Specific RNA Visualization at Electron Microscopy via Terbium Citrate Vapors

Claudio Casali; Lorena Zannino; Marco Biggiogera

doi:10.1007/978-1-0716-2675-7_19

Specific RNA Visualization at Electron Microscopy via Terbium Citrate Vapors

Methods Mol Biol. 2023:2566:233-240. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2675-7_19.

Authors

Claudio Casali¹, Lorena Zannino², Marco Biggiogera²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", Laboratory of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy. claudio.casali@unipv.it.
² Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", Laboratory of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.

PMID: 36152256
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2675-7_19

Abstract

Terbium citrate staining represents the method of choice for RNA visualization at transmission electron microscopy. Because of its affinity for guanosines in RNA rather than in DNA, terbium citrate gives precise results being a selective staining. However, difficulties often arise when performing this technique, especially in crucial and delicate steps such as rinses, when it is not uncommon to excessively reduce the already feeble contrast. For these reasons, we developed a straightforward and secure approach to overcome such complications. Here we report a new method for RNA single molecule localization by means of terbium citrate vapors, viable for every type of fixation and embedding.

Keywords: Cytochemistry; Electron microscopy; RNA staining; Terbium staining.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Citric Acid
DNA
Microscopy, Electron
RNA*
Terbium*

Substances

Terbium
Citric Acid
RNA
DNA