The advent of near-atomic resolution in single-particle electron microscopy.
Single-particle electron microscopy (EM) can provide structural information for a large variety of biological molecules, ranging from small proteins to large macromolecular assemblies, without the need to produce crystals. The year 2008 has become a landmark year for single-particle EM as for the first time density maps have been produced at a resolution that made it possible to trace protein backbones or even to build atomic models. In this review, we highlight some of the recent successes achieved by single-particle EM and describe the individual steps involved in producing a density map by this technique. We also discuss some of the remaining challenges and areas, in which further advances would have a great impact on the results that can be achieved by single-particle EM.
Cheng
Yifan
Y
The W.M. Keck Advanced Microscopy Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California-San Francisco, CA 94158, USA. ycheng@ucsf.edu
Walz
Thomas
T
D006801:Humans; D008854:Microscopy, Electron / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D046912:Multiprotein Complexes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011506:Proteins / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014780:Viruses / Q000648:ultrastructure
D046912:Multiprotein Complexes; D011506:Proteins