A 3D cellular context for the macromolecular world

Community recommendations on cryoEM data archiving and validation

In January 2020, a workshop was held at EMBL-EBI (Hinxton, UK) to discuss data requirements for the deposition and validation of cryoEM structures, with a focus on single-particle analysis. The meeting was attended by 47 experts in data processing, model building and refinement, validation, and archiving of such structures. This report describes the workshop's motivation and history, the topics discussed, and the resulting consensus recommendations. Some challenges for future methods-development efforts in this area are also highlighted, as is the implementation to date of some of the recommendations.

Community recommendations on cryoEM data archiving and validation: Outcomes of a wwPDB/EMDB workshop on cryoEM data management, deposition and validation

In January 2020, a workshop was held at EMBL-EBI (Hinxton, UK) to discuss data requirements for deposition and validation of cryoEM structures, with a focus on single-particle analysis. The meeting was attended by 47 experts in data processing, model building and refinement, validation, and archiving of such structures. This report describes the workshop's motivation and history, the topics discussed, and consensus recommendations resulting from the workshop. Some challenges for future methods-development efforts in this area are also highlighted, as is the implementation to date of some of the recommendations.

EMDB-the Electron Microscopy Data Bank

The Electron Microscopy Data Bank (EMDB) is the global public archive of three-dimensional electron microscopy (3DEM) maps of biological specimens derived from transmission electron microscopy experiments. As of 2021, EMDB is managed by the Worldwide Protein Data Bank consortium (wwPDB; wwpdb.org) as a wwPDB Core Archive, and the EMDB team is a core member of the consortium. Today, EMDB houses over 30 000 entries with maps containing macromolecules, complexes, viruses, organelles and cells. Herein, we provide an overview of the rapidly growing EMDB archive, including its current holdings, recent updates, and future plans.

EMPIAR: the Electron Microscopy Public Image Archive

Public archiving in structural biology is well established with the Protein Data Bank (PDB; wwPDB.org) catering for atomic models and the Electron Microscopy Data Bank (EMDB; emdb-empiar.org) for 3D reconstructions from cryo-EM experiments. Even before the recent rapid growth in cryo-EM, there was an expressed community need for a public archive of image data from cryo-EM experiments for validation, software development, testing and training. Concomitantly, the proliferation of 3D imaging techniques for cells, tissues and organisms using volume EM (vEM) and X-ray tomography (XT) led to calls from these communities to publicly archive such data as well. EMPIAR (empiar.org) was developed as a public archive for raw cryo-EM image data and for 3D reconstructions from vEM and XT experiments and now comprises over a thousand entries totalling over 2 petabytes of data. EMPIAR resources include a deposition system, entry pages, facilities to search, visualize and download datasets, and a REST API for programmatic access to entry metadata. The success of EMPIAR also poses significant challenges for the future in dealing with the very fast growth in the volume of data and in enhancing its reusability.

Soft X-ray tomograms provide a structural basis for whole-cell modeling

Developing in silico models that accurately reflect a whole, functional cell is an ongoing challenge in biology. Current efforts bring together mathematical models, probabilistic models, visual representations, and data to create a multi-scale description of cellular processes. A realistic whole-cell model requires imaging data since it provides spatial constraints and other critical cellular characteristics that are still impossible to obtain by calculation alone. This review introduces Soft X-ray Tomography (SXT) as a powerful imaging technique to visualize and quantify the mesoscopic (~25 nm spatial scale) organelle landscape in whole cells. SXT generates three-dimensional reconstructions of cellular ultrastructure and provides a measured structural framework for whole-cell modeling. Combining SXT with data from disparate technologies at varying spatial resolutions provides further biochemical details and constraints for modeling cellular mechanisms. We conclude, based on the results discussed here, that SXT provides a foundational dataset for a broad spectrum of whole-cell modeling experiments.

