Structure determination of macromolecular assemblies by single-particle analysis of cryo-electron micrographs.
A new generation of electron microscopes equipped with field emission gun electron sources and the ability to image molecules in their native environment at liquid nitrogen or helium temperatures has enabled the analysis of macromolecular structures at medium resolution (approximately 10 angstroms) and in different conformational states. The amalgamation of electron microscopy and X-ray crystallographic approaches makes it possible to solve structures in the 100-1000 angstroms size range, advancing our understanding of the function of complex assemblies. Many new structures have been solved during the past two years, including one of the smallest complexes to be determined by single-particle cryo-electron microscopy, the transferrin receptor-transferrin complex. Other notable results include the near atomic level resolution structure of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in helical arrays and an icosahedral virus structure with an asymmetric polymerase resolved.
School of Crystallography, Birkbeck College, University of London, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, UK.
Elena V
EV
Orlova
Helen R
HR
Saibil
D000251:Adenosine Triphosphatases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure; D020285:Cryoelectron Microscopy / Q000379:methods*; D004798:Enzymes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008958:Models, Molecular; D015394:Molecular Structure; D014780:Viruses / Q000648:ultrastructure
D004798:Enzymes; D000251:Adenosine Triphosphatases