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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Hale VL, Hooker J, Russo CJ, Löwe J. Honeycomb gold specimen supports enabling orthogonal focussed ion beam-milling of elongated cells for cryo-ET. J Struct Biol 2024; 216:108097. [PMID: 38772448 PMCID: PMC7616276 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2024.108097] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Cryo-focussed ion beam (FIB)-milling is a powerful technique that opens up thick, cellular specimens to high-resolution structural analysis by electron cryotomography (cryo-ET). FIB-milled lamellae can be produced from cells on grids, or cut from thicker, high-pressure frozen specimens. However, these approaches can put geometrical constraints on the specimen that may be unhelpful, particularly when imaging structures within the cell that have a very defined orientation. For example, plunge frozen rod-shaped bacteria orient parallel to the plane of the grid, yet the Z-ring, a filamentous structure of the tubulin-like protein FtsZ and the key organiser of bacterial division, runs around the circumference of the cell such that it is perpendicular to the imaging plane. It is therefore difficult or impractical to image many complete rings with current technologies. To circumvent this problem, we have fabricated monolithic gold specimen supports with a regular array of cylindrical wells in a honeycomb geometry, which trap bacteria in a vertical orientation. These supports, which we call "honeycomb gold discs", replace standard EM grids and when combined with FIB-milling enable the production of lamellae containing cross-sections through cells. The resulting lamellae are more stable and resistant to breakage and charging than conventional lamellae. The design of the honeycomb discs can be modified according to need and so will also enable cryo-ET and cryo-EM imaging of other specimens in otherwise difficult to obtain orientations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James Hooker
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | | | - Jan Löwe
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK.
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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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Nicolas WJ, Shiriaeva A, Martynowycz MW, Grey AC, Ruma Y, Donaldson PJ, Gonen T. Structure of the lens MP20 mediated adhesive junction. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.13.594022. [PMID: 38798449 PMCID: PMC11118347 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.13.594022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Human lens fiber membrane intrinsic protein MP20 is the second most abundant membrane protein of the human eye lens. Despite decades of effort its structure and function remained elusive. Here, we determined the MicroED structure of full-length human MP20 in lipidic-cubic phase to a resolution of 3.5 Å. MP20 forms tetramers each of which contain 4 transmembrane α-helices that are packed against one another forming a helical bundle. Both the N- and C- termini of MP20 are cytoplasmic. We found that each MP20 tetramer formed adhesive interactions with an opposing tetramer in a head-to-head fashion. These interactions were mediated by the extracellular loops of the protein. The dimensions of the MP20 adhesive junctions are consistent with the 11 nm thin lens junctions. Investigation of MP20 localization in human lenses indicated that in young fiber cells MP20 was stored intracellularly in vesicles and upon fiber cell maturation MP20 inserted into the plasma membrane and restricted the extracellular space. Together these results suggest that MP20 forms lens thin junctions in vivo confirming its role as a structural protein in the human eye lens, essential for its optical transparency.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J. Nicolas
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Anna Shiriaeva
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Michael W. Martynowycz
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Angus C Grey
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, NZ
| | - Yasmeen Ruma
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Paul J Donaldson
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, NZ
| | - Tamir Gonen
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
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5
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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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6
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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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7
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Asarnow D, Becker VA, Bobe D, Dubbledam C, Johnston JD, Kopylov M, Lavoie NR, Li Q, Mattingly JM, Mendez JH, Paraan M, Turner J, Upadhye V, Walsh RM, Gupta M, Eng ET. Recent advances in infectious disease research using cryo-electron tomography. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 10:1296941. [PMID: 38288336 PMCID: PMC10822977 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1296941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
With the increasing spread of infectious diseases worldwide, there is an urgent need for novel strategies to combat them. Cryogenic sample electron microscopy (cryo-EM) techniques, particularly electron tomography (cryo-ET), have revolutionized the field of infectious disease research by enabling multiscale observation of biological structures in a near-native state. This review highlights the recent advances in infectious disease research using cryo-ET and discusses the potential of this structural biology technique to help discover mechanisms of infection in native environments and guiding in the right direction for future drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Asarnow
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Vada A. Becker
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Daija Bobe
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Charlie Dubbledam
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jake D. Johnston
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mykhailo Kopylov
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nathalie R. Lavoie
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Qiuye Li
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Jacob M. Mattingly
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Joshua H. Mendez
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mohammadreza Paraan
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jack Turner
- European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Viraj Upadhye
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Richard M. Walsh
- Harvard Cryo-Electron Microscopy Center for Structural Biology and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Meghna Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Edward T. Eng
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, United States
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8
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Yang JE, Larson MR, Sibert BS, Kim JY, Parrell D, Sanchez JC, Pappas V, Kumar A, Cai K, Thompson K, Wright ER. Correlative montage parallel array cryo-tomography for in situ structural cell biology. Nat Methods 2023; 20:1537-1543. [PMID: 37723245 PMCID: PMC10555823 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-01999-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Imaging large fields of view while preserving high-resolution structural information remains a challenge in low-dose cryo-electron tomography. Here we present robust tools for montage parallel array cryo-tomography (MPACT) tailored for vitrified specimens. The combination of correlative cryo-fluorescence microscopy, focused-ion-beam milling, substrate micropatterning, and MPACT supports studies that contextually define the three-dimensional architecture of cells. To further extend the flexibility of MPACT, tilt series may be processed in their entirety or as individual tiles suitable for sub-tomogram averaging, enabling efficient data processing and analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie E Yang
- 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 R 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
| | - Bryan S 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
| | - Joseph Y Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Daniel Parrell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Juan C Sanchez
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Biophysics Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Victoria Pappas
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Biophysics Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Anil Kumar
- 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
| | - Kai Cai
- 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
| | - Keith Thompson
- 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
| | - 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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9
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Skoupý R, Boltje DB, Slouf M, Mrázová K, Láznička T, Taisne CM, Krzyžánek V, Hoogenboom JP, Jakobi AJ. Robust Local Thickness Estimation of Sub-Micrometer Specimen by 4D-STEM. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2300258. [PMID: 37248805 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
A quantitative four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) imaging technique (q4STEM) for local thickness estimation across amorphous specimen such as obtained by focused ion beam (FIB)-milling of lamellae for (cryo-)TEM analysis is presented. This study is based on measuring spatially resolved diffraction patterns to obtain the angular distribution of electron scattering, or the ratio of integrated virtual dark and bright field STEM signals, and their quantitative evaluation using Monte Carlo simulations. The method is independent of signal intensity calibrations and only requires knowledge of the detector geometry, which is invariant for a given instrument. This study demonstrates that the method yields robust thickness estimates for sub-micrometer amorphous specimen using both direct detection and light conversion 2D-STEM detectors in a coincident FIB-SEM and a conventional SEM. Due to its facile implementation and minimal dose reauirements, it is anticipated that this method will find applications for in situ thickness monitoring during lamella fabrication of beam-sensitive materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radim Skoupý
- Institute of Scientific Instruments, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, 61264, CZ
- Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, 2628 CD, NL
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, 2628 CJ, NL
- Department of Imaging Physics, Delft University of Technology, Delft, 2628 CJ, NL
| | - Daan B Boltje
- Department of Imaging Physics, Delft University of Technology, Delft, 2628 CJ, NL
| | - Miroslav Slouf
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, 162 00, CZ
| | - Kateřina Mrázová
- Institute of Scientific Instruments, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, 61264, CZ
| | - Tomáš Láznička
- Institute of Scientific Instruments, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, 61264, CZ
| | - Clémence M Taisne
- Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, 2628 CD, NL
| | - Vladislav Krzyžánek
- Institute of Scientific Instruments, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, 61264, CZ
| | - Jacob P Hoogenboom
- Department of Imaging Physics, Delft University of Technology, Delft, 2628 CJ, NL
| | - Arjen J Jakobi
- Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, 2628 CD, NL
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10
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Cleeve P, Dierickx D, Naegele L, Kannachel R, Burne L, Buckley G, Gorelick S, Whisstock JC, de Marco A. OpenFIBSEM: A universal API for FIBSEM control. J Struct Biol 2023; 215:107967. [PMID: 37105276 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2023.107967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
This paper introduces OpenFIBSEM, a universal API to control Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopes (FIBSEM). OpenFIBSEM aims to improve the programmability and automation of electron microscopy workflows in structural biology research. The API is designed to be cross-platform, composable, and extendable: allowing users to use any portion of OpenFIBSEM to develop or integrate with other software tools. The package provides core functionality such as imaging, movement, milling, and manipulator control, as well as system calibration, alignment, and image analysis modules. Further, a library of reusable user interface components integrated with napari is provided, ensuring easy and efficient application development. OpenFIBSEM currently supports ThermoFisher and TESCAN hardware, with support for other manufacturers planned. To demonstrate the improved automation capabilities enabled by OpenFIBSEM, several example applications that are compatible with multiple hardware manufacturers are discussed. We argue that OpenFIBSEM provides the foundation for a cross-platform operating system and development ecosystem for FIBSEM systems. The API and applications are open-source and available on GitHub (https://github.com/DeMarcoLab/fibsem).
