR Protocols
DO - 10.1016/j.xpro.2025.104031
UR - https://hal.science/hal-05784047v1
AB - The study of protein organization at synapses and their rearrangement to maintain efficient synaptic transmission is made possible by single-molecule super-resolution imaging. Here, we present a protocol for studying the organization of GABA A R subdomains at inhibitory synapses. We describe steps for cell fixation, immunolabeling, super-resolution acquisition, and data analysis using a MATLAB open-source algorithm. This protocol has potential applications in the study of membrane molecules at synapses, as well as in other cellular compartments. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Merlaud et al. 1 • Instructions for implementing PALM/STORM microscopy • Steps for accessing nanoscale organization of membrane proteins via PALM/STORM imaging • Guidance on how to study GABA A R molecular organization within synapses at nanoscale Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics. The study of protein organization at synapses and their rearrangement to maintain efficient synaptic transmission is made possible by single-molecule super-resolution imaging. Here, we present a protocol for studying the organization of GABA A R subdomains at inhibitory synapses. We describe steps for cell fixation, immunolabeling, super-resolution acquisition, and data analysis using a MATLAB open-source algorithm. This protocol has potential applications in the study of membrane molecules at synapses, as well as in other cellular compartments.
SN - 2666-1667
ER -