Biological function investigated by time-resolved structure determination

Inspired by recent progress in time-resolved x-ray crystallography and the adoption of time-resolution by cryo-electronmicroscopy, this article enumerates several approaches developed to become bigger/smaller, faster, and better to gain new insight into the molecular mechanisms of life. This is illustrated by examples where chemical and physical stimuli spawn biological responses on various length and time-scales, from fractions of Ångströms to micro-meters and from femtoseconds to hours.

Host-Pathogen Adhesion as the Basis of Innovative Diagnostics for Emerging Pathogens

Infectious diseases are an existential health threat, potentiated by emerging and re-emerging viruses and increasing bacterial antibiotic resistance. Targeted treatment of infectious diseases requires precision diagnostics, especially in cases where broad-range therapeutics such as antibiotics fail. There is thus an increasing need for new approaches to develop sensitive and specific in vitro diagnostic (IVD) tests. Basic science and translational research are needed to identify key microbial molecules as diagnostic targets, to identify relevant host counterparts, and to use this knowledge in developing or improving IVD. In this regard, an overlooked feature is the capacity of pathogens to adhere specifically to host cells and tissues. The molecular entities relevant for pathogen–surface interaction are the so-called adhesins. Adhesins vary from protein compounds to (poly-)saccharides or lipid structures that interact with eukaryotic host cell matrix molecules and receptors. Such interactions co-define the specificity and sensitivity of a diagnostic test. Currently, adhesin-receptor binding is typically used in the pre-analytical phase of IVD tests, focusing on pathogen enrichment. Further exploration of adhesin–ligand interaction, supported by present high-throughput “omics” technologies, might stimulate a new generation of broadly applicable pathogen detection and characterization tools. This review describes recent results of novel structure-defining technologies allowing for detailed molecular analysis of adhesins, their receptors and complexes. Since the host ligands evolve slowly, the corresponding adhesin interaction is under selective pressure to maintain a constant receptor binding domain. IVD should exploit such conserved binding sites and, in particular, use the human ligand to enrich the pathogen. We provide an inventory of methods based on adhesion factors and pathogen attachment mechanisms, which can also be of relevance to currently emerging pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19.

Cells Undergo Major Changes in the Quantity of Cytoplasmic Organelles after Uptake of Gold Nanoparticles with Biologically Relevant Surface Coatings

Here, we use cryo soft X-ray tomography (cryo-SXT), which delivers 3D ultrastructural volumes of intact cells without chemical fixation or staining, to gain insight about nanoparticle uptake for nanomedicine. We initially used dendritic polyglycerol sulfate (dPGS) with potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications in inflammation. Although dPGS-coated gold nanoparticle (dPGS-AuNP) uptake followed a conventional endocytic/degradative pathway in human lung epithelial cell lines (A549), with cryo-SXT, we detected ∼5% of dPGS-AuNPs in the cytoplasm, a level undetectable by confocal light microscopy. We also observed ∼5% of dPGS-AuNPs in a rarely identified subcellular site, namely, lipid droplets, which are important for cellular energy metabolism. Finally, we also found substantial changes in the quantity of cytoplasmic organelles upon dPGS-AuNP uptake over the 1-6 h incubation period; the number of small vesicles and mitochondria significantly increased, and the number of multivesicular bodies and the number and volume of lipid droplets significantly decreased. Although nearly all organelle numbers at 6 h were still significantly different from controls, most appeared to be returning to normal levels. To test for generality, we also examined cells after uptake of gold nanoparticles coated with a different agent, polyethylenimine (PEI), used for nucleic acid delivery. PEI nanoparticles did not enter lipid droplets, but they induced similar, albeit less pronounced, changes in the quantity of cytoplasmic organelles. We confirmed these changes in organelle quantities for both nanoparticle coatings by confocal fluorescence microscopy. We suggest this cytoplasmic remodeling could reflect a more common cellular response to coated gold nanoparticle uptake.