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Cleeve
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 3800 Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Dierickx
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 3800 Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lucile Naegele
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 3800 Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rohit Kannachel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 3800 Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lachlan Burne
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 3800 Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Genevieve Buckley
- Ramaciotti Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Monash University, 3800 Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sergey Gorelick
- Monash Centre for Electron Microscopy, Monash University, 3800 Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - James C Whisstock
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 3800 Clayton, Victoria, Australia; EMBL Australia, Monash University, 3800 Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Alex de Marco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 3800 Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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11
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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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12
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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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13
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Shiriaeva A, Martynowycz MW, Nicolas WJ, Cherezov V, Gonen T. MicroED structure of the human vasopressin 1B receptor. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.05.547888. [PMID: 37461729 PMCID: PMC10350018 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.05.547888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
The small size and flexibility of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have long posed a significant challenge to determining their structures for research and therapeutic applications. Single particle cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) is often out of reach due to the small size of the receptor without a signaling partner. Crystallization of GPCRs in lipidic cubic phase (LCP) often results in crystals that may be too small and difficult to analyze using X-ray microcrystallography at synchrotron sources or even serial femtosecond crystallography at X-ray free electron lasers. Here, we determine the previously unknown structure of the human vasopressin 1B receptor (V1BR) using microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED). To achieve this, we grew V1BR microcrystals in LCP and transferred the material directly onto electron microscopy grids. The protein was labeled with a fluorescent dye prior to crystallization to locate the microcrystals using cryogenic fluorescence microscopy, and then the surrounding material was removed using a plasma-focused ion beam to thin the sample to a thickness amenable to MicroED. MicroED data from 14 crystalline lamellae were used to determine the 3.2 Å structure of the receptor in the crystallographic space group P 1. These results demonstrate the use of MicroED to determine previously unknown GPCR structures that, despite significant effort, were not tractable by other methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Shiriaeva
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Michael W. Martynowycz
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - William J. Nicolas
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Vadim Cherezov
- Bridge Institute, University of Southern California Michelson Center for Convergent Biosciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90007
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90007
| | - Tamir Gonen
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
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14
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Zimmermann L, Chlanda P. Cryo-electron tomography of viral infection - from applications to biosafety. Curr Opin Virol 2023; 61:101338. [PMID: 37348443 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2023.101338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Cellular cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) offers 3D snapshots at molecular resolution capturing pivotal steps during viral infection. However, tomogram quality depends on the vitrification level of the sample and its thickness. In addition, mandatory inactivation protocols to assure biosafety when handling highly pathogenic viruses during cryo-ET can compromise sample preservation. Here, we focus on different strategies applied in cryo-ET and discuss their advantages and limitations with reference to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 studies. We highlight the importance of virus-like particle (VLP) and replicon systems to study virus assembly and replication in a cellular context without inactivation protocols. We discuss the application of chemical fixation and different irradiation methods in cryo-ET sample preparation and acquisition workflows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liv Zimmermann
- Schaller Research Groups, Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Petr Chlanda
- Schaller Research Groups, Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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15
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Last MGF, Tuijtel MW, Voortman LM, Sharp TH. Selecting optimal support grids for super-resolution cryogenic correlated light and electron microscopy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8270. [PMID: 37217690 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35590-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) and super-resolution fluorescence microscopy are two popular and ever improving methods for high-resolution imaging of biological samples. In recent years, the combination of these two techniques into one correlated workflow has gained attention as a promising route towards contextualizing and enriching cryo-TEM imagery. A problem that is often encountered in the combination of these methods is that of light-induced damage to the sample during fluorescence imaging that renders the sample structure unsuitable for TEM imaging. In this paper, we describe how absorption of light by TEM sample support grids leads to sample damage, and we systematically explore the importance of parameters of grid design. We explain how, by changing the grid geometry and materials, one can increase the maximum illumination power density in fluorescence microscopy by up to an order of magnitude. Finally, we demonstrate the significant improvements in super-resolution image quality that are enabled by the selection of support grids that are optimally suited for correlated cryo-microscopy.
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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
| | - Maarten W Tuijtel
- Department of Molecular Sociology, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Max-von-Laue-Straße 3, 60438, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - 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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16
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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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17
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Li S, Jia X, Niu T, Zhang X, Qi C, Xu W, Deng H, Sun F, Ji G. HOPE-SIM, a cryo-structured illumination fluorescence microscopy system for accurately targeted cryo-electron tomography. Commun Biol 2023; 6:474. [PMID: 37120442 PMCID: PMC10148829 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04850-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryo-focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) milling technology has been developed for the fabrication of cryo-lamella of frozen native specimens for study by in situ cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET). However, the precision of the target of interest is still one of the major bottlenecks limiting application. Here, we have developed a cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy (cryo-CLEM) system named HOPE-SIM by incorporating a 3D structured illumination fluorescence microscopy (SIM) system and an upgraded high-vacuum stage to achieve efficiently targeted cryo-FIB. With the 3D super resolution of cryo-SIM as well as our cryo-CLEM software, 3D-View, the correlation precision of targeting region of interest can reach to 110 nm enough for the subsequent cryo-lamella fabrication. We have successfully utilized the HOPE-SIM system to prepare cryo-lamellae targeting mitochondria, centrosomes of HeLa cells and herpesvirus assembly compartment of infected BHK-21 cells, which suggests the high potency of the HOPE-SIM system for future in situ cryo-ET workflows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuoguo Li
- Center for Biological Imaging, Core Facilities for Protein Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
- National Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Jia
- Center for Biological Imaging, Core Facilities for Protein Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Tongxin Niu
- Center for Biological Imaging, Core Facilities for Protein Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zhang
- Center for Biological Imaging, Core Facilities for Protein Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Qi
- Center for Biological Imaging, Core Facilities for Protein Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Center for Biological Imaging, Core Facilities for Protein Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyu Deng
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Center for Biological Imaging, Core Facilities for Protein Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China.
