Adaptive optics approach for high-throughput, high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy of biological macromolecules and complexes

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K21176
• Project/Area Number (Other): 18H06043 (2018)
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund (2019); Single-year Grants (2018)
• Review Section: 0701:Biology at molecular to cellular levels, and related fields
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Danev Radostin 東京大学, 大学院医学系研究科(医学部), 教授 (50415931)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-08-24 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: cryo-electron microscopy / molecular structure

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Cryo-electron microscopy is a powerful technique that can determine the three-dimensional structure of proteins with high-resolution. It requires the acquisition of thousands of images from the sample. Previously, several days of data collection were required to produce a high-quality result. This was not very efficient because only a few researchers could use the expensive electron microscope every month. In this project, we developed and applied in practice a method that improved the image acquisition speed more than five times. Before, we could collect only about 1000 images per day. Now, we are collecting on average about 5500 images every day. This greatly improved the efficiency of the experiments and allowed more researchers to use the microscope.

Free Research Field

構造生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

低温電子顕微鏡における画像取得の大幅な速度改善により、タンパク質の構造研究の加速が期待されます。 生体分子の機能を理解するには、構造を知ることが不可欠です。したがって、 今回の研究の成果である新しい方法は、生物の基本的なメカニズムに関する知見が得られると期待されます。 さらに、分子の生物学的役割と機能についての深い知識は、さまざまな病気の原因と影響を理解するのに役立ちます。 高解像度の構造情報は、慢性および感染症の治療薬の開発に不可欠です。この研究は、私たちの基本的な生物学的知識を拡げ、新しい病気の治療法の開発を支援することにより、社会の幸福と生活の質の向上に貢献します。