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Schiøtz OH, Klumpe S, Plitzko JM, Kaiser CJO. Cryo-electron tomography: en route to the molecular anatomy of organisms and tissues. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:2415-2425. [PMID: 39641594 DOI: 10.1042/bst20240173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2024]
Abstract
Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) has become a key technique for obtaining structures of macromolecular complexes in their native environment, assessing their local organization and describing the molecular sociology of the cell. While microorganisms and adherent mammalian cells are common targets for tomography studies, appropriate sample preparation and data acquisition strategies for larger cellular assemblies such as tissues, organoids or small model organisms have only recently become sufficiently practical to allow for in-depth structural characterization of such samples in situ. These advances include tailored lift-out approaches using focused ion beam (FIB) milling, and improved data acquisition schemes. Consequently, cryo-ET of FIB lamellae from large volume samples can complement ultrastructural analysis with another level of information: molecular anatomy. This review highlights the recent developments towards molecular anatomy studies using cryo-ET, and briefly outlines what can be expected in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oda Helene Schiøtz
- Research Group CryoEM Technology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Sven Klumpe
- Research Group CryoEM Technology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Juergen M Plitzko
- Research Group CryoEM Technology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Christoph J O Kaiser
- Research Group CryoEM Technology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
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2
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Petrovic A, Do TT, Fernández-Busnadiego R. New insights into the molecular architecture of neurons by cryo-electron tomography. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2024; 90:102939. [PMID: 39667254 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2024.102939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 11/14/2024] [Indexed: 12/14/2024]
Abstract
Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) visualizes natively preserved cellular ultrastructure at molecular resolution. Recent developments in sample preparation workflows and image processing tools enable growing applications of cryo-ET in cellular neurobiology. As such, cryo-ET is beginning to unravel the in situ macromolecular organization of neurons using samples of increasing complexity. Here, we highlight advances in cryo-ET technology and review its recent use to study neuronal architecture and its alterations under disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arsen Petrovic
- University Medical Center Göttingen, Institute for Neuropathology, Göttingen, 37077, Germany; Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, 37077, Germany.
| | - Thanh Thao Do
- University Medical Center Göttingen, Institute for Neuropathology, Göttingen, 37077, Germany
| | - Rubén Fernández-Busnadiego
- University Medical Center Göttingen, Institute for Neuropathology, Göttingen, 37077, Germany; Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, 37077, Germany; Faculty of Physics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, 37077, Germany.
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3
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Poloneeva D, Gascon J. Application of Advanced Microscopy Techniques to the Characterization of Mixed Matrix Membranes. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202403201. [PMID: 39436767 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202403201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2024] [Revised: 10/21/2024] [Accepted: 10/22/2024] [Indexed: 10/25/2024]
Abstract
Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) have emerged as promising materials for various separation processes due to their tunable properties, enhanced separation performance and reproducibility. In this review paper, we provide a comprehensive overview of the methodologies, challenges, and applications associated with the characterization of MMMs using two advanced imaging techniques: Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB-SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). We begin by outlining the principles and capabilities of FIB-SEM and TEM, emphasizing their suitability for studying the microstructure, morphology, and composition of MMMs at nanoscale resolution. Subsequently, we discuss the specific challenges and limitations encountered in the characterization of MMMs using these techniques, including sample preparation, image acquisition, and data interpretation. Furthermore, we review the diverse applications of FIB-SEM and TEM in elucidating the structure-property relationships of MMMs. Through illustrative examples, we highlight the valuable insights gained from these imaging techniques in optimizing MMMs for various separation applications. Finally, we propose future directions and emerging trends in MMM characterization, including the integration of lasers into FIB-SEM and in situ characterization techniques, to address current challenges and push the boundaries of MMM design and performance. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art methodologies for characterizing MMMs using FIB-SEM and TEM, identifies key challenges, and offers insights into future research directions aimed at harnessing the full potential of MMMs for sustainable separation technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Poloneeva
- Advanced Catalytic Materials (ACM), KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jorge Gascon
- Advanced Catalytic Materials (ACM), KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia
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4
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Kixmoeller K, Creekmore BC, Lee EB, Chang YW. Bridging structural biology and clinical research through in-tissue cryo-electron tomography. EMBO J 2024; 43:4810-4813. [PMID: 39284913 PMCID: PMC11534999 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00216-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/11/2024] Open
Abstract
This commentary of the Sparks of Science series from the Catalysts program reflects on the contribution of technological advances in cryo-EM to medically relevant studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Kixmoeller
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Institute of Structural Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Benjamin C Creekmore
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Institute of Structural Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Translational Neuropathology Research Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Edward B Lee
