Cryo-EM – A Rapidly Evolving Tool

Ran Zalk, Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel (ranz@bgu.ac.il)

Recent developments in Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) have revolutionized macromolecular structure determination by enabling high-resolution visualization of biological and other soft materials in their close-to-native states. Our cryo-EM core facility at Ben-Gurion University offers all the services to help elucidate high-resolution complex molecular architectures of biological and other soft-matter complexes. Our cryo-EM facility pipeline supports sample preparation, data acquisition on a high-end microscope equipped with a state-of-the-art direct detector, image processing using advanced software packages, and high-performance computation for three-dimensional reconstruction. These capabilities already support researchers from Israeli academia and industry, across diverse disciplines, to investigate the structures of proteins, nucleic acids, and organic complexes at unprecedented detail and accuracy. Our facility supports a wide range of projects, from basic research into cellular machinery to drug discovery initiatives targeting protein-drug interactions. Recent successes include elucidating the structures of challenging membrane proteins and large macromolecular assemblies, providing novel insights into their structures, functions, and mechanisms of action. Furthermore, we encourage and support user training and collaborative partnerships within the university community and beyond. Through workshops, seminars, and one-on-one training sessions, we train young and experienced researchers to leverage cryo-EM as a tool for addressing fundamental biological questions and advancing scientific discovery.