The mammalian brain consists of a complex ensemble of neurons and glia. Their production during development and remodeling is tightly controlled by various regulatory mechanisms in neural stem cells (NSCs). Among such regulations, basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) factors have key functions in the self-renewal, multipotency, and fate determination of NSCs. We highlighted the importance of the expression dynamics of bHLH factors in these processes. The oscillatory expression of multiple bHLH factors is correlated with the multipotent and self-renewable state, whereas sustained expression of a selected bHLH factor regulates fate determination.
Data courtesy of Itaru Imayoshi, Fumiyoshi Ishidate & Ryoichiro Kageyama, Biostudies, Infront and iCeMS, Kyoto University

Snapshots of three-dimensional live imaging using Atoh1-EGFP cochlear culture established at embryonic day 14.5. Strong GFP expression indicates the hair cell differentiation. Three-dimensional live imaging of Atoh1-EGFP by Zeiss LSM 880 visualized a basal-to-apical wave of hair cell differentiation that proceeds from the basal region of the cochlea toward the apex.
Data courtesy of Dr. Tateya and Dr. Kageyama, Kyoto University

Z-stack of live NRK cell (rat fibroblast) was obtained by Airyscan and 3D view was reconstructed by Arivis Vision4D. Transmembrane proteins in the plasma membrane are visualized with single-molecule sensitivity by Airyscan.

Green, Lifeact-mGFP. Red, single-pass transmembrane probe for actin-based structures just beneath the plasma membrane: ACP tag for fluorescence labeling at the extracellular domain and Lifeact sequence at the cytoplasmic domain.
Data courtesy of iCeMS Analysis Center, Kyoto University

Supramolecular hydrogel fibers, imaged with ZEISS LSM800 with airyscan. Images show lipid hydrogelator (Alexa546, Red) and peptide hydrogelator (Oregon Green, Green). Airyscan 2D SR is powerful processing for reducing background signals.
Data courtesy of Dr. Tanaka & Dr. Hamachi, Kyoto University

(Upper) Super-resolution fluorescence imaging of a type II taste cell using LSM880 with Airyscan.
(Lower) Conventional fluorescence imaging of a type II taste cell using LSM510.

Red, calcium homeostasis modulator 1 (CALHM1); Green, mitochondria; Blue, cytoplasm. Arrows indicate the presynaptic structures of the ion channel synapse consisting of CALHM1 as plasma membrane neurotransmitter (ATP)-release channels and plasma membrane-bound mitochondrion as an ATP provider. Note that associations of thin mitochondria with the plasma membrane is spatially well resolved with Airyscan, compared to the conventional imaging. Scale bar, 0.5μm
Data courtesy of Dr. Murakami & Dr. Taruno, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine