1
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Hirst IJ, Thomas WJR, Davies RA, Muench SP. CryoEM grid preparation: a closer look at advancements and impact of preparation mode and new approaches. Biochem Soc Trans 2024:BST20231553. [PMID: 38864435 DOI: 10.1042/bst20231553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Sample preparation can present a significant hurdle within single particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM), resulting in issues with reproducibility, data quality or an inability to visualise the sample. There are several factors which can influence this, including sample or buffer composition, grid type, route of sample preparation and interactions with the air-water interface (AWI). Here, we review some of the current routes for sample preparation and the associated challenges. We discuss a range of approaches for overcoming these challenges, such as minimising the grid preparation time, surfactants, grid type and biochemical approaches such as nanomagnetic beads. Finally, we discuss how a set of commercially available protein samples may serve as a benchmark suite for future technologies. This provides a route to compare techniques' abilities not just to generate high-resolution structures but also to overcome the challenges traditionally associated with cryoEM. As the field continues to produce new approaches to sample preparation and we start to better understand the underlying principles behind the behaviour of proteins within a thin film and in response to different environments, especially grid composition, it is hoped that more universal solutions can be provided that make the intractable systems tractable, improve resolution and, importantly, speed up data collection and reduce the currently required dataset sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isobel J Hirst
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
| | - William J R Thomas
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
| | - Rhiannon A Davies
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
| | - Stephen P Muench
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
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2
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Premageetha GT, Vinothkumar KR, Bose S. Exploring advances in single particle CryoEM with apoferritin: From blobs to true atomic resolution. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 169:106536. [PMID: 38307321 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2024.106536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Deciphering the three-dimensional structures of macromolecules is of paramount importance for gaining insights into their functions and roles in human health and disease. Single particle cryoEM has emerged as a powerful technique that enables direct visualization of macromolecules and their complexes, and through subsequent averaging, achieve near atomic-level resolution. A major breakthrough was recently achieved with the determination of the apoferritin structure at true atomic resolution. In this review, we discuss the latest technological innovations across the entire single-particle workflow, which have been instrumental in driving the resolution revolution and in transforming cryoEM as a mainstream technique in structural biology. We illustrate these advancements using apoferritin as an example that has served as an excellent benchmark sample for assessing emerging technologies. We further explore whether the existing technology can routinely generate atomic structures of dynamic macromolecules that more accurately represent real-world samples, the limitations in the workflow, and the current approaches employed to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gowtham ThambraRajan Premageetha
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, GKVK Post, Bangalore 560065, India; Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Tiger Circle Road, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India.
| | - Kutti R Vinothkumar
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, GKVK Post, Bangalore 560065, India
| | - Sucharita Bose
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, GKVK Post, Bangalore 560065, India.
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3
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Khorn PA, Luginina AP, Pospelov VA, Dashevsky DE, Khnykin AN, Moiseeva OV, Safronova NA, Belousov AS, Mishin AV, Borshchevsky VI. Rational Design of Drugs Targeting G-Protein-Coupled Receptors: A Structural Biology Perspective. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2024; 89:747-764. [PMID: 38831510 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297924040138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a key role in the transduction of extracellular signals to cells and regulation of many biological processes, which makes these membrane proteins one of the most important targets for pharmacological agents. A significant increase in the number of resolved atomic structures of GPCRs has opened the possibility of developing pharmaceuticals targeting these receptors via structure-based drug design (SBDD). SBDD employs information on the structure of receptor-ligand complexes to search for selective ligands without the need for an extensive high-throughput experimental ligand screening and can significantly expand the chemical space for ligand search. In this review, we describe the process of deciphering GPCR structures using X-ray diffraction analysis and cryoelectron microscopy as an important stage in the rational design of drugs targeting this receptor class. Our main goal was to present modern developments and key features of experimental methods used in SBDD of GPCR-targeting agents to a wide range of specialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina A Khorn
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Aleksandra P Luginina
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Vladimir A Pospelov
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Dmitrii E Dashevsky
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Andrey N Khnykin
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Olga V Moiseeva
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
- Scryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142290, Russia
| | - Nadezhda A Safronova
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Anatolii S Belousov
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Alexey V Mishin
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia.
| | - Valentin I Borshchevsky
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia.
- Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics, Dubna, Moscow Region, 141980, Russia
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4
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Henderikx RJM, Mann D, Domanska A, Dong J, Shahzad S, Lak B, Filopoulou A, Ludig D, Grininger M, Momoh J, Laanto E, Oksanen HM, Bisikalo K, Williams PA, Butcher SJ, Peters PJ, Beulen BWAMM. VitroJet: new features and case studies. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2024; 80:232-246. [PMID: 38488730 PMCID: PMC10994172 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798324001852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Single-particle cryo-electron microscopy has become a widely adopted method in structural biology due to many recent technological advances in microscopes, detectors and image processing. Before being able to inspect a biological sample in an electron microscope, it needs to be deposited in a thin layer on a grid and rapidly frozen. The VitroJet was designed with this aim, as well as avoiding the delicate manual handling and transfer steps that occur during the conventional grid-preparation process. Since its creation, numerous technical developments have resulted in a device that is now widely utilized in multiple laboratories worldwide. It features plasma treatment, low-volume sample deposition through pin printing, optical ice-thickness measurement and cryofixation of pre-clipped Autogrids through jet vitrification. This paper presents recent technical improvements to the VitroJet and the benefits that it brings to the cryo-EM workflow. A wide variety of applications are shown: membrane proteins, nucleosomes, fatty-acid synthase, Tobacco mosaic virus, lipid nanoparticles, tick-borne encephalitis viruses and bacteriophages. These case studies illustrate the advancement of the VitroJet into an instrument that enables accurate control and reproducibility, demonstrating its suitability for time-efficient cryo-EM structure determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rene J. M. Henderikx
- CryoSol-World, Weert, The Netherlands
- Maastricht Multimodal Molecular Imaging Institute (M4i), Division of Nanoscopy, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Mann
- Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons (ER-C-3): Structural Biology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-6): Structural Cell Biology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Aušra Domanska
- Molecular and Integrative Bioscience Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Life Science Institute–Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jing Dong
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Saba Shahzad
- Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons (ER-C-3): Structural Biology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-6): Structural Cell Biology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Behnam Lak
- Molecular and Integrative Bioscience Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Life Science Institute–Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Aikaterini Filopoulou
- Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons (ER-C-3): Structural Biology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-6): Structural Cell Biology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Damian Ludig
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Martin Grininger
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jeffrey Momoh
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Elina Laanto
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Hanna M. Oksanen
- Molecular and Integrative Bioscience Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kyrylo Bisikalo
- Molecular and Integrative Bioscience Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Life Science Institute–Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pamela A. Williams
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah J. Butcher
- Molecular and Integrative Bioscience Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Life Science Institute–Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Peter J. Peters
- Maastricht Multimodal Molecular Imaging Institute (M4i), Division of Nanoscopy, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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5
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Cebi E, Lee J, Subramani VK, Bak N, Oh C, Kim KK. Cryo-electron microscopy-based drug design. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1342179. [PMID: 38501110 PMCID: PMC10945328 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1342179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Structure-based drug design (SBDD) has gained popularity owing to its ability to develop more potent drugs compared to conventional drug-discovery methods. The success of SBDD relies heavily on obtaining the three-dimensional structures of drug targets. X-ray crystallography is the primary method used for solving structures and aiding the SBDD workflow; however, it is not suitable for all targets. With the resolution revolution, enabling routine high-resolution reconstruction of structures, cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has emerged as a promising alternative and has attracted increasing attention in SBDD. Cryo-EM offers various advantages over X-ray crystallography and can potentially replace X-ray crystallography in SBDD. To fully utilize cryo-EM in drug discovery, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of this technique and noting the key advancements in the field are crucial. This review provides an overview of the general workflow of cryo-EM in SBDD and highlights technical innovations that enable its application in drug design. Furthermore, the most recent achievements in the cryo-EM methodology for drug discovery are discussed, demonstrating the potential of this technique for advancing drug development. By understanding the capabilities and advancements of cryo-EM, researchers can leverage the benefits of designing more effective drugs. This review concludes with a discussion of the future perspectives of cryo-EM-based SBDD, emphasizing the role of this technique in driving innovations in drug discovery and development. The integration of cryo-EM into the drug design process holds great promise for accelerating the discovery of new and improved therapeutic agents to combat various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Changsuk Oh
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Kyu Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
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6
