1
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Noble AJ, de Marco A. Cryo-focused ion beam for in situ structural biology: State of the art, challenges, and perspectives. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2024; 87:102864. [PMID: 38901373 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2024.102864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Cryogenic-focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) instruments became essential for high-resolution imaging in cryo-preserved cells and tissues. Cryo-FIBs use accelerated ions to thin samples that would otherwise be too thick for cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). This allows visualizing cellular ultrastructures in near-native frozen hydrated states. This review describes the current state-of-the-art capabilities of cryo-FIB technology and its applications in structural cell and tissue biology. We discuss recent advances in instrumentation, imaging modalities, automation, sample preparation protocols, and targeting techniques. We outline remaining challenges and future directions to make cryo-FIB more precise, enable higher throughput, and be widely accessible. Further improvements in targeting, efficiency, robust sample preparation, emerging ion sources, automation, and downstream electron tomography have the potential to reveal intricate molecular architectures across length scales inside cells and tissues. Cryo-FIB is poised to become an indispensable tool for preparing native biological systems in situ for high-resolution 3D structural analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex J Noble
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, 89 Convent Avenue New York, NY, 10027, USA. https://twitter.com/alexjamesnoble
| | - Alex de Marco
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, 89 Convent Avenue New York, NY, 10027, USA.
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2
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Schneider J, Jasnin M. Molecular architecture of the actin cytoskeleton: From single cells to whole organisms using cryo-electron tomography. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 88:102356. [PMID: 38608425 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102356] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) has begun to provide intricate views of cellular architecture at unprecedented resolutions. Considerable efforts are being made to further optimize and automate the cryo-ET workflow, from sample preparation to data acquisition and analysis, to enable visual proteomics inside of cells. Here, we will discuss the latest advances in cryo-ET that go hand in hand with their application to the actin cytoskeleton. The development of deep learning tools for automated annotation of tomographic reconstructions and the serial lift-out sample preparation procedure will soon make it possible to perform high-resolution structural biology in a whole new range of samples, from multicellular organisms to organoids and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Schneider
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany; Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Munich, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Marion Jasnin
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Munich, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany.
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3
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Galaz-Montoya JG. The advent of preventive high-resolution structural histopathology by artificial-intelligence-powered cryogenic electron tomography. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1390858. [PMID: 38868297 PMCID: PMC11167099 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1390858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Advances in cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) single particle analysis have revolutionized structural biology by facilitating the in vitro determination of atomic- and near-atomic-resolution structures for fully hydrated macromolecular complexes exhibiting compositional and conformational heterogeneity across a wide range of sizes. Cryogenic electron tomography (cryoET) and subtomogram averaging are rapidly progressing toward delivering similar insights for macromolecular complexes in situ, without requiring tags or harsh biochemical purification. Furthermore, cryoET enables the visualization of cellular and tissue phenotypes directly at molecular, nanometric resolution without chemical fixation or staining artifacts. This forward-looking review covers recent developments in cryoEM/ET and related technologies such as cryogenic focused ion beam milling scanning electron microscopy and correlative light microscopy, increasingly enhanced and supported by artificial intelligence algorithms. Their potential application to emerging concepts is discussed, primarily the prospect of complementing medical histopathology analysis. Machine learning solutions are poised to address current challenges posed by "big data" in cryoET of tissues, cells, and macromolecules, offering the promise of enabling novel, quantitative insights into disease processes, which may translate into the clinic and lead to improved diagnostics and targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús G. Galaz-Montoya
- Department of Bioengineering, James H. Clark Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
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4
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Nogales E, Mahamid J. Bridging structural and cell biology with cryo-electron microscopy. Nature 2024; 628:47-56. [PMID: 38570716 PMCID: PMC11211576 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07198-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Most life scientists would agree that understanding how cellular processes work requires structural knowledge about the macromolecules involved. For example, deciphering the double-helical nature of DNA revealed essential aspects of how genetic information is stored, copied and repaired. Yet, being reductionist in nature, structural biology requires the purification of large amounts of macromolecules, often trimmed off larger functional units. The advent of cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) greatly facilitated the study of large, functional complexes and generally of samples that are hard to express, purify and/or crystallize. Nevertheless, cryo-EM still requires purification and thus visualization outside of the natural context in which macromolecules operate and coexist. Conversely, cell biologists have been imaging cells using a number of fast-evolving techniques that keep expanding their spatial and temporal reach, but always far from the resolution at which chemistry can be understood. Thus, structural and cell biology provide complementary, yet unconnected visions of the inner workings of cells. Here we discuss how the interplay between cryo-EM and cryo-electron tomography, as a connecting bridge to visualize macromolecules in situ, holds great promise to create comprehensive structural depictions of macromolecules as they interact in complex mixtures or, ultimately, inside the cell itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Nogales
- Molecular and Cell Biology Department, Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Julia Mahamid
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany.
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5
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Zhao J, Yu X, Shentu X, Li D. The application and development of electron microscopy for three-dimensional reconstruction in life science: a review. Cell Tissue Res 2024; 396:1-18. [PMID: 38416172 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-024-03878-7] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Imaging technologies have played a pivotal role in advancing biological research by enabling visualization of biological structures and processes. While traditional electron microscopy (EM) produces two-dimensional images, emerging techniques now allow high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) characterization of specimens in situ, meeting growing needs in molecular and cellular biology. Combining transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with serial sectioning inaugurated 3D imaging, attracting biologists seeking to explore cell ultrastructure and driving advancement of 3D EM reconstruction. By comprehensively and precisely rendering internal structure and distribution, 3D TEM reconstruction provides unparalleled ultrastructural insights into cells and molecules, holding tremendous value for elucidating structure-function relationships and broadly propelling structural biology. Here, we first introduce the principle of 3D reconstruction of cells and tissues by classical approaches in TEM and then discuss modern technologies utilizing TEM and on new SEM-based as well as cryo-electron microscope (cryo-EM) techniques. 3D reconstruction techniques from serial sections, electron tomography (ET), and the recent single-particle analysis (SPA) are examined; the focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), the serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM), and automatic tape-collecting lathe ultramicrotome (ATUM-SEM) for 3D reconstruction of large volumes are discussed. Finally, we review the challenges and development prospects of these technologies in life science. It aims to provide an informative reference for biological researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Zhao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection and Quarantine, College of Life Science, China , Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Xiaoping Yu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection and Quarantine, College of Life Science, China , Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Xuping Shentu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection and Quarantine, College of Life Science, China , Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Danting Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection and Quarantine, College of Life Science, China , Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China.
