Protocol for studying GABAA receptor subsynaptic domains in rat hippocampal neurons using single-molecule localization microscopy

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<sub>A</sub>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.<sup>1</sup>.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
STAR Protocols
Published
2025-08-15
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xpro.2025.104031
Primary Topic
GABA and Rice Research
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Protocol for studying GABAA receptor subsynaptic domains in rat hippocampal neurons using single-molecule localization microscopy

Zaha Merlaud, Sabine Lévi, Tânia Lima, Anne-Lise Paupiah et al.
STAR Protocols
GABA and Rice Research
article

Protocol for studying GABAA receptor subsynaptic domains in rat hippocampal neurons using single-molecule localization microscopy

Zaha Merlaud, Sabine Lévi, Tânia Lima, Anne-Lise Paupiah, Zahra Imani
article en

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<sub>A</sub>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.<sup>1</sup>.

STAR ProtocolsVol. 6(3)
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (FR), Inserm (FR), Université Paris Sciences et Lettres (FR), Sorbonne Université (FR), Institut du Fer à Moulin (FR), ESPCI Paris (FR)
Partnerships for the goals
Openalex Percentile: Top 85%
GABA and Rice Research
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.