- National Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China.
| | - Gang Ji
- Center for Biological Imaging, Core Facilities for Protein Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China.
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18
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Wang S, Zhou H, Chen W, Jiang Y, Yan X, You H, Li X. CryoFIB milling large tissue samples for cryo-electron tomography. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5879. [PMID: 37041258 PMCID: PMC10090186 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32716-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryo-electron tomography (cryoET) is a powerful tool for exploring the molecular structure of large organisms. However, technical challenges still limit cryoET applications on large samples. In particular, localization and cutting out objects of interest from a large tissue sample are still difficult steps. In this study, we report a sample thinning strategy and workflow for tissue samples based on cryo-focused ion beam (cryoFIB) milling. This workflow provides a full solution for isolating objects of interest by starting from a millimeter-sized tissue sample and ending with hundred-nanometer-thin lamellae. The workflow involves sample fixation, pre-sectioning, a two-step milling strategy, and localization of the object of interest using cellular secondary electron imaging (CSEI). The milling strategy consists of two steps, a coarse milling step to improve the milling efficiency, followed by a fine milling step. The two-step milling creates a furrow-ridge structure with an additional conductive Pt layer to reduce the beam-induced charging issue. CSEI is highlighted in the workflow, which provides on-the-fly localization during cryoFIB milling. Tests of the complete workflow were conducted to demonstrate the high efficiency and high feasibility of the proposed method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihan Wang
- Key Laboratory for Protein Sciences of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, 100084, China
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing, 100084, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Heng Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Protein Sciences of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, 100084, China
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing, 100084, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yifeng Jiang
- ZEISS Microscopy Customer Center, Beijing Laboratory, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Xuzhen Yan
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Hong You
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Xueming Li
- Key Laboratory for Protein Sciences of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Beijing, 100084, China.
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19
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Berger C, Premaraj N, Ravelli RBG, Knoops K, López-Iglesias C, Peters PJ. Cryo-electron tomography on focused ion beam lamellae transforms structural cell biology. Nat Methods 2023; 20:499-511. [PMID: 36914814 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-01783-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Cryogenic electron microscopy and data processing enable the determination of structures of isolated macromolecules to near-atomic resolution. However, these data do not provide structural information in the cellular environment where macromolecules perform their native functions, and vital molecular interactions can be lost during the isolation process. Cryogenic focused ion beam (FIB) fabrication generates thin lamellae of cellular samples and tissues, enabling structural studies on the near-native cellular interior and its surroundings by cryogenic electron tomography (cryo-ET). Cellular cryo-ET benefits from the technological developments in electron microscopes, detectors and data processing, and more in situ structures are being obtained and at increasingly higher resolution. In this Review, we discuss recent studies employing cryo-ET on FIB-generated lamellae and the technological developments in ultrarapid sample freezing, FIB fabrication of lamellae, tomography, data processing and correlative light and electron microscopy that have enabled these studies. Finally, we explore the future of cryo-ET in terms of both methods development and biological application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casper Berger
- Division of Nanoscopy, Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Structural Biology, The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Didcot, UK
| | - Navya Premaraj
- Division of Nanoscopy, Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Raimond B G Ravelli
- Division of Nanoscopy, Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Kèvin Knoops
- Division of Nanoscopy, Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Carmen López-Iglesias
- Division of Nanoscopy, Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Peter J Peters
- Division of Nanoscopy, Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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20
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Martynowycz MW, Shiriaeva A, Clabbers MTB, Nicolas WJ, Weaver SJ, Hattne J, Gonen T. A robust approach for MicroED sample preparation of lipidic cubic phase embedded membrane protein crystals. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1086. [PMID: 36841804 PMCID: PMC9968316 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36733-4] [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: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Crystallizing G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in lipidic cubic phase (LCP) often yields crystals suited for the cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) method microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED). However, sample preparation is challenging. Embedded crystals cannot be targeted topologically. Here, we use an integrated fluorescence light microscope (iFLM) inside of a focused ion beam and scanning electron microscope (FIB-SEM) to identify fluorescently labeled GPCR crystals. Crystals are targeted using the iFLM and LCP is milled using a plasma focused ion beam (pFIB). The optimal ion source for preparing biological lamellae is identified using standard crystals of proteinase K. Lamellae prepared using either argon or xenon produced the highest quality data and structures. MicroED data are collected from the milled lamellae and the structures are determined. This study outlines a robust approach to identify and mill membrane protein crystals for MicroED and demonstrates plasma ion-beam milling is a powerful tool for preparing biological lamellae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W Martynowycz
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Anna Shiriaeva
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Max T B Clabbers
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - William J Nicolas
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Sara J Weaver
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Johan Hattne
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Tamir Gonen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA. .,Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA. .,Department of Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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21
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Berger C, Dumoux M, Glen T, Yee NBY, Mitchels JM, Patáková Z, Darrow MC, Naismith JH, Grange M. Plasma FIB milling for the determination of structures in situ. Nat Commun 2023; 14:629. [PMID: 36746945 PMCID: PMC9902539 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36372-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Structural biology studies inside cells and tissues require methods to thin vitrified specimens to electron transparency. Until now, focused ion beams based on gallium have been used. However, ion implantation, changes to surface chemistry and an inability to access high currents limit gallium application. Here, we show that plasma-coupled ion sources can produce cryogenic lamellae of vitrified human cells in a robust and automated manner, with quality sufficient for pseudo-atomic structure determination. Lamellae were produced in a prototype microscope equipped for long cryogenic run times (> 1 week) and with multi-specimen support fully compatible with modern-day transmission electron microscopes. We demonstrate that plasma ion sources can be used for structural biology within cells, determining a structure in situ to 4.9 Å, and characterise the resolution dependence on particle distance from the lamella edge. We describe a workflow upon which different plasmas can be examined to further streamline lamella fabrication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casper Berger
- Structural Biology, The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0QS, United Kingdom.,Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, OX3 7BN, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Maud Dumoux
- Structural Biology, The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0QS, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Glen
- Structural Biology, The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0QS, United Kingdom
| | - Neville B-Y Yee
- Artificial Intelligence & Informatics, The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0QS, United Kingdom
| | - John M Mitchels
- Thermo Fisher Scientific Brno s.r.o, Brno, 627 00, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Patáková
- Thermo Fisher Scientific Brno s.r.o, Brno, 627 00, Czech Republic
| | - Michele C Darrow
- Artificial Intelligence & Informatics, The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0QS, United Kingdom
| | - James H Naismith
- Structural Biology, The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0QS, United Kingdom.,Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, OX3 7BN, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Grange
- Structural Biology, The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0QS, United Kingdom. .,Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, OX3 7BN, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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22
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Li S, Wang Z, Jia X, Niu T, Zhang J, Yin G, Zhang X, Zhu Y, Ji G, Sun F. ELI trifocal microscope: a precise system to prepare target cryo-lamellae for in situ cryo-ET study. Nat Methods 2023; 20:276-283. [PMID: 36646897 PMCID: PMC9911351 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-022-01748-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) has become a powerful approach to study the high-resolution structure of cellular macromolecular machines in situ. However, the current correlative cryo-fluorescence and electron microscopy lacks sufficient accuracy and efficiency to precisely prepare cryo-lamellae of target locations for subsequent cryo-ET. Here we describe a precise cryogenic fabrication system, ELI-TriScope, which sets electron (E), light (L) and ion (I) beams at the same focal point to achieve accurate and efficient preparation of a target cryo-lamella. ELI-TriScope uses a commercial dual-beam scanning electron microscope modified to incorporate a cryo-holder-based transfer system and embed an optical imaging system just underneath the vitrified specimen. Cryo-focused ion beam milling can be accurately navigated by monitoring the real-time fluorescence signal of the target molecule. Using ELI-TriScope, we prepared a batch of cryo-lamellae of HeLa cells targeting the centrosome with a success rate of ~91% and discovered new in situ structural features of the human centrosome by cryo-ET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuoguo Li
- Center for Biological Imaging, Core Facilities for Protein Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyan Wang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Jia
- Center for Biological Imaging, Core Facilities for Protein Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tongxin Niu
- Center for Biological Imaging, Core Facilities for Protein Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianguo Zhang
- Center for Biological Imaging, Core Facilities for Protein Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guoliang Yin
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zhang
- Center for Biological Imaging, Core Facilities for Protein Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Zhu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- National Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Gang Ji
- Center for Biological Imaging, Core Facilities for Protein Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Fei Sun
- Center for Biological Imaging, Core Facilities for Protein Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- National Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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23
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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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24
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Dow LP, Gaietta G, Kaufman Y, Swift MF, Lemos M, Lane K, Hopcroft M, Bezault A, Sauvanet C, Volkmann N, Pruitt BL, Hanein D. Morphological control enables nanometer-scale dissection of cell-cell signaling complexes. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7831. [PMID: 36539423 PMCID: PMC9768166 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35409-9] [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: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein micropatterning enables robust control of cell positioning on electron-microscopy substrates for cryogenic electron tomography (cryo-ET). However, the combination of regulated cell boundaries and the underlying electron-microscopy substrate (EM-grids) provides a poorly understood microenvironment for cell biology. Because substrate stiffness and morphology affect cellular behavior, we devised protocols to characterize the nanometer-scale details of the protein micropatterns on EM-grids by combining cryo-ET, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Measuring force displacement characteristics of holey carbon EM-grids, we found that their effective spring constant is similar to physiological values expected from skin tissues. Despite their apparent smoothness at light-microscopy resolution, spatial boundaries of the protein micropatterns are irregular at nanometer scale. Our protein micropatterning workflow provides the means to steer both positioning and morphology of cell doublets to determine nanometer details of punctate adherens junctions. Our workflow serves as the foundation for studying the fundamental structural changes governing cell-cell signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam P. Dow
- grid.133342.40000 0004 1936 9676Mechanical Engineering and Biomolecular Science and Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA USA
| | - Guido Gaietta
- grid.465257.70000 0004 5913 8442Scintillon Institute, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Yair Kaufman
- grid.133342.40000 0004 1936 9676Mechanical Engineering and Biomolecular Science and Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA USA
| | - Mark F. Swift
- grid.465257.70000 0004 5913 8442Scintillon Institute, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Moara Lemos
- grid.428999.70000 0001 2353 6535Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR3528, Structural Studies of Macromolecular Machines in Cellulo Unit, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Kerry Lane
- grid.133342.40000 0004 1936 9676Mechanical Engineering and Biomolecular Science and Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA USA
| | - Matthew Hopcroft
- grid.133342.40000 0004 1936 9676Mechanical Engineering and Biomolecular Science and Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA USA
| | - Armel Bezault
- grid.428999.70000 0001 2353 6535Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR3528, Structural Studies of Macromolecular Machines in Cellulo Unit, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Cécile Sauvanet
- grid.428999.70000 0001 2353 6535Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR3528, Structural Studies of Macromolecular Machines in Cellulo Unit, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Niels Volkmann
- grid.465257.70000 0004 5913 8442Scintillon Institute, San Diego, CA USA ,Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR3528, Structural Image Analysis Unit, Paris, France
| | - Beth L. Pruitt
- grid.133342.40000 0004 1936 9676Mechanical Engineering and Biomolecular Science and Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA USA
| | - Dorit Hanein
- grid.465257.70000 0004 5913 8442Scintillon Institute, San Diego, CA USA ,grid.428999.70000 0001 2353 6535Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR3528, Structural Studies of Macromolecular Machines in Cellulo Unit, F-75015 Paris, France ,grid.133342.40000 0004 1936 9676Present Address: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA USA
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25
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Zabeo D, Davies KM. Studying membrane modulation mechanisms by electron cryo-tomography. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2022; 77:102464. [PMID: 36174286 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2022.102464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Membrane modulation is a key part of cellular life. Critical to processes like energy production, cell division, trafficking, migration and even pathogen entry, defects in membrane modulation are often associated with diseases. Studying the molecular mechanisms of membrane modulation is challenging due to the highly dynamic nature of the oligomeric assemblies involved, which adopt multiple conformations depending on the precise event they are participating in. With the development of electron cryo-tomography and subtomogram averaging, many of these challenges are being resolved as it is now possible to observe complex macromolecular assemblies inside a cell at nanometre to sub-nanometre resolutions. Here, we review the different ways electron cryo-tomography is being used to help uncover the molecular mechanisms used by cells to shape their membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Zabeo
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
| | - Karen M Davies
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK.
