Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 25, 2026

Single Particle Electron Microscopy Reconstruction of the Exosome Complex Using the Random Conical Tilt Method
Published on: March 28, 2011
The Electron Microscopy eXchange (EMX) initiative
Roberto Marabini1, Steven J Ludtke2, Stephen C Murray3
1Escuela Politecnica Superior, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Campus Universidad Autonoma, 28049 Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
Three-dimensional electron microscopy (3DEM) of ice-embedded samples allows the structural analysis of large biological macromolecules close to their native state. Different techniques have been developed during the last forty years to process cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) data. Not surprisingly, success in analysis and interpretation is highly correlated with the continuous development of image processing packages. The field has matured to the point where further progress in data and methods sharing depends on an agreement between the packages on how to describe common image processing tasks. Such standardization will facilitate the use of software as well as seamless collaboration, allowing the sharing of rich information between different platforms. Our aim here is to describe the Electron Microscopy eXchange (EMX) initiative, launched at the 2012 Instruct Image Processing Center Developer Workshop, with the intention of developing a first set of standard conventions for the interchange of information for single-particle analysis (EMX version 1.0). These conventions cover the specification of the metadata for micrograph and particle images, including contrast transfer function (CTF) parameters and particle orientations. EMX v1.0 has already been implemented in the Bsoft, EMAN, Xmipp and Scipion image processing packages. It has been and will be used in the CTF and EMDataBank Validation Challenges respectively. It is also being used in EMPIAR, the Electron Microscopy Pilot Image Archive, which stores raw image data related to the 3DEM reconstructions in EMDB.
Related Concept Videos
Transmission Electron Microscopy
Cryo-electron Microscopy
Overview of Electron Microscopy
Electron Microscope Tomography and Single-particle Reconstruction
Electron Tomography
Electron tomography can be performed either in TEM or STEM (scanning transmission...
Scanning Electron Microscopy
Fundamental Principles
Accelerated...
Preparation of Samples for Electron Microscopy