- Translational Neuropathology Research Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yi-Wei Chang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Institute of Structural Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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5
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Zheng T, Cai S. Recent technical advances in cellular cryo-electron tomography. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 175:106648. [PMID: 39181502 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2024.106648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the in situ structure, organization, and interactions of macromolecules is essential for elucidating their functions and mechanisms of action. Cellular cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) is a cutting-edge technique that reveals in situ molecular-resolution architectures of macromolecules in their lifelike states. It also provides insights into the three-dimensional distribution of macromolecules and their spatial relationships with various subcellular structures. Thus, cellular cryo-ET bridges the gap between structural biology and cell biology. With rapid advancements, this technique achieved substantial improvements in throughput, automation, and resolution. This review presents the fundamental principles and methodologies of cellular cryo-ET, highlighting recent developments in sample preparation, data collection, and image processing. We also discuss emerging trends and potential future directions. As cellular cryo-ET continues to develop, it is set to play an increasingly vital role in structural cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Zheng
- Department of Chemical Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; Institute for Biological Electron Microscopy, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shujun Cai
- Department of Chemical Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; Institute for Biological Electron Microscopy, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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6
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Lyu CA, Shen Y, Zhang P. Zooming in and out: Exploring RNA Viral Infections with Multiscale Microscopic Methods. Viruses 2024; 16:1504. [PMID: 39339980 PMCID: PMC11437419 DOI: 10.3390/v16091504] [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: 08/29/2024] [Revised: 09/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA viruses, being submicroscopic organisms, have intriguing biological makeups and substantially impact human health. Microscopic methods have been utilized for studying RNA viruses at a variety of scales. In order of observation scale from large to small, fluorescence microscopy, cryo-soft X-ray tomography (cryo-SXT), serial cryo-focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy (cryo-FIB/SEM) volume imaging, cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) single-particle analysis (SPA) have been employed, enabling researchers to explore the intricate world of RNA viruses, their ultrastructure, dynamics, and interactions with host cells. These methods evolve to be combined to achieve a wide resolution range from atomic to sub-nano resolutions, making correlative microscopy an emerging trend. The developments in microscopic methods provide multi-fold and spatial information, advancing our understanding of viral infections and providing critical tools for developing novel antiviral strategies and rapid responses to emerging viral threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-An Lyu
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK;
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Oxford Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Yao Shen
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK;
| | - Peijun Zhang
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK;
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Oxford Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0DE, UK
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7
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McKenzie AT, Zeleznikow-Johnston A, Sparks JS, Nnadi O, Smart J, Wiley K, Cerullo MA, de Wolf A, Minerva F, Risco R, Church GM, de Magalhães JP, Kendziorra EF. Structural brain preservation: a potential bridge to future medical technologies. FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2024; 6:1400615. [PMID: 39315362 PMCID: PMC11416988 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2024.1400615] [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: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
When faced with the prospect of death, some people would prefer a form of long-term preservation that may allow them to be restored to healthy life in the future, if technology ever develops to the point that this is feasible and humane. Some believe that we may have the capacity to perform this type of experimental preservation today-although it has never been proven-using contemporary methods to preserve the structure of the brain. The idea is that the morphomolecular organization of the brain encodes the information required for psychological properties such as personality and long-term memories. If these structures in the brain can be maintained intact over time, this could theoretically provide a bridge to access restorative technologies in the future. To consider this hypothesis, we first describe possible metrics that can be used to assess structural brain preservation quality. We next explore several possible methods to preserve structural information in the brain, including the traditional cryonics method of cryopreservation, as well as aldehyde-stabilized cryopreservation and fluid preservation. We focus in-depth on fluid preservation, which relies on aldehyde fixation to induce chemical gel formation in a wide set of biomolecules and appears to be a cost-effective method. We describe two theoretical recovery technologies, alongside several of the ethical and legal complexities of brain preservation, all of which will require a prudent approach. We believe contemporary structural brain preservation methods have a non-negligible chance of allowing successful restoration in the future and that this deserves serious research efforts by the scientific community.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ariel Zeleznikow-Johnston
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Oge Nnadi
- Brain Preservation Foundation, Ashburn, VA, United States
| | - John Smart
- Brain Preservation Foundation, Ashburn, VA, United States
| | - Keith Wiley
- Brain Preservation Foundation, Ashburn, VA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Ramón Risco
- Escuela Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Sevilla & National Accelerators Center, CNA-CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - George M. Church
