Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 5, 2026

Cryo-EM and Single-Particle Analysis with Scipion
Published on: May 29, 2021
Membrane protein structural biology in the era of single particle cryo-EM
1Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Francisco, CA 94143, United States; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, CA 94143, United States.
Abstract:
In the past few years, significant technological breakthroughs in single particle cryo-electron microscopy enabled a 'resolution revolution' of this technique. It also changed structural biology in an unprecedented way. For many biological macromolecules, obtaining well-ordered crystals of suitable size is no longer a prerequisite for determining their atomic structures. One of the most impacted areas is the structural biology of integral membrane proteins. New structures are now determined at a rapid pace. Despite these advances, further technological developments are still required to overcome new technical challenges that face membrane protein structural biology. In this review, I attempt to discuss some of these challenges.
Related Concept Videos
Protein and Protein Structure
A protein's shape is critical to its function. For example, an enzyme...
Introduction to Membrane Proteins
Structural Protein Function
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to...
Angular Momentum: Single Particle
Protein and Protein Structures
Membrane Proteins

