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 language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Cryo-Electron Microscopy in Structural Biology |
Subtitle of host publication | From Structural Insights to Tomography and Drug Discovery |
Publisher | Taylor and Francis |
Pages | 121-130 |
Number of pages | 10 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781040118849 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781032352534 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2024 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Medicine
- General Immunology and Microbiology
- General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
- General Engineering