A standardized protocol for sample preparation for scanning electron microscopy to visualize extrachromosomal DNA.

ABSTRACT

Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) are circular DNA structures associated with cancer and drug resistance. One specific type, double minute (DM) chromosomes, has been studied since the 1960s using imaging techniques like cytogenetics and fluorescence microscopy. Specialized techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) offer micro to nano-scale visualization, but current sample preparation methods may not optimally preserve ecDNA structure. Our study introduces a systematic protocol using SEM for high-resolution ecDNA visualization. We have optimized the end-to-end procedure, providing a standardized approach to explore the circular architecture of ecDNA and address the urgent need for better understanding in cancer research.

Despite advances in extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) detection, current methods struggle to reveal ecDNA's architecture within cells. Specialized techniques like scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provide the needed resolution, but existing sample preparation may not preserve ecDNA well. Our study introduces a systematic method using SEM, optimizing procedures for preparing and visualizing metaphase spread samples. This offers a standardized approach to study ecDNA's circular architecture, addressing a pressing need in cancer research.