Evolving data standards for cryo-EM structures

Electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) is increasingly being used to determine 3D structures of a broad spectrum of biological specimens from molecules to cells. Anticipating this progress in the early 2000s, an international collaboration of scientists with expertise in both cryo-EM and structure data archiving was established (EMDataResource, previously known as EMDataBank). The major goals of the collaboration have been twofold: to develop the necessary infrastructure for archiving cryo-EM-derived density maps and models, and to promote development of cryo-EM structure validation standards. We describe how cryo-EM data archiving and validation have been developed and jointly coordinated for the Electron Microscopy Data Bank and Protein Data Bank archives over the past two decades, as well as the impact of evolving technology on data standards. Just as for X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance, engaging the scientific community via workshops and challenging activities has played a central role in developing recommendations and requirements for the cryo-EM structure data archives.

Federating Structural Models and Data: Outcomes from A Workshop on Archiving Integrative Structures

Structures of biomolecular systems are increasingly computed by integrative modeling. In this approach, a structural model is constructed by combining information from multiple sources, including varied experimental methods and prior models. In 2019, a Workshop was held as a Biophysical Society Satellite Meeting to assess progress and discuss further requirements for archiving integrative structures. The primary goal of the Workshop was to build consensus for addressing the challenges involved in creating common data standards, building methods for federated data exchange, and developing mechanisms for validating integrative structures. The summary of the Workshop and the recommendations that emerged are presented here.

A collection of yeast cellular electron cryotomography data

BACKGROUND

Cells are powered by a large set of macromolecular complexes, which work together in a crowded environment. The in situ mechanisms of these complexes are unclear because their 3D distribution, organization, and interactions are largely unknown. Electron cryotomography (cryo-ET) can address these knowledge gaps because it produces cryotomograms-3D images that reveal biological structure at ∼4-nm resolution. Cryo-ET uses no fixation, dehydration, staining, or plastic embedment, so cellular features are visualized in a life-like, frozen-hydrated state. To study chromatin and mitotic machinery in situ, we subjected yeast cells to genetic and chemical perturbations, cryosectioned them, and then imaged the cells by cryo-ET.

FINDINGS

Here we share >1,000 cryo-ET raw datasets of cryosectioned budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiaecollected as part of previously published studies. These data will be valuable to cell biologists who are interested in the nanoscale organization of yeasts and of eukaryotic cells in general. All the unpublished tilt series and a subset of corresponding cryotomograms have been deposited in the EMPIAR resource for the community to use freely. To improve tilt series discoverability, we have uploaded metadata and preliminary notes to publicly accessible Google Sheets, EMPIAR, and GigaDB.

CONCLUSIONS

Cellular cryo-ET data can be mined to obtain new cell-biological, structural, and 3D statistical insights in situ. These data contain structures not visible in traditional electron-microscopy data. Template matching and subtomogram averaging of known macromolecular complexes can reveal their 3D distributions and low-resolution structures. Furthermore, these data can serve as testbeds for high-throughput image-analysis pipelines, as training sets for feature-recognition software, for feasibility analysis when planning new structural-cell-biology projects, and as practice data for students.

Securing the future of research computing in the biosciences

Improvements in technology often drive scientific discovery. Therefore, research requires sustained investment in the latest equipment and training for the researchers who are going to use it. Prioritising and administering infrastructure investment is challenging because future needs are difficult to predict. In the past, highly computationally demanding research was associated primarily with particle physics and astronomy experiments. However, as biology becomes more quantitative and bioscientists generate more and more data, their computational requirements may ultimately exceed those of physical scientists. Computation has always been central to bioinformatics, but now imaging experiments have rapidly growing data processing and storage requirements. There is also an urgent need for new modelling and simulation tools to provide insight and understanding of these biophysical experiments. Bioscience communities must work together to provide the software and skills training needed in their areas. Research-active institutions need to recognise that computation is now vital in many more areas of discovery and create an environment where it can be embraced. The public must also become aware of both the power and limitations of computing, particularly with respect to their health and personal data.

