Single-particle cryo-EM-How did it get here and where will it go

Area of Science:

• Structural biology
• Biophysics
• Microscopy

Background:

• Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) encompasses electron crystallography, single-particle cryo-EM, and electron cryotomography.
• Single-particle cryo-EM has recently driven a significant revolution in structural biology.
• It has emerged as a dominant and rapidly advancing discipline.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical development of cryo-electron microscopy over the past 40 years.
• To explain the reasons behind the recent groundbreaking technological advancements in the field.
• To provide insights into the future trajectory of cryo-EM techniques.

Main Methods:

• Historical review of cryo-electron microscopy.
• Analysis of technological innovations driving recent advances.
• Exploration of future trends in cryo-EM.

Main Results:

• Cryo-EM, particularly single-particle analysis, has undergone a transformative evolution.
• Recent technological breakthroughs have dramatically enhanced its capabilities.
• The field is poised for continued innovation and expansion.

Conclusions:

• Single-particle cryo-EM has become a cornerstone of modern structural biology.
• Understanding its history and advancements is crucial for future research.
• The technique's ongoing evolution promises further insights into biological structures.