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26
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Klykov O, Bobe D, Paraan M, Johnston JD, Potter CS, Carragher B, Kopylov M, Noble AJ. In situ cryo-FIB/SEM Specimen Preparation Using the Waffle Method. Bio Protoc 2022; 12:4544. [PMID: 36618877 PMCID: PMC9795037 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryo-focused ion beam (FIB) milling of vitrified specimens is emerging as a powerful method for in situ specimen preparation. It allows for the preservation of native and near-native conditions in cells, and can reveal the molecular structure of protein complexes when combined with cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) and sub-tomogram averaging. Cryo-FIB milling is often performed on plunge-frozen specimens of limited thickness. However, this approach may have several disadvantages, including low throughput for cells that are small, or at low concentration, or poorly distributed across accessible areas of the grid, as well as for samples that may adopt a preferred orientation. Here, we present a detailed description of the "Waffle Method" protocol for vitrifying thick specimens followed by a semi-automated milling procedure using the Thermo Fisher Scientific (TFS) Aquilos 2 cryo-FIB/scanning electron microscope (SEM) instrument and AutoTEM Cryo software to produce cryo-lamellae. With this protocol, cryo-lamellae may be generated from specimens, such as microsporidia spores, yeast, bacteria, and mammalian cells, as well as purified proteins and protein complexes. An experienced lab can perform the entire protocol presented here within an 8-hour working day, resulting in two to three cryo-lamellae with target thicknesses of 100-200 nm and dimensions of approximately 12 μm width and 15-20 μm length. For cryo-FIB/SEMs with particularly low-contamination chambers, the protocol can be extended to overnight milling, resulting in up to 16 cryo-lamellae in 24 h. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Klykov
- National Center for In-situ Tomographic Ultramicroscopy, Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA
,
*For correspondence:
;
| | - Daija Bobe
- National Center for In-situ Tomographic Ultramicroscopy, Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA
,
*For correspondence:
;
| | - Mohammadreza Paraan
- National Center for In-situ Tomographic Ultramicroscopy, Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jake D. Johnston
- National Center for In-situ Tomographic Ultramicroscopy, Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA
,
Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Clinton S. Potter
- National Center for In-situ Tomographic Ultramicroscopy, Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA
,
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; *Contributed equally to this work
| | - Bridget Carragher
- National Center for In-situ Tomographic Ultramicroscopy, Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA
,
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; *Contributed equally to this work
| | - Mykhailo Kopylov
- National Center for In-situ Tomographic Ultramicroscopy, Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alex J. Noble
- National Center for In-situ Tomographic Ultramicroscopy, Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA
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27
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Cathodoluminescence imaging of cellular structures labeled with luminescent iridium or rhenium complexes at cryogenic temperatures. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13432. [PMID: 35927332 PMCID: PMC9352783 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17723-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
We report for the first time the use of two live-cell imaging agents from the group of luminescent transition metal complexes (IRAZOLVE-MITO and REZOLVE-ER) as cathodoluminescent probes. This first experimental demonstration shows the application of both probes for the identification of cellular structures at the nanoscale and near the native state directly in the cryo-scanning electron microscope. This approach can potentially be applied to correlative and multimodal approaches and used to target specific regions within vitrified samples at low electron beam energies.
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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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29
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Gundlach KA, Briegel A. Zooming in on host-symbiont interactions: advances in cryo-EM sample processing methods and future application to symbiotic tissues. Symbiosis 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13199-022-00859-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AbstractAnimals, plants, and fungi live in a microbe-dominated world. Investigating the interactions and processes at the host-microbe interface offers insight to how bacteria influence the development, health, and disease of the host. Optimization of existing imaging technologies and development of novel instrumentation will provide the tools needed to fully understand the dynamic relationship that occurs at the host-microbe interface throughout the lifetime of the host. In this review, we describe the current methods used in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) including cryo-fixation, sample processing, FIB-SEM, and cryotomography. Further, we highlight the new advances associated with these methods that open the cryo-EM discipline to large, complex multicellular samples, like symbiotic tissues. We describe the advantages and challenges associated with correlative imaging techniques and sample thinning methods like lift-out. By highlighting recent pioneering studies in the large-volume or symbiotic sample workflows, we provide insight into how symbiotic model systems will benefit from cryo-EM methods to provide artefact-free, near-native, macromolecular-scale resolution imaging at the host-microbe interface throughout the development and maintenance of symbiosis. Cryo-EM methods have brought a deep fundamental understanding of prokaryotic biology since its conception. We propose the application of existing and novel cryo-EM techniques to symbiotic systems is the logical next step that will bring an even greater understanding how microbes interact with their host tissues.
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30
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Revealing bacterial cell biology using cryo-electron tomography. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2022; 75:102419. [PMID: 35820259 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2022.102419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Visualizing macromolecules inside bacteria at a high spatial resolution has remained a challenge owing to their small size and limited resolution of optical microscopy techniques. Recent advances in cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) imaging methods have revealed the spatial and temporal assemblies of many macromolecules involved in different cellular processes in bacteria at a resolution of a few nanometers in their native milieu. Specifically, the application of cryo-focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) milling to thin bacterial specimens makes them amenable for high-resolution cryo-ET data collection. In this review, we highlight recent research in three emerging areas of bacterial cell biology that have benefited from the cryo-FIB-ET technology - cytoskeletal filament assembly, intracellular organelles, and multicellularity.
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31
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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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32
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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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Fermie J, de Jager L, Foster HE, Veenendaal T, de Heus C, van Dijk S, ten Brink C, Oorschot V, Yang L, Li W, Müller WH, Howes S, Carter AP, Förster F, Posthuma G, Gerritsen HC, Klumperman J, Liv N. Bimodal endocytic probe for three-dimensional correlative light and electron microscopy. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2022; 2:100220. [PMID: 35637912 PMCID: PMC9142762 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2022.100220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
We present a bimodal endocytic tracer, fluorescent BSA-gold (fBSA-Au), as a fiducial marker for 2D and 3D correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) applications. fBSA-Au consists of colloidal gold (Au) particles stabilized with fluorescent BSA. The conjugate is efficiently endocytosed and distributed throughout the 3D endolysosomal network of cells and has an excellent visibility in both fluorescence microscopy (FM) and electron microscopy (EM). We demonstrate that fBSA-Au facilitates rapid registration in several 2D and 3D CLEM applications using Tokuyasu cryosections, resin-embedded material, and cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM). Endocytosed fBSA-Au benefits from a homogeneous 3D distribution throughout the endosomal system within the cell, does not obscure any cellular ultrastructure, and enables accurate (50-150 nm) correlation of fluorescence to EM data. The broad applicability and visibility in both modalities makes fBSA-Au an excellent endocytic fiducial marker for 2D and 3D (cryo)CLEM applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Job Fermie
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Molecular Biophysics, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Leanne de Jager
- Structural Biochemistry, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Helen E. Foster
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Division of Structural Studies, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tineke Veenendaal
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Cecilia de Heus
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Suzanne van Dijk
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Corlinda ten Brink
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Viola Oorschot
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lin Yang
- Institute of Genetics & Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Li
- Institute of Genetics & Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wally H. Müller
- Microbiology, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Stuart Howes
- Structural Biochemistry, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Andrew P. Carter
