Cutting-edge structural biology research requires that molecular mechanisms are studied at conditions that mirror, as closely as possible, the functional in vivo state of the molecules. Until recently, researchers relied on X-ray crystallography for structural determination, but these samples are, by definition, taken out of their native environment during crystallization. Not only that, but crystallization is time-consuming, and the technique is not suitable for all samples because some proteins do not crystallize. (Large protein complexes in particular, despite providing great insight into native function, have been difficult to stabilize and crystallize.) To observe structures as close as possible to their native state, preservation and observations under cryo conditions is mandatory. This is done through cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM).
With cryo-EM, structural biologists can not only study proteins and viruses in their biologically relevant forms, but they can also determine how these samples interact with other marker molecules or compounds. Size, complexity, and flexibility are no longer roadblocks towards high-resolution structural characterization.
Proteins Analysis
Cryo-electron microscopy provides near-atomic resolution 3D protein structure. It can determine structural information for complexes and crystallization-resistant samples, as well as vital cellular context.
Biopharmaceutical Research
Structural drug discovery is enabled by cryo-electron microscopy, as the method provides near-atomic-resolution detail for small molecules and protein biologics in their fully hydrated state.
Virus Analysis
Cryo-EM enables the 3D structural visualization of virus particles, and the antigen-antibody interface, at near-atomic resolutions. A virus’s inherent structural symmetry makes it the ideal target for cryo-EM analysis.
Single Particle Analysis
Single particle analysis (SPA) is a cryo-electron microscopy technique that enables structural characterization at near-atomic resolutions, unraveling dynamic biological processes and the structure of biomolecular complexes/assemblies.
Cryo-Tomography
Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) delivers both structural information about individual proteins as well as their spatial arrangements within the cell. This makes it a truly unique technique and also explains why the method has such an enormous potential for cell biology. Cryo-ET can bridge the gap between light microscopy and near-atomic-resolution techniques like single-particle analysis.
MicroED
MicroED is an exciting new technique with applications in the structural determination of small molecules and protein. With this method, atomic details can be extracted from individual nanocrystals (<200 nm in size), even in a heterogeneous mixture.
Integrative Structural Biology
To understand protein function, you need complex and structure information beyond individual proteins. Integrative structural biology combines mass spectrometry and cryo EM for the determination of large dynamic complex structure.
Single Particle Analysis
Single particle analysis (SPA) is a cryo-electron microscopy technique that enables structural characterization at near-atomic resolutions, unraveling dynamic biological processes and the structure of biomolecular complexes/assemblies.
Cryo-Tomography
Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) delivers both structural information about individual proteins as well as their spatial arrangements within the cell. This makes it a truly unique technique and also explains why the method has such an enormous potential for cell biology. Cryo-ET can bridge the gap between light microscopy and near-atomic-resolution techniques like single-particle analysis.
MicroED
MicroED is an exciting new technique with applications in the structural determination of small molecules and protein. With this method, atomic details can be extracted from individual nanocrystals (<200 nm in size), even in a heterogeneous mixture.
Integrative Structural Biology
To understand protein function, you need complex and structure information beyond individual proteins. Integrative structural biology combines mass spectrometry and cryo EM for the determination of large dynamic complex structure.
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