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - João Pedro de Magalhães
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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8
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Schiøtz OH, Kaiser CJO, Klumpe S, Morado DR, Poege M, Schneider J, Beck F, Klebl DP, Thompson C, Plitzko JM. Serial Lift-Out: sampling the molecular anatomy of whole organisms. Nat Methods 2024; 21:1684-1692. [PMID: 38110637 PMCID: PMC11399102 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-02113-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Cryo-focused ion beam milling of frozen-hydrated cells and subsequent cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) has enabled the structural elucidation of macromolecular complexes directly inside cells. Application of the technique to multicellular organisms and tissues, however, is still limited by sample preparation. While high-pressure freezing enables the vitrification of thicker samples, it prolongs subsequent preparation due to increased thinning times and the need for extraction procedures. Additionally, thinning removes large portions of the specimen, restricting the imageable volume to the thickness of the final lamella, typically <300 nm. Here we introduce Serial Lift-Out, an enhanced lift-out technique that increases throughput and obtainable contextual information by preparing multiple sections from single transfers. We apply Serial Lift-Out to Caenorhabditis elegans L1 larvae, yielding a cryo-ET dataset sampling the worm's anterior-posterior axis, and resolve its ribosome structure to 7 Å and a subregion of the 11-protofilament microtubule to 13 Å, illustrating how Serial Lift-Out enables the study of multicellular molecular anatomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oda Helene Schiøtz
- Research Group CryoEM Technology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Christoph J O Kaiser
- Research Group CryoEM Technology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Sven Klumpe
- Research Group CryoEM Technology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Dustin R Morado
- Department of Cell and Virus Structure, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
- Department for Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Matthias Poege
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Jonathan Schneider
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Florian Beck
- Research Group CryoEM Technology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - David P Klebl
- Department of Cell and Virus Structure, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Christopher Thompson
- Materials and Structural Analysis, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Jürgen M Plitzko
- Research Group CryoEM Technology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany.
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9
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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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10
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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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11
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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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12
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Stuart DI, Oksanen HM, Abrescia NGA. Integrative Approaches to Study Virus Structures. Subcell Biochem 2024; 105:247-297. [PMID: 39738949 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-65187-8_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2025]
Abstract
A virus particle must work as a strongroom to protect its genome, but at the same time it must undergo dramatic conformational changes to infect the cell in order to replicate and assemble progeny. Thus, viruses are miniaturized wonders whose structural complexity requires investigation by a combination of different techniques that can tackle both static and dynamic processes. In this chapter, we will illustrate how major structural techniques such as X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy can be combined with other techniques to determine the structure of complex viruses. The power of these hybrid approaches is discussed through a number of examples.
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Affiliation(s)
- David I Stuart
- Division of Structural Biology, The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Diamond Light Source Ltd, Diamond House, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
| | - Hanna M Oksanen
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nicola G A Abrescia
- Structure and Cell Biology of Viruses Lab, CIC bioGUNE - Basque Research and Technology Alliance, Derio, Spain.
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
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13
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Yang Q, Wu C, Zhu D, Li J, Cheng J, Zhang X. The reduction of FIB damage on cryo-lamella by lowering energy of ion beam revealed by a quantitative analysis. Structure 2023; 31:1275-1281.e4. [PMID: 37527655 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2023.07.002] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Focused ion beam (FIB) is widely used for thinning frozen cells to produce lamellae for cryo-electron microscopy imaging and for protein structures study in vivo. However, FIB damages the lamellae and a quantitative experimental analysis of the damage is lacking. We used a 30-keV gallium FIB to prepare lamellae of a highly concentrated icosahedral virus sample. The viruses were grouped according to their distance from the surface of lamellae and reconstructed. Damage to the approximately 20-nm-thick outermost lamella surface was similar to that from exposure to 16 e-/Å2 in a 300-kV cryo-electron microscope at high-resolution range. The damage was negligible at a depth beyond 50 nm, which was reduced to 30 nm if 8-keV Ga+ was used during polishing. We designed extra steps in the reconstruction refinement to maximize undamaged signals and increase the resolution. The results demonstrated that low-energy beam polishing was essential for high-quality thinner lamellae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Yang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100101, P.R. China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
| | - Chunling Wu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100101, P.R. China
| | - Dongjie Zhu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100101, P.R. China
| | - Junxi Li
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100101, P.R. China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
| | - Jing Cheng
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100101, P.R. China
| | - Xinzheng Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100101, P.R. China.