ETDB-Caltech: A blockchain-based distributed public database for electron tomography

Three-dimensional electron microscopy techniques like electron tomography provide valuable insights into cellular structures, and present significant challenges for data storage and dissemination. Here we explored a novel method to publicly release more than 11,000 such datasets, more than 30 TB in total, collected by our group. Our method, based on a peer-to-peer file sharing network built around a blockchain ledger, offers a distributed solution to data storage. In addition, we offer a user-friendly browser-based interface, https://etdb.caltech.edu, for anyone interested to explore and download our data. We discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages of this system and provide tools for other groups to mine our data and/or use the same approach to share their own imaging datasets.

PSF correction in soft X-ray tomography

In this article, we introduce a linear approximation of the forward model of soft X-ray tomography, such that the reconstruction is solvable by standard iterative schemes. This linear model takes into account the three-dimensional point spread function (PSF) of the optical system, which consequently enhances the reconstruction of data. The feasibility of the model is demonstrated on both simulated and experimental data, based on theoretically estimated and experimentally measured PSFs.

Structural biology data archiving - where we are and what lies ahead

For almost 50 years, structural biology has endeavoured to conserve and share its experimental data and their interpretations (usually, atomistic models) through global public archives such as the Protein Data Bank, Electron Microscopy Data Bank and Biological Magnetic Resonance Data Bank (BMRB). These archives are treasure troves of freely accessible data that document our quest for molecular or atomic understanding of biological function and processes in health and disease. They have prepared the field to tackle new archiving challenges as more and more (combinations of) techniques are being utilized to elucidate structure at ever increasing length scales. Furthermore, the field has made substantial efforts to develop validation methods that help users to assess the reliability of structures and to identify the most appropriate data for their needs. In this Review, we present an overview of public data archives in structural biology and discuss the importance of validation for users and producers of structural data. Finally, we sketch our efforts to integrate structural data with bioimaging data and with other sources of biological data. This will make relevant structural information available and more easily discoverable for a wide range of scientists.

Building bridges between cellular and molecular structural biology

The integration of cellular and molecular structural data is key to understanding the function of macromolecular assemblies and complexes in their in vivo context. Here we report on the outcomes of a workshop that discussed how to integrate structural data from a range of public archives. The workshop identified two main priorities: the development of tools and file formats to support segmentation (that is, the decomposition of a three-dimensional volume into regions that can be associated with defined objects), and the development of tools to support the annotation of biological structures.

Trends in the Electron Microscopy Data Bank (EMDB)

The Electron Microscopy Data Bank (EMDB), the public archive for three-dimensional EM reconstructions, is an invaluable resource for obtaining a birds-eye view of trends affecting the field of cryo-EM. EMDB is growing rapidly, with almost a quarter of the entries having been released over the past year.

Recent technological advances, such as the introduction of the direct electron detector, have transformed the field of cryo-EM and the landscape of molecular and cellular structural biology. This study analyses these trends from the vantage point of the Electron Microscopy Data Bank (EMDB), the public archive for three-dimensional EM reconstructions. Over 1000 entries were released in 2016, representing almost a quarter of the total number of entries (4431). Structures at better than 6 Å resolution now represent one of the fastest-growing categories, while the share of annually released tomography-related structures is approaching 20%. The use of direct electron detectors is growing very rapidly: they were used for 70% of the structures released in 2016, in contrast to none before 2011. Microscopes from FEI have an overwhelming lead in terms of usage, and the use of the RELION software package continues to grow rapidly after having attained a leading position in the field. China is rapidly emerging as a major player in the field, supplementing the US, Germany and the UK as the big four. Similarly, Tsinghua University ranks only second to the MRC Laboratory for Molecular Biology in terms of involvement in publications associated with cryo-EM structures at better than 4 Å resolution. Overall, the numbers point to a rapid democratization of the field, with more countries and institutes becoming involved.

