Cryo-electron microscope for structural and cell biology

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Unlike conventional electron microscopy (EM), cryo-EM samples are neither dehydrated nor stained and so the structure of samples remain close to the shape for the hydrated structure in the native environment. Large macromolecules and subcellular structures are proving to be excellent targets for cryo-EM. We are applying for funds for the acquisition of a cryo-electron microscope (cryo-EM) to transform the impact of our research in structural molecular biology and cell biology. Recent advances, which include direct electron detectors and data processing to correct for molecular movement in the electron beam, have revolutionised cryo-electron microscopy making it possible to determine atomic resolution structures of macromolecules and nano-machines. The results will be transformative for research in structural biology and cell biology at Queen Mary University of London. This proposal is especially timely as we have recently employed structural biologists who need access to cryo-EM (Darbari, Garnett, Milanesi), just secured access to a Titan Krios for high-resolution data collection (Pickersgill co-I), and we have a number of active and of developing projects in healthy ageing through the lifecourse, combating antimicrobial resistance, synthetic biology and bioenergy for which cryo-EM will provide a step-change in understanding the biology of the systems. We also have several existing staff who need to access cryo-EM, both single particle analysis and cryo-tomography to allow ultrastructural imaging. Finally, we have four further appointments to make in these areas in 2017/18. The equipment will also transform our ability to train the next generation of researchers, both our undergraduate students (MSci) and PhD students including those from the BBSRC LIDO DTP.