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14
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Zeng Y, Liang Z, Liu Z, Li B, Cui Y, Gao C, Shen J, Wang X, Zhao Q, Zhuang X, Erdmann PS, Wong KB, Jiang L. Recent advances in plant endomembrane research and new microscopical techniques. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 240:41-60. [PMID: 37507353 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The endomembrane system consists of various membrane-bound organelles including the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi apparatus, trans-Golgi network (TGN), endosomes, and the lysosome/vacuole. Membrane trafficking between distinct compartments is mainly achieved by vesicular transport. As the endomembrane compartments and the machineries regulating the membrane trafficking are largely conserved across all eukaryotes, our current knowledge on organelle biogenesis and endomembrane trafficking in plants has mainly been shaped by corresponding studies in mammals and yeast. However, unique perspectives have emerged from plant cell biology research through the characterization of plant-specific regulators as well as the development and application of the state-of-the-art microscopical techniques. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge on the plant endomembrane system, with a focus on several distinct pathways: ER-to-Golgi transport, protein sorting at the TGN, endosomal sorting on multivesicular bodies, vacuolar trafficking/vacuole biogenesis, and the autophagy pathway. We also give an update on advanced imaging techniques for the plant cell biology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonglun Zeng
- School of Life Sciences, Centre for Cell & Developmental Biology and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zizhen Liang
- School of Life Sciences, Centre for Cell & Developmental Biology and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhiqi Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Centre for Cell & Developmental Biology and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Baiying Li
- School of Life Sciences, Centre for Cell & Developmental Biology and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Caiji Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Plant Development, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Jinbo Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Xiangfeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qiong Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Xiaohong Zhuang
- School of Life Sciences, Centre for Cell & Developmental Biology and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Philipp S Erdmann
- Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini, 1, Milan, I-20157, Italy
| | - Kam-Bo Wong
- Centre for Protein Science and Crystallography, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Liwen Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Centre for Cell & Developmental Biology and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
- The CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518057, China
- Institute of Plant Molecular Biology and Agricultural Biotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
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15
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Graham M, Zhang P. Cryo-electron tomography to study viral infection. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:1701-1711. [PMID: 37560901 PMCID: PMC10578967 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Developments in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) have been interwoven with the study of viruses ever since its first applications to biological systems. Following the success of single particle cryo-EM in the last decade, cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) is now rapidly maturing as a technology and catalysing great advancement in structural virology as its application broadens. In this review, we provide an overview of the use of cryo-ET to study viral infection biology, discussing the key workflows and strategies used in the field. We highlight the vast body of studies performed on purified viruses and virus-like particles (VLPs), as well as discussing how cryo-ET can characterise host-virus interactions and membrane fusion events. We further discuss the importance of in situ cellular imaging in revealing previously unattainable details of infection and highlight the need for validation of high-resolution findings from purified ex situ systems. We give perspectives for future developments to achieve the full potential of cryo-ET to characterise the molecular processes of viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles Graham
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, U.K
| | - Peijun Zhang
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, U.K
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0DE, U.K
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Oxford Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, U.K
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16
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Lucas BA. Visualizing everything, everywhere, all at once: Cryo-EM and the new field of structureomics. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2023; 81:102620. [PMID: 37279614 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2023.102620] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Twenty years ago, the release of the first draft of the human genome sequence instigated a paradigm shift in genomics and molecular biology. Arguably, structural biology is entering an analogous era, with availability of an experimentally determined or predicted molecular model for almost every protein-coding gene from many genomes-producing a reference "structureome". Structural predictions require experimental validation and not all proteins conform to a single structure, making any reference structureome necessarily incomplete. Despite these limitations, a reference structureome can be used to characterize cell state in more detail than by quantifying sequence or expression levels alone. Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is a method that can generate atomic resolution views of molecules and cells frozen in place. In this perspective I consider how emerging cryo-EM methods are contributing to the new field of structureomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwyn A Lucas
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; Center for Computational Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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17
