Objectives
Our newly renovated 1,500 sq ft electron microscopy research facility now houses a cryo-EM sample preparation room equipped with a Vitrobot Mark IV plunge freezer, a Glacios Cryo-Electron Microscope equipped with Falcon 4i and Selectris for grid screening and data collection, and a data analysis suite utilizing CryoSPARCTM data processing software configured to a server-based data analysis computing cluster. This facility can support a complete cryo-EM workflow and is fully staffed by two full-time electron microscopists. We offer a sample preparation workshop for groups wishing to do their own sample prep, as well as project consultation for those new to cryo-EM. Our services are available to both internal and external users.
About Cryo-Electron Microscopy
Cryo-electron microscopy can image macromolecular complexes at the atom level. Recent breakthroughs in this technology have spawned a scientific revolution, revealing molecular details of important biological macromolecules. This technique can be particularly helpful for visualizing the structures of integral membrane proteins, large complexes with many subunits and macromolecules that are highly dynamic. Using the new Glacios at KU Medical Center, researchers will be able to carry out the critical first steps of obtaining such structures. Learn more about cryo-electron microscopy in Nature.
Cryo-EM Workflow
Phase 1: analyzing sample quality and feasibility
Iterative optimization of
- Protein purification, and
- Negative stain EM
Phase 2: optimizing vitrification conditions
Iterative optimization of
- Sample vitrification, and
- Sample screening Glacios
Phase 3: high-resolution data collection
Final data set obtained from Glacios
- High-res collection Glacios
- High-res collection Krios
Structure determination