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Division of Structural Studies, Cambridge, UK
| | - Friedrich Förster
- Structural Biochemistry, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - George Posthuma
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hans C. Gerritsen
- Molecular Biophysics, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Judith Klumperman
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Nalan Liv
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Loginov SV, Fermie J, Fokkema J, Agronskaia AV, De Heus C, Blab GA, Klumperman J, Gerritsen HC, Liv N. Correlative Organelle Microscopy: Fluorescence Guided Volume Electron Microscopy of Intracellular Processes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:829545. [PMID: 35478966 PMCID: PMC9035751 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.829545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular processes depend on a strict spatial and temporal organization of proteins and organelles. Therefore, directly linking molecular to nanoscale ultrastructural information is crucial in understanding cellular physiology. Volume or three-dimensional (3D) correlative light and electron microscopy (volume-CLEM) holds unique potential to explore cellular physiology at high-resolution ultrastructural detail across cell volumes. However, the application of volume-CLEM is hampered by limitations in throughput and 3D correlation efficiency. In order to address these limitations, we describe a novel pipeline for volume-CLEM that provides high-precision (<100 nm) registration between 3D fluorescence microscopy (FM) and 3D electron microscopy (EM) datasets with significantly increased throughput. Using multi-modal fiducial nanoparticles that remain fluorescent in epoxy resins and a 3D confocal fluorescence microscope integrated into a Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscope (FIB.SEM), our approach uses FM to target extremely small volumes of even single organelles for imaging in volume EM and obviates the need for post-correlation of big 3D datasets. We extend our targeted volume-CLEM approach to include live-cell imaging, adding information on the motility of intracellular membranes selected for volume-CLEM. We demonstrate the power of our approach by targeted imaging of rare and transient contact sites between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and lysosomes within hours rather than days. Our data suggest that extensive ER-lysosome and mitochondria-lysosome interactions restrict lysosome motility, highlighting the unique capabilities of our integrated CLEM pipeline for linking molecular dynamic data to high-resolution ultrastructural detail in 3D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey V. Loginov
- Molecular Biophysics, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Job Fermie
- Molecular Biophysics, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jantina Fokkema
- Molecular Biophysics, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Alexandra V. Agronskaia
- Molecular Biophysics, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Cilia De Heus
- Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Gerhard A. Blab
- Molecular Biophysics, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Judith Klumperman
- Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Hans C. Gerritsen
- Molecular Biophysics, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Nalan Liv
- Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Nalan Liv,
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35
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Cremer C, Birk U. Spatially modulated illumination microscopy: application perspectives in nuclear nanostructure analysis. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY A: MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2022; 380:20210152. [PMID: 0 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2021.0152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Thousands of genes and the complex biochemical networks for their transcription are packed in the micrometer sized cell nucleus. To control biochemical processes, spatial organization plays a key role. Hence the structure of the cell nucleus of higher organisms has emerged as a main topic of advanced light microscopy. So far, a variety of methods have been applied for this, including confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy, 4Pi-, STED- and localization microscopy approaches, as well as (laterally) structured illumination microscopy (SIM). Here, we summarize the state of the art and discuss application perspectives for nuclear nanostructure analysis of spatially modulated illumination (SMI). SMI is a widefield-based approach to using axially structured illumination patterns to determine the axial extension (size) of small, optically isolated fluorescent objects between less than or equal to 200 nm and greater than or equal to 40 nm diameter with a precision down to the few nm range; in addition, it allows the axial positioning of such structures down to the 1 nm scale. Combined with SIM, a three-dimensional localization precision of less than or equal to 1 nm is expected to become feasible using fluorescence yields typical for single molecule localization microscopy applications. Together with its nanosizing capability, this may eventually be used to analyse macromolecular complexes and other nanostructures with a topological resolution, further narrowing the gap to Cryoelectron microscopy.
This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘Super-resolution structured illumination microscopy (part 2)’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Cremer
- Max-Planck Institute for Polymer Research, and Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), D-55128 Mainz, Germany
- Kirchhoff Institute for Physics (KIP), Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), and Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), University Heidelberg, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Udo Birk
- Institute for Photonics and ICT (IPI), University of Applied Sciences (FH Graubünden), CH-7000 Chur, Switzerland
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36
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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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37
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Boltje DB, Hoogenboom JP, Jakobi AJ, Jensen GJ, Jonker CTH, Kaag MJ, Koster AJ, Last MGF, de Agrela Pinto C, Plitzko JM, Raunser S, Tacke S, Wang Z, van der Wee EB, Wepf R, den Hoedt S. A cryogenic, coincident fluorescence, electron, and ion beam microscope. eLife 2022; 11:82891. [PMID: 36305590 PMCID: PMC9714966 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82891] [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: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryogenic electron tomography (cryo-ET) combined with subtomogram averaging, allows in situ visualization and structure determination of macromolecular complexes at subnanometre resolution. Cryogenic focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) micromachining is used to prepare a thin lamella-shaped sample out of a frozen-hydrated cell for cryo-ET imaging, but standard cryo-FIB fabrication is blind to the precise location of the structure or proteins of interest. Fluorescence-guided focused ion beam (FIB) milling at target locations requires multiple sample transfers prone to contamination, and relocation and registration accuracy is often insufficient for 3D targeting. Here, we present in situ fluorescence microscopy-guided FIB fabrication of a frozen-hydrated lamella to address this problem: we built a coincident three-beam cryogenic correlative microscope by retrofitting a compact cryogenic microcooler, custom positioning stage, and an inverted widefield fluorescence microscope (FM) on an existing FIB scanning electron microscope. We show FM controlled targeting at every milling step in the lamella fabrication process, validated with transmission electron microscope tomogram reconstructions of the target regions. The ability to check the lamella during and after the milling process results in a higher success rate in the fabrication process and will increase the throughput of fabrication for lamellae suitable for high-resolution imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daan B Boltje
- Department of Imaging Physic, Delft University of TechnologyDelftNetherlands,Delmic B.VDelftNetherlands
| | - Jacob P Hoogenboom
- Department of Imaging Physic, Delft University of TechnologyDelftNetherlands
| | - Arjen J Jakobi
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of TechnologyDelftNetherlands
| | - Grant J Jensen
- California Institute of TechnologyPasadenaUnited States,Brigham Young UniversityProvoUnited States
| | | | - Max J Kaag
- Department of Imaging Physic, Delft University of TechnologyDelftNetherlands
| | - Abraham J Koster
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical CenterLeidenNetherlands
| | - Mart GF Last
- Delmic B.VDelftNetherlands,Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical CenterLeidenNetherlands
| | | | - Jürgen M Plitzko
- CryoEM Technology, Max Planck Institute of BiochemistryMartinsriedGermany
| | - Stefan Raunser
- Department of Structural Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute of Molecular PhysiologyDortmundGermany
| | - Sebastian Tacke
- Department of Structural Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute of Molecular PhysiologyDortmundGermany
| | - Zhexin Wang
- Department of Structural Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute of Molecular PhysiologyDortmundGermany
| | | | - Roger Wepf
- Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
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38
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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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Abstract
Cryo-electron tomography has stepped fully into the spotlight. Enthusiasm is high. Fortunately for us, this is an exciting time to be a cryotomographer, but there is still a way to go before declaring victory. Despite its potential, cryo-electron tomography possesses many inherent challenges. How do we image through thick cell samples, and possibly even tissue? How do we identify a protein of interest amidst the noisy, crowded environment of the cytoplasm? How do we target specific moments of a dynamic cellular process for tomographic imaging? In this review, we cover the history of cryo-electron tomography and how it came to be, roughly speaking, as well as the many approaches that have been developed to overcome its intrinsic limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan K. Hylton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Matthew T. Swulius
