Cryo-Electron Tomography (cryoET) is an emerging technique that can resolve subcellular structures in situ with potential to reach subnanometer resolutions. Correlated cryo-fluorescence light microscopy (cryoFLM) and cryoET of frozen, hydrated cells can be used to study cellular and molecular functions and dynamics in the 3D context of cells and tissues at a higher resolution than any other imaging technique. For samples which are traditionally too thick for imaging via cryoET, a focused ion beam (FIB) can be used to produce thin lamellae (~100-300 nm) from frozen, hydrated cells containing targets of interest. The combination of cryoET, cryoFLM, and/or cryoFIB along with various other cryoET sample preparation techniques will enable researchers to study macromolecular complexes, at subnanometer resolutions, in their native environment of intact cells.
MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of the Stanford-SLAC CryoET Specimen Preparation Center (SCSC) is to provide:
- Access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and knowledge about cryoET specimen preparation
- Training and support, to increase the ability of the cryoET community to perform experiments particularly in Life and Biomedical Sciences
- Development of workflows and implementation of new technologies for cryoET specimen preparation
When operational, the Center will implement state-of-the-art cryo-specimen preparation devices. We will provide expert staff that train, assist, and advise users both onsite and remotely. We will cross-train scientists who want to employ cryoET within their own research portfolios. Our training will be targeted at a wide variety of skill levels - including short to long-term in-residence training programs for cryoET specimen preparation. Access to the Center will be through an open process based on scientific merit.
The SCSC is supported by the National Institutes of Health Common Fund Transformative High Resolution Cryo-Electron Microscopy and Cryo-Electron Tomography program through Grant number U24GM139166.
Latest News
NIH Funds National Network for Cryoelectron Tomography
During COVID-19, SLAC experiments continue with the help of remote technology
