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Extracellular filaments revealed by affinity capture cryogenic-electron tomography
Leeya Engel1,2,3, Magda Zaoralová4, Momei Zhou5
1Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA. leeya@technion.ac.il.
Nature Communications
|November 6, 2025
Summary
This study introduces an affinity capture method for preparing minimally adherent cells, like Jurkat cells, for high-resolution cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET). This technique improves workflow efficiency and enables nanoscale imaging of cellular structures.
Area of Science:
- Cellular and Molecular Imaging
- Biophysics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) offers nanoscale insights into cellular architecture.
- Micropatterning is used for preparing adherent cells for cryo-ET.
- Challenges exist in preparing minimally adherent cells for cryo-ET.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate a micropatterning workflow for capturing minimally adherent cells for cryo-FIB and cryo-ET.
- To enable nanoscale imaging of human T cells and Jurkat cells.
- To improve the efficiency of cryo-ET sample preparation.
Main Methods:
- Development of an affinity capture system for cell micropatterning.
- Application of the workflow to human T cells and Jurkat cells.
- Utilizing cryo-focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) milling and cryo-ET for imaging.
Main Results:
- Successful nanoscale imaging of Jurkat cells, revealing extracellular filamentous structures.
- Improved workflow efficiency with consistent production of well-positioned cells for cryo-FIB.
- Demonstrated feasibility for capturing minimally adherent cell types.
Conclusions:
- The affinity capture system facilitates high-resolution cryo-ET of minimally adherent cells.
- This method enhances sample preparation efficiency and consistency.
- The approach is extendable to various adherent and non-adherent cell types for cryo-ET.
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