Multi-color electron microscopy by element-guided identification of cells, organelles and molecules

Cellular complexity is unraveled at nanometer resolution using electron microscopy (EM), but interpretation of macromolecular functionality is hampered by the difficulty in interpreting grey-scale images and the unidentified molecular content. We perform large-scale EM on mammalian tissue complemented with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) to allow EM-data analysis based on elemental composition. Endogenous elements, labels (gold and cadmium-based nanoparticles) as well as stains are analyzed at ultrastructural resolution. This provides a wide palette of colors to paint the traditional grey-scale EM images for composition-based interpretation. Our proof-of-principle application of EM-EDX reveals that endocrine and exocrine vesicles exist in single cells in Islets of Langerhans. This highlights how elemental mapping reveals unbiased biomedical relevant information. Broad application of EM-EDX will further allow experimental analysis on large-scale tissue using endogenous elements, multiple stains, and multiple markers and thus brings nanometer-scale 'color-EM' as a promising tool to unravel molecular (de)regulation in biomedicine.

Ion channelopathies associated genetic variants as the culprit for sudden unexplained death

Forensic identification of sudden unexplained death (SUD) has always been a ticklish issue because it used to be defined as sudden death without a conclusive diagnosis after autopsy. However, benefiting from the developments in genome research, a growing body of evidence points to the importance of ion channelopathies associated genetic variants in the pathogenesis of SUD. Genetic diagnosis of the deceased is also a new trend in epidemiological studies, for it enables the undertaking for preventive approach in individuals with high risks. In this review, we briefly discuss the molecular structure of ion channels and the role of genetic variants in regulating their functions as well as the diverse mechanisms underlying the ion channelopathies at gene level.

Resolving macromolecular structures from electron cryo-tomography data using subtomogram averaging in RELION

Electron cryo-tomography (cryo-ET) is a technique that is used to produce 3D pictures (tomograms) of complex objects such as asymmetric viruses, cellular organelles or whole cells from a series of tilted electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) images. Averaging of macromolecular complexes found within tomograms is known as subtomogram averaging, and this technique allows structure determination of macromolecular complexes in situ. Subtomogram averaging is also gaining in popularity for the calculation of initial models for single-particle analysis. We describe herein a protocol for subtomogram averaging from cryo-ET data using the RELION software (http://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/relion). RELION was originally developed for cryo-EM single-particle analysis, and the subtomogram averaging approach presented in this protocol has been implemented in the existing workflow for single-particle analysis so that users may conveniently tap into existing capabilities of the RELION software. We describe how to calculate 3D models for the contrast transfer function (CTF) that describe the transfer of information in the imaging process, and we illustrate the results of classification and subtomogram averaging refinement for cryo-ET data of purified hepatitis B capsid particles and Saccharomyces cerevisiae 80S ribosomes. Using the steps described in this protocol, along with the troubleshooting and optimization guidelines, high-resolution maps can be obtained in which secondary structure elements are resolved subtomogram.

Biological application of Compressed Sensing Tomography in the Scanning Electron Microscope

The three-dimensional tomographic reconstruction of a biological sample, namely collagen fibrils in human dermal tissue, was obtained from a set of projection-images acquired in the Scanning Electron Microscope. A tailored strategy for the transmission imaging mode was implemented in the microscope and proved effective in acquiring the projections needed for the tomographic reconstruction. Suitable projection alignment and Compressed Sensing formulation were used to overcome the limitations arising from the experimental acquisition strategy and to improve the reconstruction of the sample. The undetermined problem of structure reconstruction from a set of projections, limited in number and angular range, was indeed supported by exploiting the sparsity of the object projected in the electron microscopy images. In particular, the proposed system was able to preserve the reconstruction accuracy even in presence of a significant reduction of experimental projections.

Visualizing red blood cell sickling and the effects of inhibition of sphingosine kinase 1 using soft X-ray tomography

Sickle cell disease is a destructive genetic disorder characterized by the formation of fibrils of deoxygenated hemoglobin, leading to the red blood cell (RBC) morphology changes that underlie the clinical manifestations of this disease. Using cryogenic soft X-ray tomography (SXT), we characterized the morphology of sickled RBCs in terms of volume and the number of protrusions per cell. We were able to identify statistically a relationship between the number of protrusions and the volume of the cell, which is known to correlate to the severity of sickling. This structural polymorphism allows for the classification of the stages of the sickling process. Recent studies have shown that elevated sphingosine kinase 1 (Sphk1)-mediated sphingosine 1-phosphate production contributes to sickling. Here, we further demonstrate that compound 5C, an inhibitor of Sphk1, has anti-sickling properties. Additionally, the variation in cellular morphology upon treatment suggests that this drug acts to delay the sickling process. SXT is an effective tool that can be used to identify the morphology of the sickling process and assess the effectiveness of potential therapeutics.