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6
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Vorlaufer N, Josten J, Carl S, Göbel E, Søgaard A, Taccardi N, Spiecker E, Felfer P. Preparation of atom probe tips from (nano)particles in dispersion using (di)electrophoresis and electroplating. Microsc Res Tech 2024; 87:476-483. [PMID: 37921114 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The behavior of catalytic particles depends on their chemical structure and morphology. To reveal this information, the characterization with atom probe tomography has huge potential. Despite progresses and papers proposing various approaches towards the incorporation of particles inside atom probe tips, no single approach has been broadly applicable to date. In this paper, we introduce a workflow that allowed us to prepare atom probe specimens from Ga particles in suspension in the size range of 50 nm up to 2 μm. By combining dielectrophoresis and electrodeposition in a suitable way, we achieve a near-tip shape geometry, without a time-consuming FIB lift-out. This workflow is a simple and quick method to prepare atom probe tips and allows for a high preparation throughput. Also, not using a lift-out allowed us to use a cryo-stage, avoiding melting of the Ga particles, while ensuring a mechanical stable atom probe tip. The specimen prepared by this workflow enable a stable measurement and low fracture rates. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Enabling cryo-preparation of (nano)particles for the atom probe. Characterization of surface and bulk elemental distribution of GaPt model SCALMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Vorlaufer
- Institute I, Materials Science & Engineering Department, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan Josten
- Institute I, Materials Science & Engineering Department, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Simon Carl
- Institute of Micro- and Nanostructure Research (IMN) and Center for Nanoanalysis and Electron Microscopy (CENEM), Materials Science & Engineering Department, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Erik Göbel
- Institute I, Materials Science & Engineering Department, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alexander Søgaard
- Institute of Chemical Reaction Engineering, Department Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- CHEC Research Centre, Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Nicola Taccardi
- Institute of Chemical Reaction Engineering, Department Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Erdmann Spiecker
- Institute of Micro- and Nanostructure Research (IMN) and Center for Nanoanalysis and Electron Microscopy (CENEM), Materials Science & Engineering Department, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter Felfer
- Institute I, Materials Science & Engineering Department, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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7
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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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8
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McCafferty CL, Klumpe S, Amaro RE, Kukulski W, Collinson L, Engel BD. Integrating cellular electron microscopy with multimodal data to explore biology across space and time. Cell 2024; 187:563-584. [PMID: 38306982 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Biology spans a continuum of length and time scales. Individual experimental methods only glimpse discrete pieces of this spectrum but can be combined to construct a more holistic view. In this Review, we detail the latest advancements in volume electron microscopy (vEM) and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), which together can visualize biological complexity across scales from the organization of cells in large tissues to the molecular details inside native cellular environments. In addition, we discuss emerging methodologies for integrating three-dimensional electron microscopy (3DEM) imaging with multimodal data, including fluorescence microscopy, mass spectrometry, single-particle analysis, and AI-based structure prediction. This multifaceted approach fills gaps in the biological continuum, providing functional context, spatial organization, molecular identity, and native interactions. We conclude with a perspective on incorporating diverse data into computational simulations that further bridge and extend length scales while integrating the dimension of time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sven Klumpe
- Research Group CryoEM Technology, Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Rommie E Amaro
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Wanda Kukulski
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Lucy Collinson
- Electron Microscopy Science Technology Platform, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK.
| | - Benjamin D Engel
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
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9
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Schiøtz OH, Kaiser CJO, Klumpe S, Morado DR, Poege M, Schneider J, Beck F, Klebl DP, Thompson C, Plitzko JM. Serial Lift-Out: sampling the molecular anatomy of whole organisms. Nat Methods 2023:10.1038/s41592-023-02113-5. [PMID: 38110637 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-02113-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Cryo-focused ion beam milling of frozen-hydrated cells and subsequent cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) has enabled the structural elucidation of macromolecular complexes directly inside cells. Application of the technique to multicellular organisms and tissues, however, is still limited by sample preparation. While high-pressure freezing enables the vitrification of thicker samples, it prolongs subsequent preparation due to increased thinning times and the need for extraction procedures. Additionally, thinning removes large portions of the specimen, restricting the imageable volume to the thickness of the final lamella, typically <300 nm. Here we introduce Serial Lift-Out, an enhanced lift-out technique that increases throughput and obtainable contextual information by preparing multiple sections from single transfers. We apply Serial Lift-Out to Caenorhabditis elegans L1 larvae, yielding a cryo-ET dataset sampling the worm's anterior-posterior axis, and resolve its ribosome structure to 7 Å and a subregion of the 11-protofilament microtubule to 13 Å, illustrating how Serial Lift-Out enables the study of multicellular molecular anatomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oda Helene Schiøtz
- Research Group CryoEM Technology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Christoph J O Kaiser
- Research Group CryoEM Technology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Sven Klumpe
- Research Group CryoEM Technology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Dustin R Morado
- Department of Cell and Virus Structure, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
- Department for Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Matthias Poege
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Jonathan Schneider
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Florian Beck
- Research Group CryoEM Technology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - David P Klebl
- Department of Cell and Virus Structure, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Christopher Thompson
- Materials and Structural Analysis, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Jürgen M Plitzko
- Research Group CryoEM Technology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany.