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Chen L, Fukata Y, Murata K. In situ cryo-electron tomography: a new method to elucidate cytoplasmic zoning at the molecular level. J Biochem 2024; 175:187-193. [PMID: 38102736 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvad102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryo-electron microscopy was developed as a powerful tool for imaging biological specimens in near-native conditions. Nowadays, advances in technology, equipment and computations make it possible to obtain structures of biomolecules with near-atomic resolution. Furthermore, cryo-electron tomography combined with continuous specimen tilting allows structural analysis of heterogeneous biological specimens. In particular, when combined with a cryo-focused ion beam scanning electron microscope, it becomes possible to directly analyse the structure of the biomolecules within cells, a process known as in situ cryo-electron tomography. This technique has the potential to visualize cytoplasmic zoning, involving liquid-liquid phase separation, caused by biomolecular networks in aqueous solutions, which has been the subject of recent debate. Here, we review advances in structural studies of biomolecules to study cytoplasmic zoning by in situ cryo-electron tomography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
- National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
- School of life sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yuko Fukata
- National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Murata
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
- National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
- Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Life Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
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7
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de la Cruz MJ, Eng ET. Scaling up cryo-EM for biology and chemistry: The journey from niche technology to mainstream method. Structure 2023; 31:1487-1498. [PMID: 37820731 PMCID: PMC10841453 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2023.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) methods have made meaningful contributions in a wide variety of scientific research fields. In structural biology, cryo-EM routinely elucidates molecular structure from isolated biological macromolecular complexes or in a cellular context by harnessing the high-resolution power of the electron in order to image samples in a frozen, hydrated environment. For structural chemistry, the cryo-EM method popularly known as microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED) has facilitated atomic structure generation of peptides and small molecules from their three-dimensional crystal forms. As cryo-EM has grown from an emerging technology, it has undergone modernization to enable multimodal transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques becoming more routine, reproducible, and accessible to accelerate research across multiple disciplines. We review recent advances in modern cryo-EM and assess how they are contributing to the future of the field with an eye to the past.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Jason de la Cruz
- Structural Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Edward T Eng
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY 10027, USA.
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8
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Song BB, Quinn MM. Planned Oocyte Cryopreservation: A Review of Current Evidence on Outcomes, Safety and Risks. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 2023; 50:707-719. [PMID: 37914489 DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Although oocyte cryopreservation was initially used as a fertility preservation strategy for medical indications, it is now is increasingly used to circumvent age-related infertility. Outcomes following planned oocyte vitrification, also known as elective egg freezing, are limited. Current studies show higher success rates for individuals undergoing fertility preservation treatment under age 35. Additionally, while freezing 20 oocytes is optimal to achieve pregnancy, freezing at least 8-10 oocytes is recommended. While fertility is not guaranteed, current evidence demonstrates that planned oocyte vitrification is an overall safe, low risk method of fertility preservation to reduce the risk for age-related infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie B Song
- University of Southern California/Los Angeles General Medical Center, 2051 Marengo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Molly M Quinn
- University of Southern California/Los Angeles General Medical Center, 2051 Marengo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; HRC Fertility, 55 S Lake Avenue, Suite 900, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA
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9
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Ji C, Wei J, Zhang L, Hou X, Tan J, Yuan Q, Tan W. Aptamer-Protein Interactions: From Regulation to Biomolecular Detection. Chem Rev 2023; 123:12471-12506. [PMID: 37931070 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Serving as the basis of cell life, interactions between nucleic acids and proteins play essential roles in fundamental cellular processes. Aptamers are unique single-stranded oligonucleotides generated by in vitro evolution methods, possessing the ability to interact with proteins specifically. Altering the structure of aptamers will largely modulate their interactions with proteins and further affect related cellular behaviors. Recently, with the in-depth research of aptamer-protein interactions, the analytical assays based on their interactions have been widely developed and become a powerful tool for biomolecular detection. There are some insightful reviews on aptamers applied in protein detection, while few systematic discussions are from the perspective of regulating aptamer-protein interactions. Herein, we comprehensively introduce the methods for regulating aptamer-protein interactions and elaborate on the detection techniques for analyzing aptamer-protein interactions. Additionally, this review provides a broad summary of analytical assays based on the regulation of aptamer-protein interactions for detecting biomolecules. Finally, we present our perspectives regarding the opportunities and challenges of analytical assays for biological analysis, aiming to provide guidance for disease mechanism research and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cailing Ji
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Junyuan Wei
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Xinru Hou
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Jie Tan
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Quan Yuan
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
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10
