Reconstructing virus structures from nanometer to near-atomic resolutions with cryo-electron microscopy and...

Area of Science:

• Structural Biology
• Virology
• Microscopy

Background:

• Significant advancements in electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) have revolutionized structural biology.
• Near-atomic resolution density maps are now achievable for icosahedral viruses without crystallization.
• cryo-EM and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) are increasingly used for nonicosahedral viral structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present common techniques for acquiring and processing cryo-EM and cryo-ET data.
• To discuss the implications of these techniques for structural virology.
• To highlight the impact of new generation microscopes and computational tools.

Main Methods:

• Single-particle cryo-EM for icosahedral and nonicosahedral viruses.
• Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) for complex viral structures.
• Imaging of frozen, hydrated cells for in situ virus structure analysis.

Main Results:

• Generation of near-atomic resolution density maps for viruses.
• Detailed analysis of virus particles in different morphogenetic states.
• In situ structural studies of virus-infected cells.

Conclusions:

• Electron cryo-microscopy and cryo-ET are powerful tools for modern structural virology.
• These techniques provide unprecedented detail into virus structure and behavior.
• Future applications promise further insights into viral mechanisms and infections.