Databases and Archiving for CryoEM

CryoEM in structural biology is currently served by three public archives-EMDB for 3DEM reconstructions, PDB for models built from 3DEM reconstructions, and EMPIAR for the raw 2D image data used to obtain the 3DEM reconstructions. These archives play a vital role for both the structural community and the wider biological community in making the data accessible so that results may be reused, reassessed, and integrated with other structural and bioinformatics resources. The important role of the archives is underpinned by the fact that many journals mandate the deposition of data to PDB and EMDB on publication. The field is currently undergoing transformative changes where on the one hand high-resolution structures are becoming a routine occurrence while on the other hand electron tomography is enabling the study of macromolecules in the cellular context. Concomitantly the archives are evolving to best serve their stakeholder communities. In this chapter, we describe the current state of the archives, resources available for depositing, accessing, searching, visualizing and validating data, on-going community-wide initiatives and opportunities, and challenges for the future.

Application of advanced X-ray methods in life sciences

BACKGROUND

Synchrotron radiation (SR) sources provide diverse X-ray methods for the investigation of structure-function relationships in biological macromolecules.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

Recent developments in SR sources and in the X-ray tools they offer for life sciences are reviewed. Specifically, advances in macromolecular crystallography, small angle X-ray solution scattering, X-ray absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, and imaging are discussed with examples.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

SR sources offer a range of X-ray techniques that can be used in a complementary fashion in studies of biological systems at a wide range of resolutions from atomic to cellular scale. Emerging applications of X-ray techniques include the characterization of disordered proteins, noncrystalline and nonequilibrium systems, elemental imaging of tissues, cells and organs, and detection of time-resolved changes in molecular structures.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

X-ray techniques are in the center of hybrid approaches that are used to gain insight into complex problems relating to biomolecular mechanisms, disease and possible therapeutic solutions. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Science for Life". Guest Editors: Dr. Austen Angell, Dr. Salvatore Magazù and Dr. Federica Migliardo.

Web-based volume slicer for 3D electron-microscopy data from EMDB

We describe the functionality and design of the Volume slicer – a web-based slice viewer for EMDB entries. This tool uniquely provides the facility to view slices from 3D EM reconstructions along the three orthogonal axes and to rapidly switch between them and navigate through the volume. We have employed multiple rounds of user-experience testing with members of the EM community to ensure that the interface is easy and intuitive to use and the information provided is relevant. The impetus to develop the Volume slicer has been calls from the EM community to provide web-based interactive visualisation of 2D slice data. This would be useful for quick initial checks of the quality of a reconstruction. Again in response to calls from the community, we plan to further develop the Volume slicer into a fully-fledged Volume browser that provides integrated visualisation of EMDB and PDB entries from the molecular to the cellular scale.

Cryo electron microscopy to determine the structure of macromolecular complexes

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Structural biology.

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Cryo electron microscopy.

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Macromolecular complexes.

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Single particle analysis.

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is a structural molecular and cellular biology technique that has experienced major advances in recent years. Technological developments in image recording as well as in processing software make it possible to obtain three-dimensional reconstructions of macromolecular assemblies at near-atomic resolution that were formerly obtained only by X-ray crystallography or NMR spectroscopy. In parallel, cryo-electron tomography has also benefitted from these technological advances, so that visualization of irregular complexes, organelles or whole cells with their molecular machines in situ has reached subnanometre resolution. Cryo-EM can therefore address a broad range of biological questions. The aim of this review is to provide a brief overview of the principles and current state of the cryo-EM field.