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10
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Last MGF, Noteborn WEM, Voortman LM, Sharp TH. Super-resolution fluorescence imaging of cryosamples does not limit achievable resolution in cryoEM. J Struct Biol 2023; 215:108040. [PMID: 37918761 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2023.108040] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Correlated super-resolution cryo-fluorescence and cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) has been gaining popularity as a method to investigate biological samples with high resolution and specificity. A concern in this combined method (called SR-cryoCLEM), however, is whether and how fluorescence imaging prior to cryoEM acquisition is detrimental to sample integrity. In this report, we investigated the effect of high-dose laser light (405, 488, and 561 nm) irradiation on apoferritin samples prepared for cryoEM with excitation wavelengths commonly used in fluorescence microscopy, and compared these samples to controls that were kept in the dark. We found that laser illumination, of equal duration and intensity as used in cryo-single molecule localization microscopy (cryoSMLM) and in the presence of high concentrations of fluorescent protein, did not affect the achievable resolution in cryoEM, with final reconstructions reaching resolutions of ∼ 1.8 Å regardless of the laser illumination. The finding that super-resolution fluorescence imaging of cryosamples prior to cryoEM data acquisition does not limit the achievable resolution suggests that super-resolution cryo-fluorescence microscopy and in situ structural biology using cryoEM are entirely compatible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mart G F Last
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Willem E M Noteborn
- Netherlands Centre for Electron Nanoscopy, Leiden University, 2333 AL Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lenard M Voortman
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas H Sharp
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
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11
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Zeng Y, Liang Z, Liu Z, Li B, Cui Y, Gao C, Shen J, Wang X, Zhao Q, Zhuang X, Erdmann PS, Wong KB, Jiang L. Recent advances in plant endomembrane research and new microscopical techniques. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 240:41-60. [PMID: 37507353 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19134] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The endomembrane system consists of various membrane-bound organelles including the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi apparatus, trans-Golgi network (TGN), endosomes, and the lysosome/vacuole. Membrane trafficking between distinct compartments is mainly achieved by vesicular transport. As the endomembrane compartments and the machineries regulating the membrane trafficking are largely conserved across all eukaryotes, our current knowledge on organelle biogenesis and endomembrane trafficking in plants has mainly been shaped by corresponding studies in mammals and yeast. However, unique perspectives have emerged from plant cell biology research through the characterization of plant-specific regulators as well as the development and application of the state-of-the-art microscopical techniques. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge on the plant endomembrane system, with a focus on several distinct pathways: ER-to-Golgi transport, protein sorting at the TGN, endosomal sorting on multivesicular bodies, vacuolar trafficking/vacuole biogenesis, and the autophagy pathway. We also give an update on advanced imaging techniques for the plant cell biology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonglun Zeng
- School of Life Sciences, Centre for Cell & Developmental Biology and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zizhen Liang
- School of Life Sciences, Centre for Cell & Developmental Biology and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhiqi Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Centre for Cell & Developmental Biology and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Baiying Li
- School of Life Sciences, Centre for Cell & Developmental Biology and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Caiji Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Plant Development, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Jinbo Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Xiangfeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qiong Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Xiaohong Zhuang
- School of Life Sciences, Centre for Cell & Developmental Biology and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Philipp S Erdmann
- Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini, 1, Milan, I-20157, Italy
| | - Kam-Bo Wong
- Centre for Protein Science and Crystallography, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Liwen Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Centre for Cell & Developmental Biology and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
- The CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518057, China
- Institute of Plant Molecular Biology and Agricultural Biotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
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12
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Wu Y, Qin C, Du W, Guo Z, Chen L, Guo Q. A practical multicellular sample preparation pipeline broadens the application of in situ cryo-electron tomography. J Struct Biol 2023; 215:107971. [PMID: 37201639 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2023.107971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The structural studies of macromolecules in their physiological context, particularly in tissue, is constrained by the bottleneck of sample preparation. In this study, we present a practical pipeline for preparing multicellular samples for cryo-electron tomography. The pipeline comprises sample isolation, vitrification, and lift-out-based lamella preparation using commercially available instruments. We demonstrate the efficacy of our pipeline by visualizing pancreatic β cells from mouse islets at the molecular level. This pipeline enables the determination of the properties of insulin crystals in situ for the first time, using unperturbed samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Changdong Qin
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wenjing Du
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Changping Laboratory, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Zhenxi Guo
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Changping Laboratory, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Liangyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Center for Life Sciences, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Qiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Changping Laboratory, Beijing 102206, China.
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13
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Klumpe S, Schioetz OH, Kaiser C, Luchner M, Brenner J, Plitzko JM. Developments in cryo-FIB Sample Preparation: Targeting in Cryo-Lift-Out Preparation of Tissues and Machine Learning Models for Fully Automated On-Grid Lamella Preparation. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2023; 29:511-513. [PMID: 37613116 DOI: 10.1093/micmic/ozad067.243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sven Klumpe
- Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Oda H Schioetz
- Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | | | - Marina Luchner
- Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Johann Brenner
- Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
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14
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Vrbovská V, Klumpe S, Thompson C, Rigort A, Mitchels J, Franke T, Müllerová M, Kasáková A, Hovorka M. Fluorescence-guided Cryo-lift-out using an Integrated Fluorescence Light Microscope and an Optimized Sample-needle Attachment Procedure. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2023; 29:1051-1052. [PMID: 37613214 DOI: 10.1093/micmic/ozad067.538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sven Klumpe
- Research Group CryoEM Technology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
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15
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Yang J, Vrbovská V, Franke T, Sibert B, Larson M, Coomes T, Rigort A, Mitchels J, Wright ER. Precise 3D Localization by Integrated Fluorescence Microscopy (iFLM) for Cryo-FIB-milling and In-situ Cryo-ET. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2023; 29:1055-1057. [PMID: 37613109 DOI: 10.1093/micmic/ozad067.541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jae Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
- Midwest Center for Cryo-Electron Tomography, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | | | | | - Bryan Sibert
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
- Midwest Center for Cryo-Electron Tomography, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Matt Larson
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
- Midwest Center for Cryo-Electron Tomography, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Tom Coomes
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Hillsboro, OR, United States
| | | | | | - Elizabeth R Wright
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
- Midwest Center for Cryo-Electron Tomography, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, United States
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16
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Yang J, Vrbovská V, Franke T, Sibert B, Larson M, Hall A, Rigort A, Mitchels J, Wright ER. Integrated Fluorescence Microscopy (iFLM) for Cryo-FIB-milling and In-situ Cryo-ET. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.11.548578. [PMID: 37502891 PMCID: PMC10369943 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.11.548578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Correlative cryo-FLM-FIB milling is a powerful sample preparation technique for in situ cryo-ET. However, correlative workflows that incorporate precise targeting remain challenging. Here, we demonstrate the development and use of an integrated Fluorescence Light Microscope (iFLM) module within a cryo-FIB-SEM to enable a coordinate-based two-point 3D correlative workflow. The iFLM guided targeting of regions of interest coupled with an automated milling process of the cryo-FIB-SEM instrument allows for the efficient preparation of 9-12 ∼200 nm thick lamellae within 24 hours. Using regular and montage-cryo-ET data collection schemes, we acquired data from FIB-milled lamellae of HeLa cells to examine cellular ultrastructure. Overall, this workflow facilitates on-the-fly targeting and automated FIB-milling of cryo-preserved cells, bacteria, and possibly high pressure frozen tissue, to produce lamellae for downstream cryo-ET data collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
- Midwest Center for Cryo-Electron Tomography, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
| | | | | | - Bryan Sibert
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
- Midwest Center for Cryo-Electron Tomography, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
| | - Matthew Larson
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
- Midwest Center for Cryo-Electron Tomography, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
| | - Alex Hall
- Thermo Fisher Scientific Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alex Rigort
- Thermo Fisher Scientific Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Elizabeth R. Wright
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
- Midwest Center for Cryo-Electron Tomography, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
- DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, USA
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17
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Douglas JO, Conroy M, Giuliani F, Gault B. In Situ Sputtering From the Micromanipulator to Enable Cryogenic Preparation of Specimens for Atom Probe Tomography by Focused-Ion Beam. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2023; 29:1009-1017. [PMID: 37749683 DOI: 10.1093/micmic/ozad020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Workflows have been developed in the past decade to enable atom probe tomography analysis at cryogenic temperatures. The inability to control the local deposition of the metallic precursor from the gas-injection system (GIS) at cryogenic temperatures makes the preparation of site-specific specimens by using lift-out extremely challenging in the focused-ion beam. Schreiber et al. exploited redeposition to weld the lifted-out sample to a support. Here, we build on their approach to attach the region-of-interest and additionally strengthen the interface with locally sputtered metal from the micromanipulator. Following standard focused-ion beam annular milling, we demonstrate atom probe analysis of Si in both laser pulsing and voltage mode, with comparable analytical performance as a presharpened microtip coupon. Our welding approach is versatile, as various metals could be used for sputtering, and allows similar flexibility as the GIS in principle.
