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Revolutionizing Prostate Cancer Research: University of Texas Health Science Center’s Cryo-EM Breakthrough

By 02.28.2024

Prostate cancer research at the University of Texas Health Science Center

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSA) is making remarkable strides in structural biology, specifically prostate cancer research and imaging, and at the heart of their success lies Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM) technology.

University of Texas Health Science Center’s Cryo-EM facility, opened in July 2022, stands as a beacon of scientific progress. At its heart lies the Thermo Scientific Glacios microscope, equipped with a state-of-the-art Thermo Scientific Falcon 4 detector and a Thermo Scientific Selectris energy filter. These instruments and the partnership with Thermo Fisher Scientific’s training and support services have become essential tools in unraveling the mysteries of disease at its most fundamental level.

University of Texas Health Science Center’s groundbreaking prostate cancer research

The significance of this facility extends far beyond its impressive technology. Cryo-EM has emerged as a driving force in life science research, and the University of Texas Health Science Center is at the forefront of pioneering life science discoveries. The prostate cancer research conducted here exemplifies the profound impact of cryo-EM and Thermo Fisher Scientific’s instruments.

While not typically considered lethal, prostate cancer becomes a formidable foe when it advances. It is one of the most common cancers among men in the United States and is one of the leading causes of cancer death in men in the country.

The androgen receptor, a linchpin in prostate cancer, has long eluded scientific understanding. Cryo-EM, with its ability to reveal the intricate shapeshifting of this critical protein, has shattered previous limitations.

“Now, using cryo-EM, we can see the shape-shifting features that allows androgen receptor to become hyperactivated in circumstances where otherwise it would be off,” said Professor Wasmuth.

Thanks to the cutting-edge cryo-EM technology, scientists at the researchers at University of Texas Health Science Center can explore the androgen receptor hyperactivation, a breakthrough that promises to lead to better treatments for advanced prostate cancer.

A collaborative relationship that enables innovation

With the University of Texas Health Science Center being new, the team looked to the help of Thermo Fisher Scientific’s cryo-TEM service and support team. From installation and training to consultation and troubleshooting, Thermo Fisher has been a steadfast ally for the University of Texas Health Science Center team. Thermo Fisher’s comprehensive service offerings, including maintenance, repairs, upgrades, and more, ensure that scientists at University of Texas Health Science Center have the tools they need to make profound discoveries particularly in prostate cancer research.

“We’re excited to keep this relationship strong so that we can see where all of the technologies will take us into the future as we continue to expand our facility and structural biology infrastructure here at the University of Texas Health Science Center,” said Wasmuth.

Learn more about how Thermo Fisher’s cryo-TEM service and support programs foster innovation and facilitates the development of cutting-edge technology >>>

Lynette Brown is a Services Marketing Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific.

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