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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: 2.5] [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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18
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Zhao L, Cui Y, Li J, Xie Y, Li W, Zhang J. The 3D Controllable Fabrication of Nanomaterials with FIB-SEM Synchronization Technology. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:1839. [PMID: 37368269 DOI: 10.3390/nano13121839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Nanomaterials with unique structures and functions have been widely used in the fields of microelectronics, biology, medicine, and aerospace, etc. With advantages of high resolution and multi functions (e.g., milling, deposition, and implantation), focused ion beam (FIB) technology has been widely developed due to urgent demands for the 3D fabrication of nanomaterials in recent years. In this paper, FIB technology is illustrated in detail, including ion optical systems, operating modes, and combining equipment with other systems. Together with the in situ and real-time monitoring of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging, a FIB-SEM synchronization system achieved 3D controllable fabrication from conductive to semiconductive and insulative nanomaterials. The controllable FIB-SEM processing of conductive nanomaterials with a high precision is studied, especially for the FIB-induced deposition (FIBID) 3D nano-patterning and nano-origami. As for semiconductive nanomaterials, the realization of high resolution and controllability is focused on nano-origami and 3D milling with a high aspect ratio. The parameters of FIB-SEM and its working modes are analyzed and optimized to achieve the high aspect ratio fabrication and 3D reconstruction of insulative nanomaterials. Furthermore, the current challenges and future outlooks are prospected for the 3D controllable processing of flexible insulative materials with high resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lirong Zhao
- School of Physics, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yimin Cui
- School of Physics, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Junyi Li
- School of Physics, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yuxi Xie
- School of Physics, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Wenping Li
- School of Physics, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Junying Zhang
- School of Physics, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
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19
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Parkhurst JM, Crawshaw AD, Siebert CA, Dumoux M, Owen CD, Nunes P, Waterman D, Glen T, Stuart DI, Naismith JH, Evans G. Investigation of the milling characteristics of different focused-ion-beam sources assessed by three-dimensional electron diffraction from crystal lamellae. IUCRJ 2023; 10:270-287. [PMID: 36952226 PMCID: PMC10161776 DOI: 10.1107/s2052252523001902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional electron diffraction (3DED) from nanocrystals of biological macromolecules requires the use of very small crystals. These are typically less than 300 nm-thick in the direction of the electron beam due to the strong interaction between electrons and matter. In recent years, focused-ion-beam (FIB) milling has been used in the preparation of thin samples for 3DED. These instruments typically use a gallium liquid metal ion source. Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) sources in principle offer faster milling rates. Little work has been done to quantify the damage these sources cause to delicate biological samples at cryogenic temperatures. Here, an analysis of the effect that milling with plasma FIB (pFIB) instrumentation has on lysozyme crystals is presented. This work evaluates both argon and xenon plasmas and compares them with crystals milled with a gallium source. A milling protocol was employed that utilizes an overtilt to produce wedge-shaped lamellae with a shallow thickness gradient which yielded very thin crystalline samples. 3DED data were then acquired and standard data-processing statistics were employed to assess the quality of the diffraction data. An upper bound to the depth of the pFIB-milling damage layer of between 42.5 and 50 nm is reported, corresponding to half the thickness of the thinnest lamellae that resulted in usable diffraction data. A lower bound of between 32.5 and 40 nm is also reported, based on a literature survey of the minimum amount of diffracting material required for 3DED.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M. Parkhurst
- Rosalind Franklin Insititute, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxford OX11 0QX, United Kingdom
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxford OX11 0QS, United Kingdom
| | - Adam D. Crawshaw
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxford OX11 0QS, United Kingdom
| | - C. Alistair Siebert
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxford OX11 0QS, United Kingdom
| | - Maud Dumoux
- Rosalind Franklin Insititute, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxford OX11 0QX, United Kingdom
| | - C. David Owen
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxford OX11 0QS, United Kingdom
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, Oxford OX11 0FA, United Kingdom
| | - Pedro Nunes
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxford OX11 0QS, United Kingdom
| | - David Waterman
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, Oxford OX11 0FA, United Kingdom
- CCP4, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxford OX11 0FA, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Glen
- Rosalind Franklin Insititute, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxford OX11 0QX, United Kingdom
| | - David I. Stuart
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxford OX11 0QS, United Kingdom
- Division of Structural Biology, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, United Kingdom
| | - James H. Naismith
- Rosalind Franklin Insititute, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxford OX11 0QX, United Kingdom
- Division of Structural Biology, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, United Kingdom
| | - Gwyndaf Evans
- Rosalind Franklin Insititute, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxford OX11 0QX, United Kingdom
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxford OX11 0QS, United Kingdom
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