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Affiliation(s)
- James O Douglas
- Department of Materials, Royal School of Mines, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BP, UK
| | - Michele Conroy
- Department of Materials, Royal School of Mines, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BP, UK
| | - Finn Giuliani
- Department of Materials, Royal School of Mines, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BP, UK
| | - Baptiste Gault
- Department of Materials, Royal School of Mines, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BP, UK
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 40237 Düsseldorf, Germany
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18
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Abstract
Recent advances in cryo-electron microscopy have marked only the beginning of the potential of this technique. To bring structure into cell biology, the modality of cryo-electron tomography has fast developed into a bona fide in situ structural biology technique where structures are determined in their native environment, the cell. Nearly every step of the cryo-focused ion beam-assisted electron tomography (cryo-FIB-ET) workflow has been improved upon in the past decade, since the first windows were carved into cells, unveiling macromolecular networks in near-native conditions. By bridging structural and cell biology, cryo-FIB-ET is advancing our understanding of structure-function relationships in their native environment and becoming a tool for discovering new biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey N Young
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA;
| | - Elizabeth Villa
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA;
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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19
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Capitanio C, Bieber A, Wilfling F. How Membrane Contact Sites Shape the Phagophore. CONTACT (THOUSAND OAKS (VENTURA COUNTY, CALIF.)) 2023; 6:25152564231162495. [PMID: 37366413 PMCID: PMC10243513 DOI: 10.1177/25152564231162495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
During macroautophagy, phagophores establish multiple membrane contact sites (MCSs) with other organelles that are pivotal for proper phagophore assembly and growth. In S. cerevisiae, phagophore contacts have been observed with the vacuole, the ER, and lipid droplets. In situ imaging studies have greatly advanced our understanding of the structure and function of these sites. Here, we discuss how in situ structural methods like cryo-CLEM can give unprecedented insights into MCSs, and how they help to elucidate the structural arrangements of MCSs within cells. We further summarize the current knowledge of the contact sites in autophagy, focusing on autophagosome biogenesis in the model organism S. cerevisiae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Capitanio
- Department of Molecular Machines and
Signaling, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP)
Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Anna Bieber
- Department of Molecular Machines and
Signaling, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP)
Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Florian Wilfling
- Mechanisms of Cellular Quality Control, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt a. M., Germany
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20
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Integrated multimodality microscope for accurate and efficient target-guided cryo-lamellae preparation. Nat Methods 2023; 20:268-275. [PMID: 36646896 PMCID: PMC9911353 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-022-01749-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) is a revolutionary technique for resolving the structure of subcellular organelles and macromolecular complexes in their cellular context. However, the application of the cryo-ET is hampered by the sample preparation step. Performing cryo-focused ion beam milling at an arbitrary position on the sample is inefficient, and the target of interest is not guaranteed to be preserved when thinning the cell from several micrometers to less than 300 nm thick. Here, we report a cryogenic correlated light, ion and electron microscopy (cryo-CLIEM) technique that is capable of preparing cryo-lamellae under the guidance of three-dimensional confocal imaging. Moreover, we demonstrate a workflow to preselect and preserve nanoscale target regions inside the finished cryo-lamellae. By successfully preparing cryo-lamellae that contain a single centriole or contact sites between subcellular organelles, we show that this approach is generally applicable, and shall help in innovating more applications of cryo-ET.
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21
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Bergner T, Zech F, Hirschenberger M, Stenger S, Sparrer KMJ, Kirchhoff F, Read C. Near-Native Visualization of SARS-CoV-2 Induced Membrane Remodeling and Virion Morphogenesis. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122786. [PMID: 36560790 PMCID: PMC9784144 DOI: 10.3390/v14122786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, leads to profound remodeling of cellular membranes, promoting viral replication and virion assembly. A full understanding of this drastic remodeling and the process of virion morphogenesis remains lacking. In this study, we applied room temperature transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) tomography to visualize the SARS-CoV-2 replication factory in Vero cells, and present our results in comparison with published cryo-EM studies. We obtained cryo-EM-like clarity of the ultrastructure by employing high-pressure freezing, freeze substitution (HPF-FS) and embedding, allowing room temperature visualization of double-membrane vesicles (DMVs) in a near-native state. In addition, our data illustrate the consecutive stages of virion morphogenesis and reveal that SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleoprotein assembly and membrane curvature occur simultaneously. Finally, we show the tethering of virions to the plasma membrane in 3D, and that accumulations of virus particles lacking spike protein in large vesicles are most likely not a result of defective virion assembly at their membrane. In conclusion, this study puts forward a room-temperature EM technique providing near-native ultrastructural information about SARS-CoV-2 replication, adding to our understanding of the interaction of this pandemic virus with its host cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Bergner
- Central Facility for Electron Microscopy, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Fabian Zech
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Steffen Stenger
- Institute for Microbiology and Hygiene, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Clarissa Read
- Central Facility for Electron Microscopy, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Institute of Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Correspondence:
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22
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Russo CJ, Dickerson JL, Naydenova K. Cryomicroscopy in situ: what is the smallest molecule that can be directly identified without labels in a cell? Faraday Discuss 2022; 240:277-302. [PMID: 35913392 PMCID: PMC9642008 DOI: 10.1039/d2fd00076h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Electron cryomicroscopy (cryoEM) has made great strides in the last decade, such that the atomic structure of most biological macromolecules can, at least in principle, be determined. Major technological advances - in electron imaging hardware, data analysis software, and cryogenic specimen preparation technology - continue at pace and contribute to the exponential growth in the number of atomic structures determined by cryoEM. It is now conceivable that within the next decade we will have structures for hundreds of thousands of unique protein and nucleic acid molecular complexes. But the answers to many important questions in biology would become obvious if we could identify these structures precisely inside cells with quantifiable error. In the context of an abundance of known structures, it is appropriate to consider the current state of electron cryomicroscopy for frozen specimens prepared directly from cells, and try to answer to the question of the title, both now and in the foreseeable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Russo
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK.
| | - Joshua L Dickerson
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK.
| | - Katerina Naydenova
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK.
