Sylites: Multipurpose markers for the visualization of inhibitory synapses

We introduce Sylites – small and versatile fluorogenic affinity probes for high-contrast visualization of inhibitory synapses. Having stoichiometric labeling and exceptional selectivity for neuronal gephyrin, a hallmark protein of the inhibitory post-synapse, Sylites enable superior synapse staining compared with antibodies. Combined with super-resolution microscopy, Sylites allow precise nanoscopic measurements of the synapse. In brain tissue, Sylites reveal the three-dimensional distribution of inhibitory synapses within just an hour.