EMDataBank unified data resource for 3DEM

Three-dimensional Electron Microscopy (3DEM) has become a key experimental method in structural biology for a broad spectrum of biological specimens from molecules to cells. The EMDataBank project provides a unified portal for deposition, retrieval and analysis of 3DEM density maps, atomic models and associated metadata (emdatabank.org). We provide here an overview of the rapidly growing 3DEM structural data archives, which include maps in EM Data Bank and map-derived models in the Protein Data Bank. In addition, we describe progress and approaches toward development of validation protocols and methods, working with the scientific community, in order to create a validation pipeline for 3DEM data.

Imaging and characterizing cells using tomography

We can learn much about cell function by imaging and quantifying sub-cellular structures, especially if this is done non-destructively without altering said structures. Soft X-ray tomography (SXT) is a high-resolution imaging technique for visualizing cells and their interior structure in 3D. A tomogram of the cell, reconstructed from a series of 2D projection images, can be easily segmented and analyzed. SXT has a very high specimen throughput compared to other high-resolution structure imaging modalities; for example, tomographic data for reconstructing an entire eukaryotic cell is acquired in a matter of minutes. SXT visualizes cells without the need for chemical fixation, dehydration, or staining of the specimen. As a result, the SXT reconstructions are close representations of cells in their native state. SXT is applicable to most cell types. The deep penetration of soft X-rays allows cells, even mammalian cells, to be imaged without being sectioned. Image contrast in SXT is generated by the differential attenuation soft X-ray illumination as it passes through the specimen. Accordingly, each voxel in the tomographic reconstruction has a measured linear absorption coefficient (LAC) value. LAC values are quantitative and give rise to each sub-cellular component having a characteristic LAC profile, allowing organelles to be identified and segmented from the milieu of other cell contents. In this chapter, we describe the fundamentals of SXT imaging and how this technique can answer real world questions in the study of the nucleus. We also describe the development of correlative methods for the localization of specific molecules in a SXT reconstruction. The combination of fluorescence and SXT data acquired from the same specimen produces composite 3D images, rich with detailed information on the inner workings of cells.

Ion channel macromolecular complexes in cardiomyocytes: roles in sudden cardiac death

The movement of ions across specific channels embedded on the membrane of individual cardiomyocytes is crucial for the generation and propagation of the cardiac electric impulse. Emerging evidence over the past 20 years strongly suggests that the normal electric function of the heart is the result of dynamic interactions of membrane ion channels working in an orchestrated fashion as part of complex molecular networks. Such networks work together with exquisite temporal precision to generate each action potential and contraction. Macromolecular complexes play crucial roles in transcription, translation, oligomerization, trafficking, membrane retention, glycosylation, post-translational modification, turnover, function, and degradation of all cardiac ion channels known to date. In addition, the accurate timing of each cardiac beat and contraction demands, a comparable precision on the assembly and organizations of sodium, calcium, and potassium channel complexes within specific subcellular microdomains, where physical proximity allows for prompt and efficient interaction. This review article, part of the Compendium on Sudden Cardiac Death, discusses the major issues related to the role of ion channel macromolecular assemblies in normal cardiac electric function and the mechanisms of arrhythmias leading to sudden cardiac death. It provides an idea of how these issues are being addressed in the laboratory and in the clinic, which important questions remain unanswered, and what future research will be needed to improve knowledge and advance therapy.

Correlated light and electron microscopy: ultrastructure lights up!

Microscopy has gone hand in hand with the study of living systems since van Leeuwenhoek observed living microorganisms and cells in 1674 using his light microscope. A spectrum of dyes and probes now enable the localization of molecules of interest within living cells by fluorescence microscopy. With electron microscopy (EM), cellular ultrastructure has been revealed. Bridging these two modalities, correlated light microscopy and EM (CLEM) opens new avenues. Studies of protein dynamics with fluorescent proteins (FPs), which leave the investigator 'in the dark' concerning cellular context, can be followed by EM examination. Rare events can be preselected at the light microscopy level before EM analysis. Ongoing development-including of dedicated probes, integrated microscopes, large-scale and three-dimensional EM and super-resolution fluorescence microscopy-now paves the way for broad CLEM implementation in biology.