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23
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Franken LE, Rosch R, Laugks U, Grünewald K. Protocol for live-cell fluorescence-guided cryoFIB-milling and electron cryo-tomography of virus-infected cells. STAR Protoc 2022; 3:101696. [PMID: 36149798 PMCID: PMC9508610 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we present a protocol for assessing virus-infected cells using electron cryo-tomography (cryoET). It includes the basic workflows of seeding cells, plunge-freezing, clipping, cryo-focused ion beam milling (cryoFIB-milling), and cryoET, as well as two optional modules: micropatterning and live-cell fluorescence microscopy. We use an A549 human cell line and the virus HAdV5-pIX-mcherry in this protocol, but the comprehensive workflow can be easily transferred to other cell types and different types of virus infection or treatment. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Pfitzner et al. (2021).
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda E. Franken
- Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV), Martinistraße 52, 20251 Hamburg, Germany,Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Notkestraße 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany,Corresponding author
| | - Rene Rosch
- Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV), Martinistraße 52, 20251 Hamburg, Germany,Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Notkestraße 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany,Universität Hamburg, Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Laugks
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Notkestraße 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany,Universität Hamburg, Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kay Grünewald
- Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV), Martinistraße 52, 20251 Hamburg, Germany,Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Notkestraße 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany,Universität Hamburg, Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146 Hamburg, Germany,Corresponding author
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24
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Varsano N, Wolf SG. Electron microscopy of cellular ultrastructure in three dimensions. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2022; 76:102444. [PMID: 36041268 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2022.102444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Electron microscopy in three dimensions (3D) of cells and tissues can be essential for understanding the ultrastructural aspects of biological processes. The quest for 3D information reveals challenges at many stages of the workflow, from sample preparation, to imaging, data analysis and segmentation. Here, we outline several available methods, including volume SEM imaging, cryo-TEM and cryo-STEM tomography, each one occupying a different domain in the basic tradeoff between field-of-view and resolution. We discuss the considerations for choosing a suitable method depending on research needs and highlight recent developments that are essential for making 3D volume imaging of cells and tissues a standard tool for cellular and structural biologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neta Varsano
- Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, 234 Herzl St., Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Sharon Grayer Wolf
- Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, 234 Herzl St., Rehovot 76100, Israel.
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25
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Abstract
The three-dimensional organization of biomolecules important for the functioning of all living systems can be determined by cryo-electron tomography imaging under native biological contexts. Cryo-electron tomography is continually expanding and evolving, and the development of new methods that use the latest technology for sample thinning is enabling the visualization of ever larger and more complex biological systems, allowing imaging across scales. Quantitative cryo-electron tomography possesses the capability of visualizing the impact of molecular and environmental perturbations in subcellular structure and function to understand fundamental biological processes. This review provides an overview of current hardware and software developments that allow quantitative cryo-electron tomography studies and their limitations and how overcoming them may allow us to unleash the full power of cryo-electron tomography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula P Navarro
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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26
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Chua EYD, Mendez JH, Rapp M, Ilca SL, Tan YZ, Maruthi K, Kuang H, Zimanyi CM, Cheng A, Eng ET, Noble AJ, Potter CS, Carragher B. Better, Faster, Cheaper: Recent Advances in Cryo-Electron Microscopy. Annu Rev Biochem 2022; 91:1-32. [PMID: 35320683 PMCID: PMC10393189 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biochem-032620-110705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) continues its remarkable growth as a method for visualizing biological objects, which has been driven by advances across the entire pipeline. Developments in both single-particle analysis and in situ tomography have enabled more structures to be imaged and determined to better resolutions, at faster speeds, and with more scientists having improved access. This review highlights recent advances at each stageof the cryo-EM pipeline and provides examples of how these techniques have been used to investigate real-world problems, including antibody development against the SARS-CoV-2 spike during the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Y D Chua
- New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA; , , , , , , , , , , ,
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York, NY, USA
- National Center for CryoEM Access and Training, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joshua H Mendez
- New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA; , , , , , , , , , , ,
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York, NY, USA
- National Center for CryoEM Access and Training, New York, NY, USA
| | - Micah Rapp
- New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA; , , , , , , , , , , ,
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Serban L Ilca
- New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA; , , , , , , , , , , ,
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yong Zi Tan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore;
- Disease Intervention Technology Laboratory, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Kashyap Maruthi
- New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA; , , , , , , , , , , ,
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York, NY, USA
- National Resource for Automated Molecular Microscopy, New York, NY, USA
| | - Huihui Kuang
- New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA; , , , , , , , , , , ,
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York, NY, USA
- National Resource for Automated Molecular Microscopy, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christina M Zimanyi
- New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA; , , , , , , , , , , ,
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York, NY, USA
- National Center for CryoEM Access and Training, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anchi Cheng
- New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA; , , , , , , , , , , ,
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York, NY, USA
- National Resource for Automated Molecular Microscopy, New York, NY, USA
| | - Edward T Eng
- New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA; , , , , , , , , , , ,
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York, NY, USA
- National Center for CryoEM Access and Training, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alex J Noble
- New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA; , , , , , , , , , , ,
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York, NY, USA
- National Resource for Automated Molecular Microscopy, New York, NY, USA
- National Center for In-Situ Tomographic Ultramicroscopy, New York, NY, USA
- Simons Machine Learning Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Clinton S Potter
- New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA; , , , , , , , , , , ,
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York, NY, USA
- National Center for CryoEM Access and Training, New York, NY, USA
- National Resource for Automated Molecular Microscopy, New York, NY, USA
- National Center for In-Situ Tomographic Ultramicroscopy, New York, NY, USA
- Simons Machine Learning Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bridget Carragher
- New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA; , , , , , , , , , , ,
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York, NY, USA
- National Center for CryoEM Access and Training, New York, NY, USA
- National Resource for Automated Molecular Microscopy, New York, NY, USA
- National Center for In-Situ Tomographic Ultramicroscopy, New York, NY, USA
- Simons Machine Learning Center, New York, NY, USA
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27
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Schneider J, Jasnin M. Capturing actin assemblies in cells using in situ cryo-electron tomography. Eur J Cell Biol 2022; 101:151224. [PMID: 35500467 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2022.151224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Actin contributes to an exceptionally wide range of cellular processes through the assembly and disassembly of highly dynamic and ordered structures. Visualizing these structures in cells can help us understand how the molecular players of the actin machinery work together to produce force-generating systems. In recent years, cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) has become the method of choice for structural analysis of the cell interior at the molecular scale. Here we review advances in cryo-ET workflows that have enabled this transformation, especially the automation of sample preparation procedures, data collection, and processing. We discuss new structural analyses of dynamic actin assemblies in cryo-preserved cells, which have provided mechanistic insights into actin assembly and function at the nanoscale. Finally, we highlight the latest visual proteomics studies of actin filaments and their interactors reaching sub-nanometer resolutions in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Schneider
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Marion Jasnin
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany.
