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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Determination of Molecular Structures of HIV Envelope Glycoproteins using Cryo-Electron Tomography and Automated Sub-tomogram Averaging
07:29

Determination of Molecular Structures of HIV Envelope Glycoproteins using Cryo-Electron Tomography and Automated Sub-tomogram Averaging

Published on: December 1, 2011

Projection structures of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) observed with high resolution electron

T Goto1, T Ashina, Y Fujiyoshi

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Osaka Medical College, Japan.

Journal of Electron Microscopy
|February 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Electron cryo-microscopy reveals the detailed structure of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). This advanced imaging technique confirmed the virus

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Microscopy
  • Structural Biology

Background:

  • Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is a significant global health concern.
  • Understanding HIV-1 structure is crucial for developing effective antiviral therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the ultrastructure of HIV-1 using electron cryo-microscopy.
  • To compare cryo-EM findings with conventional imaging techniques.

Main Methods:

  • Electron cryo-microscopy of unstained, frozen, hydrated HIV-1 at liquid helium temperature.
  • Comparison with negative staining and ultrathin sectioning methods.

Main Results:

  • Cryo-EM confirmed and extended previous findings on HIV-1 structure.
  • The virus was observed as globular with a clearly resolved lipid bilayer membrane of non-uniform width.
  • Projections on the bilayer were identified as knob-like structures with distinct head, stalk, and base components.

Conclusions:

  • Electron cryo-microscopy provides high-resolution structural insights into HIV-1.
  • Detailed structural information can aid in the design of novel therapeutic strategies targeting HIV-1.

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