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Single-Particle Cryo-EM Data Collection with Stage Tilt using Leginon
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Overview and future of single particle electron cryomicroscopy
1MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK.
Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics
|March 23, 2015
Summary
Electron cryomicroscopy (cryoEM) now provides near-atomic resolution 3D maps of molecules without crystals. Solving a few remaining challenges will unlock its full potential in structural biology.
Area of Science:
- Structural biology
- Biophysics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Electron cryomicroscopy (cryoEM) has advanced significantly due to technological improvements.
- Single particle cryoEM now allows near-atomic resolution 3D density map generation without crystallization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the recent advancements in single particle cryoEM.
- To identify remaining challenges and future potential of cryoEM in structural biology.
Main Methods:
- Single particle cryoEM techniques.
- Advancements in electron microscopes, detectors, and software.
Main Results:
- Near-atomic resolution 3D density maps of macromolecular assemblies are achievable.
- Current cryoEM capabilities represent a partial realization of its theoretical potential.
Conclusions:
- Single particle cryoEM is a powerful structural biology tool.
- Addressing remaining technical hurdles will further enhance cryoEM's capabilities, approaching theoretical limits.
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