Exploring skin structure using cryo-electron microscopy and tomography.

The lack of a molecular understanding, at the nanometer level, of skin biology represents one major obstacle towards the advancement of dermatology. High-resolution cryo-transmission electron microscopy (CEMOVIS) and tomography (CETOVIS) of vitreous skin sections can, however, be used to visualize the native molecular organisation of skin. Micrographs obtained by CEMOVIS show more detail and sometimes differ dramatically from those obtained by conventional methods. Further, molecular resolution (1.5-5 nm) 3D reconstructions of skin can be obtained when CEMOVIS is combined with tomography. In vitreous sections the native organization of skin may be preserved down to atomic resolution. CEMOVIS and CETOVIS are consequently ideally suited for molecular skin research.