Cellular function is governed by the molecular organization and interactions at the nanoscale. Here, I will present our 3D single-molecule imaging systems that combine light sheet illumination with point spread function engineering, microfluidics, and deep learning for improved 3D single-molecule tracking of dynamics and 3D super-resolution imaging of nanoscale structures within individual mammalian cells. Optical sectioning of the cells using light sheet illumination reduces fluorescence background, photobleaching, and the risk of photodamaging sensitive samples, while microfluidics allows for environmental control. I will demonstrate applications where we have utilized these platforms to provide real-time dynamic information about chromosomal loci in living cells and structural details of several cellular structures. These imaging platforms are versatile and can be utilized to study molecular dynamics, nanoscale architectures, and molecular mechanisms to address a wide range of biochemical, biophysical, and biomedical questions related to cellular function and pathogenesis.
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