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
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40
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Martynowycz MW, Gonen T. Protocol for the use of focused ion-beam milling to prepare crystalline lamellae for microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED). STAR Protoc 2021; 2:100686. [PMID: 34382014 PMCID: PMC8339237 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2021.100686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We present an in-depth protocol to reproducibly prepare crystalline lamellae from protein crystals for subsequent microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED) experiments. This protocol covers typical soluble proteins and membrane proteins embedded in dense media. Following these steps will allow the user to prepare crystalline lamellae for protein structure determination by MicroED. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Martynowycz et al. (2019a, 2020a).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W. Martynowycz
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Tamir Gonen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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41
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Sibert BS, Kim JY, Yang JE, Wright ER. Micropatterning Transmission Electron Microscopy Grids to Direct Cell Positioning within Whole-Cell Cryo-Electron Tomography Workflows. J Vis Exp 2021. [PMID: 34570100 PMCID: PMC8601404 DOI: 10.3791/62992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Whole-cell cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) is a powerful technology that is used to produce nanometer-level resolution structures of macromolecules present in the cellular context and preserved in a near-native frozen-hydrated state. However, there are challenges associated with culturing and/or adhering cells onto TEM grids in a manner that is suitable for tomography while retaining the cells in their physiological state. Here, a detailed step-by-step protocol is presented on the use of micropatterning to direct and promote eukaryotic cell growth on TEM grids. During micropatterning, cell growth is directed by depositing extra-cellular matrix (ECM) proteins within specified patterns and positions on the foil of the TEM grid while the other areas remain coated with an anti-fouling layer. Flexibility in the choice of surface coating and pattern design makes micropatterning broadly applicable for a wide range of cell types. Micropatterning is useful for studies of structures within individual cells as well as more complex experimental systems such as host-pathogen interactions or differentiated multi-cellular communities. Micropatterning may also be integrated into many downstream whole-cell cryo-ET workflows, including correlative light and electron microscopy (cryo-CLEM) and focused-ion beam milling (cryo-FIB).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan S Sibert
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison; Cryo-Electron Microscopy Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison; Midwest Center for Cryo-Electron Tomography, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison
| | - Joseph Y Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison; Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison
| | - Jie E Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison; Cryo-Electron Microscopy Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison; Midwest Center for Cryo-Electron Tomography, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison
| | - Elizabeth R Wright
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison; Cryo-Electron Microscopy Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison; Midwest Center for Cryo-Electron Tomography, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison; Morgridge Institute for Research;
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42
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Bäuerlein FJB, Baumeister W. Towards Visual Proteomics at High Resolution. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:167187. [PMID: 34384780 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Traditionally, structural biologists approach the complexity of cellular proteomes in a reductionist manner. Proteomes are fractionated, their molecular components purified and studied one-by-one using the experimental methods for structure determination at their disposal. Visual proteomics aims at obtaining a holistic picture of cellular proteomes by studying them in situ, ideally in unperturbed cellular environments. The method that enables doing this at highest resolution is cryo-electron tomography. It allows to visualize cellular landscapes with molecular resolution generating maps or atlases revealing the interaction networks which underlie cellular functions in health and in disease states. Current implementations of cryo ET do not yet realize the full potential of the method in terms of resolution and interpretability. To this end, further improvements in technology and methodology are needed. This review describes the state of the art as well as measures which we expect will help overcoming current limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix J B Bäuerlein
- Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, Department for Molecular Structural Biology, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Planegg, Germany; Georg-August-University, Institute for Neuropathology, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Wolfgang Baumeister
- Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, Department for Molecular Structural Biology, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Planegg, Germany.
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43
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Zhang J, Zhang D, Sun L, Ji G, Huang X, Niu T, Xu J, Ma C, Zhu Y, Gao N, Xu W, Sun F. VHUT-cryo-FIB, a method to fabricate frozen hydrated lamellae from tissue specimens for in situ cryo-electron tomography. J Struct Biol 2021; 213:107763. [PMID: 34174447 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2021.107763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) provides a promising approach to study intact structures of macromolecules in situ, but the efficient preparation of high-quality cryosections represents a bottleneck. Although cryo-focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) milling has emerged for large and flat cryo-lamella preparation, its application to tissue specimens remains challenging. Here, we report an integrated workflow, VHUT-cryo-FIB, for efficiently preparing frozen hydrated tissue lamella that can be readily used in subsequent cryo-ET studies. The workflow includes vibratome slicing, high-pressure freezing, ultramicrotome cryo-trimming and cryo-FIB milling. Two strategies were developed for loading cryo-lamella via a side-entry cryo-holder or an FEI AutoGrid. The workflow was validated by using various tissue specimens, including rat skeletal muscle, rat liver and spinach leaf specimens, and in situ structures of ribosomes were obtained at nanometer resolution from the spinach and liver samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianguo Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Center for Biological Imaging, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Danyang Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Physical Science Laboratory, Huairou National Comprehensive Science Center, No. 5 Yanqi East Second Street, Beijing 101400, China
| | - Lei Sun
- Center for Biological Imaging, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Gang Ji
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Center for Biological Imaging, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiaojun Huang
- Center for Biological Imaging, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Tongxin Niu
- National Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Center for Biological Imaging, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jiashu Xu
- National Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chengying Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yun Zhu
- National Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wei Xu
- National Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Center for Biological Imaging, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Fei Sun
- National Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Center for Biological Imaging, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Physical Science Laboratory, Huairou National Comprehensive Science Center, No. 5 Yanqi East Second Street, Beijing 101400, China.
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44
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Abstract
The application of cryo-correlative light and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-CLEM) gives us a way to locate structures of interest in the electron microscope. In brief, the structures of interest are fluorescently tagged, and images from the cryo-fluorescent microscope (cryo-FM) maps are superimposed on those from the cryo-electron microscope (cryo-EM). By enhancing cryo-FM to include single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM), we can achieve much better localization. The introduction of cryo-SMLM increased the yield of photons from fluorophores, which can benefit localization efforts. Dahlberg and Moerner (2021, Annual Review of Physical Chemistry, 72, 253-278) have a recent broad and elegant review of super-resolution cryo-CLEM. This paper focuses on cryo(F)PALM/STORM for the cryo-electron tomography community. I explore the current challenges to increase the accuracy of localization by SMLM and the mapping of those positions onto cryo-EM images and maps. There is much to consider: we need to know if the excitation of fluorophores damages the structures we seek to visualize. We need to determine if higher numerical aperture (NA) objectives, which add complexity to image analysis but increase resolution and the efficiency of photon collection, are better than lower NA objectives, which pose fewer problems. We need to figure out the best way to determine the axial position of fluorophores. We need to have better ways of aligning maps determined by FM with those determined by EM. We need to improve the instrumentation to be easier to use, more accurate, and ice-contamination free. The bottom line is that we have more work to do.