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28
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Waffle Method: A general and flexible approach for improving throughput in FIB-milling. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1857. [PMID: 35387991 PMCID: PMC8987090 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29501-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryo-FIB/SEM combined with cryo-ET has emerged from within the field of cryo-EM as the method for obtaining the highest resolution structural information of complex biological samples in-situ in native and non-native environments. However, challenges remain in conventional cryo-FIB/SEM workflows, including milling thick specimens with vitrification issues, specimens with preferred orientation, low-throughput when milling small and/or low concentration specimens, and specimens that distribute poorly across grid squares. Here we present a general approach called the ‘Waffle Method’ which leverages high-pressure freezing to address these challenges. We illustrate the mitigation of these challenges by applying the Waffle Method and cryo-ET to reveal the macrostructure of the polar tube in microsporidian spores in multiple complementary orientations, which was previously not possible due to preferred orientation. We demonstrate the broadness of the Waffle Method by applying it to three additional cellular samples and a single particle sample using a variety of cryo-FIB-milling hardware, with manual and automated approaches. We also present a unique and critical stress-relief gap designed specifically for waffled lamellae. We propose the Waffle Method as a way to achieve many advantages of cryo-liftout on the specimen grid while avoiding the long, challenging, and technically-demanding process required for cryo-liftout. Here the authors describe the Waffle Method, aimed at increasing the throughput of and solves several challenges present in cryo-FIB/SEM sample preparation for cryo-ET analysis — the highest-resolution method for obtaining 3D views of native biological specimens in-situ.
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29
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Liedtke J, Depelteau JS, Briegel A. How advances in cryo-electron tomography have contributed to our current view of bacterial cell biology. J Struct Biol X 2022; 6:100065. [PMID: 35252838 PMCID: PMC8894267 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjsbx.2022.100065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Advancements in the field of cryo-electron tomography have greatly contributed to our current understanding of prokaryotic cell organization and revealed intracellular structures with remarkable architecture. In this review, we present some of the prominent advancements in cryo-electron tomography, illustrated by a subset of structural examples to demonstrate the power of the technique. More specifically, we focus on technical advances in automation of data collection and processing, sample thinning approaches, correlative cryo-light and electron microscopy, and sub-tomogram averaging methods. In turn, each of these advances enabled new insights into bacterial cell architecture, cell cycle progression, and the structure and function of molecular machines. Taken together, these significant advances within the cryo-electron tomography workflow have led to a greater understanding of prokaryotic biology. The advances made the technique available to a wider audience and more biological questions and provide the basis for continued advances in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Liedtke
- Department of Microbial Sciences, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands.,Centre for Microbial Cell Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jamie S Depelteau
- Department of Microbial Sciences, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands.,Centre for Microbial Cell Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ariane Briegel
- Department of Microbial Sciences, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands.,Centre for Microbial Cell Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
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30
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Klumpe S, Fung HKH, Goetz SK, Zagoriy I, Hampoelz B, Zhang X, Erdmann PS, Baumbach J, Müller CW, Beck M, Plitzko JM, Mahamid J. A modular platform for automated cryo-FIB workflows. eLife 2021; 10:e70506. [PMID: 34951584 PMCID: PMC8769651 DOI: 10.7554/elife.70506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Lamella micromachining by focused ion beam milling at cryogenic temperature (cryo-FIB) has matured into a preparation method widely used for cellular cryo-electron tomography. Due to the limited ablation rates of low Ga+ ion beam currents required to maintain the structural integrity of vitreous specimens, common preparation protocols are time-consuming and labor intensive. The improved stability of new-generation cryo-FIB instruments now enables automated operations. Here, we present an open-source software tool, SerialFIB, for creating automated and customizable cryo-FIB preparation protocols. The software encompasses a graphical user interface for easy execution of routine lamellae preparations, a scripting module compatible with available Python packages, and interfaces with three-dimensional correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) tools. SerialFIB enables the streamlining of advanced cryo-FIB protocols such as multi-modal imaging, CLEM-guided lamella preparation and in situ lamella lift-out procedures. Our software therefore provides a foundation for further development of advanced cryogenic imaging and sample preparation protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Klumpe
- Department Molecular Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of BiochemistryMartinsriedGermany
| | - Herman KH Fung
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology LaboratoryHeidelbergGermany
| | - Sara K Goetz
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology LaboratoryHeidelbergGermany
- Collaboration for joint PhD degree between EMBL and Heidelberg University, Faculty of BiosciencesHeidelbergGermany
| | - Ievgeniia Zagoriy
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology LaboratoryHeidelbergGermany
| | - Bernhard Hampoelz
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology LaboratoryHeidelbergGermany
| | - Xiaojie Zhang
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology LaboratoryHeidelbergGermany
| | - Philipp S Erdmann
- Department Molecular Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of BiochemistryMartinsriedGermany
| | - Janina Baumbach
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology LaboratoryHeidelbergGermany
| | - Christoph W Müller
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology LaboratoryHeidelbergGermany
| | - Martin Beck
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology LaboratoryHeidelbergGermany
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology LaboratoryHeidelbergGermany
| | - Jürgen M Plitzko
- Department Molecular Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of BiochemistryMartinsriedGermany
| | - Julia Mahamid
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology LaboratoryHeidelbergGermany
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31
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Wang Y, Friedrich H, Voets IK, Zijlstra P, Albertazzi L. Correlative imaging for polymer science. JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/pol.20210013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuyang Wang
- Department of Applied Physics & Institute of Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS) Eindhoven University of Technology (TUE) Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Heiner Friedrich
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Center for Multiscale Electron Microscopy, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry & Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology (TUE) Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Ilja K. Voets
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry & Institute of Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS) Eindhoven University of Technology (TUE) Eindhoven The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Self‐Organizing Soft Matter, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry & Institute of Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS) Eindhoven University of Technology (TUE) Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Peter Zijlstra
