Protocol for studying membrane protein dynamics and associated synaptic vesicle recruitment on native membrane sheets

Plasma membrane sheets provide direct access to the cytosolic face of the cellular membrane while retaining membrane-associated proteins and lipids. Here, we present a protocol for generating and validating sonication-derived membrane sheets from cultured cells, primary neurons, and isolated synaptosomes. We describe procedures for real-time and fixed imaging of membrane protein organization, interactions, associated synaptic vesicle recruitment, and quantitative analysis. This platform is readily adaptable to investigate diverse membrane proteins, lipid-dependent mechanisms, and vesicle tethering events across cellular systems.