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45
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Bendre AD, Peters PJ, Kumar J. Recent Insights into the Structure and Function of Mycobacterial Membrane Proteins Facilitated by Cryo-EM. J Membr Biol 2021; 254:321-341. [PMID: 33954837 PMCID: PMC8099146 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-021-00179-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is one of the deadliest pathogens encountered by humanity. Over the decades, its characteristic membrane organization and composition have been understood. However, there is still limited structural information and mechanistic understanding of the constituent membrane proteins critical for drug discovery pipelines. Recent advances in single-particle cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography have provided the much-needed impetus towards structure determination of several vital Mtb membrane proteins whose structures were inaccessible via X-ray crystallography and NMR. Important insights into membrane composition and organization have been gained via a combination of electron tomography and biochemical and biophysical assays. In addition, till the time of writing this review, 75 new structures of various Mtb proteins have been reported via single-particle cryo-EM. The information obtained from these structures has improved our understanding of the mechanisms of action of these proteins and the physiological pathways they are associated with. These structures have opened avenues for structure-based drug design and vaccine discovery programs that might help achieve global-TB control. This review describes the structural features of selected membrane proteins (type VII secretion systems, Rv1819c, Arabinosyltransferase, Fatty Acid Synthase, F-type ATP synthase, respiratory supercomplex, ClpP1P2 protease, ClpB disaggregase and SAM riboswitch), their involvement in physiological pathways, and possible use as a drug target. Tuberculosis is a deadly disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The Cryo-EM and tomography have simplified the understanding of the mycobacterial membrane organization. Some proteins are located in the plasma membrane; some span the entire envelope, while some, like MspA, are located in the mycomembrane. Cryo-EM has made the study of such membrane proteins feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameya D Bendre
- Laboratory of Membrane Protein Biology, National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, S. P. Pune University Campus, Ganeshkhind, Pune, Maharashtra, 411007, India
| | - Peter J Peters
- The Maastricht Multimodal Molecular Imaging Institute (M4I), Division of Nanoscopy, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Janesh Kumar
- Laboratory of Membrane Protein Biology, National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, S. P. Pune University Campus, Ganeshkhind, Pune, Maharashtra, 411007, India.
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46
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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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Cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy workflow for cryo-focused ion beam milled adherent cells. Methods Cell Biol 2021; 162:273-302. [PMID: 33707016 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2020.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In situ cryo-electron tomography of cryo-focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) milled cells enables the study of cellular organelles in unperturbed conditions and close to the molecular resolution. However, due to the crowdedness of the cellular environment, the identification of individual macromolecular complexes either on organelles or inside the cytosol in cryo-electron tomograms is challenging. Cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy (cryo-CLEM) employs a fluorescently labeled feature of interest imaged by cryo-light microscopy that is correlated to cryo-electron microscopy maps of cryo-FIB milled lamellae using correlation markers discernable by both imaging methods. Here, we provide a protocol for a post-correlation on-lamella cryo-CLEM approach for localization of fluorescently labeled organelles of interest in cryo-lamellae after cryo-FIB milling and tomography of adherent plunge frozen cells.
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Post-correlation on-lamella cryo-CLEM reveals the membrane architecture of lamellar bodies. Commun Biol 2021; 4:137. [PMID: 33514845 PMCID: PMC7846596 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01567-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lamellar bodies (LBs) are surfactant-rich organelles in alveolar cells. LBs disassemble into a lipid-protein network that reduces surface tension and facilitates gas exchange in the alveolar cavity. Current knowledge of LB architecture is predominantly based on electron microscopy studies using disruptive sample preparation methods. We established and validated a post-correlation on-lamella cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy approach for cryo-FIB milled cells to structurally characterize and validate the identity of LBs in their unperturbed state. Using deconvolution and 3D image registration, we were able to identify fluorescently labeled membrane structures analyzed by cryo-electron tomography. In situ cryo-electron tomography of A549 cells as well as primary Human Small Airway Epithelial Cells revealed that LBs are composed of membrane sheets frequently attached to the limiting membrane through “T”-junctions. We report a so far undescribed outer membrane dome protein complex (OMDP) on the limiting membrane of LBs. Our data suggest that LB biogenesis is driven by parallel membrane sheet import and by the curvature of the limiting membrane to maximize lipid storage capacity. Using the post-correlation on-lamella cryo-CLEM workflow, Klein, Wimmer et al. show that lamellar bodies (LBs) are composed of membrane sheets frequently attached to the limiting membrane through T-junctions in ABCA3 overexpressing cells and in primary human small airway epithelial cells. This study provides insights into LB biogenesis and membrane packing inside the LB.
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Leung MR, Zeev-Ben-Mordehai T. Cryo-electron microscopy of cholinesterases, present and future. J Neurochem 2020; 158:1236-1243. [PMID: 33222205 PMCID: PMC8518539 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) exist in a variety of oligomeric forms, each with defined cellular and subcellular distributions. Although crystal structures of AChE and BChE have been available for many years, structures of the physiologically relevant ChE tetramer were only recently solved by cryo‐electron microscopy (cryo‐EM) single‐particle analysis. Here, we briefly review how these structures contribute to our understanding of cholinesterase oligomerization, highlighting the advantages of using cryo‐EM to resolve structures of protein assemblies that cannot be expressed recombinantly. We argue that the next frontier in cholinesterase structural biology is to image membrane‐anchored ChE oligomers directly in their native environment—the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Ricardo Leung
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,The Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, The University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tzviya Zeev-Ben-Mordehai
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,The Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, The University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Chang IY, Rahman M, Harned A, Cohen-Fix O, Narayan K. Cryo-fluorescence microscopy of high-pressure frozen C. elegans enables correlative FIB-SEM imaging of targeted embryonic stages in the intact worm. Methods Cell Biol 2020; 162:223-252. [PMID: 33707014 PMCID: PMC9472676 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2020.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Rapidly changing features in an intact biological sample are challenging to efficiently trap and image by conventional electron microscopy (EM). For example, the model organism C. elegans is widely used to study embryonic development and differentiation, yet the fast kinetics of cell division makes the targeting of specific developmental stages for ultrastructural study difficult. We set out to image the condensed metaphase chromosomes of an early embryo in the intact worm in 3-D. To achieve this, one must capture this transient structure, then locate and subsequently image the corresponding volume by EM in the appropriate context of the organism, all while minimizing a variety of artifacts. In this methodological advance, we report on the high-pressure freezing of spatially constrained whole C. elegans hermaphrodites in a combination of cryoprotectants to identify embryonic cells in metaphase by in situ cryo-fluorescence microscopy. The screened worms were then freeze substituted, resin embedded and further prepared such that the targeted cells were successfully located and imaged by focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM). We reconstructed the targeted metaphase structure and also correlated an intriguing punctate fluorescence signal to a H2B-enriched putative polar body autophagosome in an adjacent cell undergoing telophase. By enabling cryo-fluorescence microscopy of thick samples, our workflow can thus be used to trap and image transient structures in C. elegans or similar organisms in a near-native state, and then reconstruct their corresponding cellular architectures at high resolution and in 3-D by correlative volume EM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Y Chang
- Center for Molecular Microscopy, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States; Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Mohammad Rahman
- The Laboratory of Biochemistry and Genetics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Adam Harned
- Center for Molecular Microscopy, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States; Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Orna Cohen-Fix
- The Laboratory of Biochemistry and Genetics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Kedar Narayan
- Center for Molecular Microscopy, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States; Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, United States.
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