- Department of Applied Physics & Institute of Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS) Eindhoven University of Technology (TUE) Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Lorenzo Albertazzi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS) Eindhoven University of Technology (TUE) Eindhoven The Netherlands
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) Barcelona Spain
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32
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Yang JE, Larson MR, Sibert BS, Shrum S, Wright ER. CorRelator: Interactive software for real-time high precision cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy. J Struct Biol 2021; 213:107709. [PMID: 33610654 PMCID: PMC8601405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2021.107709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) is a technique that uses the spatiotemporal cues from fluorescence light microscopy (FLM) to investigate the high-resolution ultrastructure of biological samples by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Cryo-CLEM provides advantages for identifying and distinguishing fluorescently labeled proteins, macromolecular complexes, and organelles from the cellular environment. Challenges remain on how correlation workflows and software tools are implemented on different microscope platforms to support automated cryo-EM data acquisition. Here, we present CorRelator: an open-source desktop application that bridges between cryo-FLM and real-time cryo-EM/ET automated data collection. CorRelator implements a pixel-coordinate-to-stage-position transformation for flexible, high accuracy on-the-fly and post-acquisition correlation. CorRelator can be integrated into cryo-CLEM workflows and easily adapted to standard fluorescence and transmission electron microscope (TEM) system configurations. CorRelator was benchmarked under live-cell and cryogenic conditions using several FLM and TEM instruments, demonstrating that CorRelator reliably supports real-time, automated correlative cryo-EM/ET acquisition, through a combination of software-aided and interactive alignment. CorRelator is a cross-platform software package featuring an intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI) that guides the user through the correlation process. CorRelator source code is available at: https://github.com/wright-cemrc-projects/corr.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie E Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States; Cryo-Electron Microscopy Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States; Midwest Center for Cryo-Electron Tomography, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Matthew R Larson
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States; Cryo-Electron Microscopy Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States; Midwest Center for Cryo-Electron Tomography, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Bryan S Sibert
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States; Cryo-Electron Microscopy Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States; Midwest Center for Cryo-Electron Tomography, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Samantha Shrum
- Biophysics Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Elizabeth R Wright
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States; Cryo-Electron Microscopy Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States; Biophysics Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States; Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, 53715, United States; Midwest Center for Cryo-Electron Tomography, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States.
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33
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Elad N, Wolf SG. Maintaining Context in Ice: Cryo-EM/ET Workflow Optimizations. Structure 2021; 28:1179-1181. [PMID: 33147474 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2020.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this issue of Structure, breakthroughs in cryo-EM/ET research are presented. Klebl et al. (2020) demonstrate how speed in sample vitrification impacts the quality of macromolecular particles in resultant cryo-EM grids. Wu et al. (2020) combine fluorescence, ion beam milling, and tomography to unravel unique features in vitrified yeast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadav Elad
- Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Sharon Grayer Wolf
- Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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34
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Berger C, Ravelli RBG, López-Iglesias C, Peters PJ. Endocytosed nanogold fiducials for improved in-situ cryo-electron tomography tilt-series alignment. J Struct Biol 2021; 213:107698. [PMID: 33545353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2021.107698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cryo-electron tomography (CET) on cryo-focused ion beam (FIB)-milled lamellae is becoming a powerful technique for determining the structure of macromolecular complexes in their native cellular environment. Prior to tomogram reconstruction, CET tilt-series recorded on FIB lamellae need to be aligned. Traditionally, CET tilt-series alignment is performed with 5-20 nm gold fiducials, but it has thus far proven difficult to apply this to FIB lamellae of eukaryotic cells. In here, we describe a simple method to allow uptake of bovine serum albumin (BSA)-gold fiducials into mammalian cells via endocytosis, which can subsequently be used as fiducials for tilt-series alignment of cryo-FIB lamellae. We compare the alignment of tilt-series with BSA-gold fiducials to fiducial-less patch-tracking, and find better alignment results with BSA-gold. This technique can contribute to understand cells at a structural and ultrastructural level with both cryo- and room-temperature electron tomography. Furthermore, fluorescently labeled BSA-gold has the potential to be used as fiducials for correlative light and electron microscopy studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casper Berger
- Division of Nanoscopy, Maastricht Multimodal Molecular Imaging Institute, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
| | - Raimond B G Ravelli
- Division of Nanoscopy, Maastricht Multimodal Molecular Imaging Institute, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
| | - Carmen López-Iglesias
- Division of Nanoscopy, Maastricht Multimodal Molecular Imaging Institute, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
| | - Peter J Peters
- Division of Nanoscopy, Maastricht Multimodal Molecular Imaging Institute, Maastricht University, the Netherlands.
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35
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Cheung YWS, Nam SE, Yip CK. Recent Advances in Single-Particle Electron Microscopic Analysis of Autophagy Degradation Machinery. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8051. [PMID: 33126766 PMCID: PMC7663694 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Macroautophagy (also known as autophagy) is a major pathway for selective degradation of misfolded/aggregated proteins and damaged organelles and non-selective degradation of cytoplasmic constituents for the generation of power during nutrient deprivation. The multi-step degradation process, from sequestering cytoplasmic cargo into the double-membrane vesicle termed autophagosome to the delivery of the autophagosome to the lysosome or lytic vacuole for breakdown, is mediated by the core autophagy machinery composed of multiple Atg proteins, as well as the divergent sequence family of selective autophagy receptors. Single-particle electron microscopy (EM) is a molecular imaging approach that has become an increasingly important tool in the structural characterization of proteins and macromolecular complexes. This article summarizes the contributions single-particle EM have made in advancing our understanding of the core autophagy machinery and selective autophagy receptors. We also discuss current technical challenges and roadblocks, as well as look into the future of single-particle EM in autophagy research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Calvin K. Yip
- Life Sciences Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; (Y.W.S.C.); (S.-E.N.)