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Lee D, Lee H, Lee J, Roh SH, Ha NC. Copper Oxide Spike Grids for Enhanced Solution Transfer in Cryogenic Electron Microscopy. Mol Cells 2023; 46:538-544. [PMID: 37528647 PMCID: PMC10495688 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2023.0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The formation of uniform vitreous ice is a crucial step in the preparation of samples for cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Despite the rapid technological progress in EM, controlling the thickness of vitreous ice on sample grids with reproducibility remains a major obstacle to obtaining high-quality data in cryo-EM imaging. The commonly employed classical blotting process faces the problem of excess water that cannot be absorbed by the filter paper, resulting in the formation of thick and heterogeneous ice. In this study, we propose a novel approach that combines the recently developed nanowire self-wicking technique with the classical blotting method to effectively control the thickness and homogeneity of vitrified ice. With simple procedures, we generated a copper oxide spike (COS) grid by inducing COSs on commercially available copper grids, which can effectively remove excess water during the blotting procedure without damaging the holey carbon membrane. The ice thickness could be controlled with good reproducibility compared to non-oxidized grids. Incorporated into other EM techniques, our new modification method is an effective option for obtaining high-quality data during cryo-EM imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dukwon Lee
- Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Center for Food and Bioconvergence, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Interdisciplinary Programs in Agricultural Genomics, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Hansol Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Jinwook Lee
- Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Center for Food and Bioconvergence, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Interdisciplinary Programs in Agricultural Genomics, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Soung-Hun Roh
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Nam-Chul Ha
- Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Center for Food and Bioconvergence, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Interdisciplinary Programs in Agricultural Genomics, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
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11
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Zimmermann L, Chlanda P. Cryo-electron tomography of viral infection - from applications to biosafety. Curr Opin Virol 2023; 61:101338. [PMID: 37348443 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2023.101338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Cellular cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) offers 3D snapshots at molecular resolution capturing pivotal steps during viral infection. However, tomogram quality depends on the vitrification level of the sample and its thickness. In addition, mandatory inactivation protocols to assure biosafety when handling highly pathogenic viruses during cryo-ET can compromise sample preservation. Here, we focus on different strategies applied in cryo-ET and discuss their advantages and limitations with reference to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 studies. We highlight the importance of virus-like particle (VLP) and replicon systems to study virus assembly and replication in a cellular context without inactivation protocols. We discuss the application of chemical fixation and different irradiation methods in cryo-ET sample preparation and acquisition workflows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liv Zimmermann
- Schaller Research Groups, Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Petr Chlanda
- Schaller Research Groups, Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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12
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Choudhury A, Simnani FZ, Singh D, Patel P, Sinha A, Nandi A, Ghosh A, Saha U, Kumari K, Jaganathan SK, Kaushik NK, Panda PK, Suar M, Verma SK. Atmospheric microplastic and nanoplastic: The toxicological paradigm on the cellular system. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 259:115018. [PMID: 37216859 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The increasing demand for plastic in our daily lives has led to global plastic pollution. The improper disposal of plastic has resulted in a massive amount of atmospheric microplastics (MPs), which has further resulted in the production of atmospheric nanoplastics (NPs). Because of its intimate relationship with the environment and human health, microplastic and nanoplastic contamination is becoming a problem. Because microplastics and nanoplastics are microscopic and light, they may penetrate deep into the human lungs. Despite several studies demonstrating the abundance of microplastics and nanoplastics in the air, the potential risks of atmospheric microplastics and nanoplastics remain unknown. Because of its small size, atmospheric nanoplastic characterization has presented significant challenges. This paper describes sampling and characterization procedures for atmospheric microplastics and nanoplastics. This study also examines the numerous harmful effects of plastic particles on human health and other species. There is a significant void in research on the toxicity of airborne microplastics and nanoplastics upon inhalation, which has significant toxicological potential in the future. Further study is needed to determine the influence of microplastic and nanoplastic on pulmonary diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anmol Choudhury
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | | | - Dibyangshee Singh
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Paritosh Patel
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India; Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, 01897 Seoul, South Korea
| | - Adrija Sinha
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Aditya Nandi
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Aishee Ghosh
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Utsa Saha
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Khushbu Kumari
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Saravana Kumar Jaganathan
- School of Engineering, College of Science, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Nagendra Kumar Kaushik
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, 01897 Seoul, South Korea
| | - Pritam Kumar Panda
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, Box 516, SE-75120 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Mrutyunjay Suar
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India.
| | - Suresh K Verma
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India.
