Running a Cost-Effective Modern Cryo-EM Facility for SPA Analysis

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Setting up a new cryo-EM facility to obtain high-resolution protein structures is becoming increasingly common in both academic scientific research and industry. Here we describe how a 200 kV microscope equipped with modern detector and energy filter is a necessary, sufficient, and cost-effective choice for most protein structure research purposes, and can usually lead to sub 3 Å resolution structures with small ligand or drug molecular densities apparent. With large data resource computational facilities and ancillary vitrification instruments, a single person can run a cryo-EM facility, which can gradually become a basic resource needed for essential scientific research and drug discovery. Here we describe all aspects of such a cryo-EM facility, from sample preparation, to microscope setup for screening, to data collection and structure solution. It is hoped cryo-EM users can systematically follow these steps to initiate their research. In addition, a summary of new technologies implemented in the above-mentioned steps is described, and it will help cryo-EM users to expand their knowledge of how to better use the microscope to promote their research.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationCryo-Electron Microscopy in Structural Biology
Subtitle of host publicationFrom Structural Insights to Tomography and Drug Discovery
PublisherTaylor and Francis
Pages121-130
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9781040118849
ISBN (Print)9781032352534
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2024

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine
  • General Immunology and Microbiology
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Engineering

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