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36
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Parmenter CD, Nizamudeen ZA. Cryo-FIB-lift-out: practically impossible to practical reality. J Microsc 2020; 281:157-174. [PMID: 32815145 DOI: 10.1111/jmi.12953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we explore the development of the Cryo-Lift-Out (cryo-LO) technique as preparation tool for cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). What started in early work defying what was considered 'practically impossible' has developed into state-of-the-art practical reality. This paper presents the key hardware, basic principles and key considerations for the practical usage of cryogenic Lift-Out for those new to the field. Detailed protocols and in-depth description of considerations and points for further development are presented. The authors have attempted to formalise everything known about the technique gathered together from their expertise gained in the development of this approach. LAY DESCRIPTION: A major challenge in electron microscopy is the production of suitable samples from hydrated biological and soft-matter materials for subnanometre resolution imaging in a cryo-Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). A well-known solution for room temperature materials is called (in situ) Lift-Out. It uses a fine needle that picks up a tiny section called a lamella. Lamellae are made by a Focused Ion Beam (FIB). In this paper, we seek to set out the beginnings of Lift-Out sample preparation conducted under cryogenic conditions and the development of this approach as applied to frozen, hydrated biological and soft-matter samples. We discuss the required basic hardware and provide a thorough description of developed protocols. We aim at those new to the field of cryo-Lift-Out to fully educate them in the finer points of hardware setup and practical considerations when attempting to perform cryo-Lift-Out and to demonstrate what has been achieved thus far. We also discuss areas of further improvement and talking points for the future direction of this promising sample preparation technique.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zubair Ahmed Nizamudeen
- Nottingham Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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37
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Hayles MF, DE Winter DAM. An introduction to cryo-FIB-SEM cross-sectioning of frozen, hydrated Life Science samples. J Microsc 2020; 281:138-156. [PMID: 32737879 PMCID: PMC7891420 DOI: 10.1111/jmi.12951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The introduction of cryo‐techniques to the focused ion‐beam scanning electron microscope (FIB‐SEM) has brought new opportunities to study frozen, hydrated samples from the field of Life Sciences. Cryo‐techniques have long been employed in electron microscopy. Thin electron transparent sections are produced by cryo‐ultramicrotomy for observation in a cryo‐transmission electron microscope (TEM). Cryo‐TEM is presently reaching the imaging of macromolecular structures. In parallel, cryo‐fractured surfaces from bulk materials have been investigated by cryo‐SEM. Both cryo‐TEM and cryo‐SEM have provided a wealth of information, despite being 2D techniques. Cryo‐TEM tomography does provide 3D information, but the thickness of the volume has a maximum of 200–300 nm, which limits the 3D information within the context of specific structures. FIB‐milling enables imaging additional planes by creating cross‐sections (e.g. cross‐sectioning or site‐specific X‐sectioning) perpendicular to the cryo‐fracture surface, thus adding a third imaging dimension to the cryo‐SEM. This paper discusses how to produce suitable cryo‐FIB‐SEM cross‐section results from frozen, hydrated Life Science samples with emphasis on ‘common knowledge’ and reoccurring observations. Lay Description Life Sciences studies life down to the smallest details. Visualising the smallest details requires electron microscopy, which utilises high‐vacuum chambers. One method to maintain the integrity of Life Sciences samples under vacuum conditions is freezing. Frozen samples can remain in a suspended state. As a result, research can be carried out without having to change the chemistry or internal physical structure of the samples. Two types of electron microscopes equipped with cryo‐sample handling facilities are used to investigate samples: The scanning electron microscope (SEM) which investigates surfaces and the transmission electron microscope (TEM) which investigates thin electron transparent sections (called lamellae). A third method of investigation combines a SEM with a focused ion beam (FIB) to form a cryo‐FIB‐SEM, which is the basis of this paper. The electron beam images the cryo‐sample surface while the ion beam mills into the surface to expose the interior of the sample. The latter is called cross‐sectioning and the result provides a way of investigating the 3rd dimension of the sample. This paper looks at the making of cross‐sections in this manner originating from knowledge and experience gained with this technique over many years. This information is meant for newcomers, and experienced researchers in cryo‐microscopy alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Hayles
- Cryo-FIB-SEM Technologist, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - D A M DE Winter
- Environmental Hydrogeology, Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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38
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The In Situ Structure of Parkinson's Disease-Linked LRRK2. Cell 2020; 182:1508-1518.e16. [PMID: 32783917 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are the most frequent cause of familial Parkinson's disease. LRRK2 is a multi-domain protein containing a kinase and GTPase. Using correlative light and electron microscopy, in situ cryo-electron tomography, and subtomogram analysis, we reveal a 14-Å structure of LRRK2 bearing a pathogenic mutation that oligomerizes as a right-handed double helix around microtubules, which are left-handed. Using integrative modeling, we determine the architecture of LRRK2, showing that the GTPase and kinase are in close proximity, with the GTPase closer to the microtubule surface, whereas the kinase is exposed to the cytoplasm. We identify two oligomerization interfaces mediated by non-catalytic domains. Mutation of one of these abolishes LRRK2 microtubule-association. Our work demonstrates the power of cryo-electron tomography to generate models of previously unsolved structures in their cellular environment.
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39
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DE Winter DAM, Hsieh C, Marko M, Hayles MF. Cryo-FIB preparation of whole cells and tissue for cryo-TEM: use of high-pressure frozen specimens in tubes and planchets. J Microsc 2020; 281:125-137. [PMID: 32691851 PMCID: PMC7891314 DOI: 10.1111/jmi.12943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The desire to study macromolecular complexes within their cellular context requires the ability to produce thin samples suitable for cryo‐TEM (cryo‐transmission electron microscope) investigations. In this paper, we discuss two similar approaches, which were developed independently in Utrecht (the Netherlands) and Albany (USA). The methods are particularly suitable for both tissue samples and cell suspensions prepared by a high‐pressure freezer (HPF). The workflows are explained with particular attention to potential pitfalls, while underlying principles are highlighted (‘why to do so’). Although both workflows function with a high success rate, full execution requires considerable experience and remains demanding. In addition, throughput is low. We hope to encourage other research groups worldwide to take on the challenge of improving the HPF– cryo‐FIB‐SEM – cryo‐TEM workflow. We discuss a number of suggestions to this end. Lay Description Life is ultimately dictated by the interaction of molecules in our bodies. Highly complex equipment is being used and further developed to study these interactions. The present paper describes methods to prepare small, very thin lamellae (area of 5×5 µm2, thickness 50–300 nm) of a cell to be studied in a cryo‐transmission electron microscope (cryo‐TEM). Special care must be taken to preserve the natural state of molecules in their natural environment. In the case of cryo‐TEM, the samples must be frozen and kept frozen to be compatible with the vacuum conditions in the microscope. The frozen condition imposes technical challenges which are addressed. Two approaches to obtain the thin lamellae are described. Both make use of a focused ion beam (FIB) microscope. The FIB allows removal of material with nanometre precision by focusing a beam of ionised atoms (gallium ions) onto the sample. Careful control of the FIB allows cutting out of the required thin lamellae. In both strategies, the thin lamellae remain attached to the original sample, and the ensemble of sample with section and sample holder is transported from the FIB microscope to the TEM while being kept frozen.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A M DE Winter
- Environmental Hydrogeology, Department of Earth Sciences, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - C Hsieh
- New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center, Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York, U.S.A
| | - M Marko
- New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center, Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York, U.S.A.,College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Albany, New York, U.S.A
| | - M F Hayles
- Cryo-FIB-SEM Technologist, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
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