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13
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Last MGF, Voortman LM, Sharp TH. Measuring cryo-TEM sample thickness using reflected light microscopy and machine learning. J Struct Biol 2023; 215:107965. [PMID: 37100102 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2023.107965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
In cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), sample thickness is one of the most important parameters that governs image quality. When combining cryo-TEM with other imaging methods, such as light microscopy, measuring and controlling the sample thickness to ensure suitability of samples becomes even more critical due to the low throughput of such correlated imaging experiments. Here, we present a method to assess the sample thickness using reflected light microscopy and machine learning that can be used prior to TEM imaging of a sample. The method makes use of the thin-film interference effect that is observed when imaging narrow-band LED light sources reflected by thin samples. By training a neural network to translate such reflection images into maps of the underlying sample thickness, we are able to accurately predict the thickness of cryo-TEM samples using a light microscope. We exemplify our approach using mammalian cells grown on TEM grids, and demonstrate that the thickness predictions are highly similar to the measured sample thickness. The open-source software described herein, including the neural network and algorithms to generate training datasets, is freely available at github.com/bionanopatterning/thicknessprediction. With the recent development of in situ cellular structural biology using cryo-TEM, there is a need for fast and accurate assessment of sample thickness prior to high-resolution imaging. We anticipate that our method will improve the throughput of this assessment by providing an alternative method to screening using cryo-TEM. Furthermore, we demonstrate that our method can be incorporated into correlative imaging workflows to locate intracellular proteins at sites ideal for high-resolution cryo-TEM imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mart G F Last
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lenard M Voortman
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas H Sharp
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
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14
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Kim W, Yoon DK. Electron microscopy analysis of soft materials with
freeze‐fracture
techniques. B KOREAN CHEM SOC 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/bkcs.12647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wantae Kim
- Department of Chemistry Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Daejeon Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Ki Yoon
- Department of Chemistry Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Daejeon Republic of Korea
- KAIST Institute for Nanocentry Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Daejeon Republic of Korea
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15
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Halfon Y, Aspinall L, White J, Jackson Hirst I, Wang Y, Darrow MC, Muench SP, Thompson RF. Maintaining the momentum in cryoEM for biological discovery. Faraday Discuss 2022; 240:18-32. [PMID: 36172917 DOI: 10.1039/d2fd00129b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) has been transformed over the last decade, with continual new hardware and software tools coming online, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and the nature and complexity of projects that can be undertaken. Here we discuss some recent trends and new tools which are creating opportunities to make more effective use of the resources available within facilities (both staff and equipment). We present approaches for the stratification of projects based on risk and known information about the projects, and the impacts this might have on the allocation of microscope time. We show that allocating different resources (microscope time) based on this information can lead to a significant increase in 'successful' use of the microscope, and reduce lead time by enabling projects to 'fail faster'. This model results in more efficient and sustainable cryoEM facility operation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehuda Halfon
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences & Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Louie Aspinall
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences & Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Joshua White
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences & Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Isobel Jackson Hirst
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences & Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Yiheng Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences & Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Michele C Darrow
- The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0QS, UK.,SPT Labtech Ltd, Melbourn Science Park, Melbourn, SG8 6HB, UK
| | - Stephen P Muench
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences & Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Rebecca F Thompson
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences & Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
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16
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Hrebík D, Gondová M, Valentová L, Füzik T, Přidal A, Nováček J, Plevka P. Polyelectrolyte coating of cryo-EM grids improves lateral distribution and prevents aggregation of macromolecules. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2022; 78:1337-1346. [DOI: 10.1107/s2059798322009299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is one of the primary methods used to determine the structures of macromolecules and their complexes. With the increased availability of cryo-electron microscopes, the preparation of high-quality samples has become a bottleneck in the cryo-EM structure-determination pipeline. Macromolecules can be damaged during the purification or preparation of vitrified samples for cryo-EM, making them prone to binding to the grid support, to aggregation or to the adoption of preferential orientations at the air–water interface. Here, it is shown that coating cryo-EM grids with a negatively charged polyelectrolyte, such as single-stranded DNA, before applying the sample reduces the aggregation of macromolecules and improves their distribution. The single-stranded DNA-coated grids enabled the determination of high-resolution structures from samples that aggregated on conventional grids. The polyelectrolyte coating reduces the diffusion of macromolecules and thus may limit the negative effects of the contact of macromolecules with the grid support and blotting paper, as well as of the shear forces on macromolecules during grid blotting. Coating grids with polyelectrolytes can readily be employed in any laboratory dealing with cryo-EM sample preparation, since it is fast, simple, inexpensive and does not require specialized equipment.
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