Recent advances in correlative cryo-light and electron microscopy.

Area of Science:

• Structural biology
• Microscopy techniques
• Cell biology

Background:

• Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) combines fluorescence light microscopy (FLM) and cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM).
• This integration provides high-resolution structural insights into biological systems.
• Advancements in cryo-EM technology are crucial for its application in CLEM.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review prior work and recent developments in cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM).
• To highlight innovations supporting the integration of cryo-EM into correlative microscopy workflows.
• To discuss the future potential of cryo-EM in advancing CLEM.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on CLEM and cryo-EM.
• Analysis of recent technological advancements in cryo-EM instrumentation and sample preparation.
• Discussion of data processing strategies for correlative imaging.

Main Results:

• Significant progress has been made in cryo-EM sample preparation, instrumentation, imaging, and data processing.
• These innovations enhance the capabilities of cryo-EM for correlative applications.
• The review identifies key areas where cryo-EM developments directly benefit CLEM.

Conclusions:

• Cryo-EM advancements are pivotal for the successful implementation of CLEM.
• Further integration of cryo-EM technologies will expand the scope of correlative microscopy.
• This review provides a foundation for future research in integrated high-resolution imaging.