An advanced cryoEM instrument for the University of Cambridge (360G-Wellcome-206171_Z_17_Z)

<p>We seek support to consolidate an advanced electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) facility dedicated to structural studies of biological macromolecular assemblies. The facility would provide a revolutionary new tool to the large structural biology community in the University that would enable acquisition of critical data in support of a wide and diverse range of projects tackling fundamental problems in molecular biology relevant to human health. Currently, the named applicants primarily use X-ray crystallography to study large assemblies, but many of these samples cannot be readily crystallised. The recent development of a new generation of direct electron detectors, together with sophisticated data-processing software, has dramatically improved cryo-EM analysis, which now achieves routinely sub-nanometer resolution. Until recently, researchers in the university did not have access to cryoEM, but this has changed with the recent Wellcome Trust award to purchase a cryo-EM instrument&nbsp;for sample screening and intermediate resolution structure determination. We are building on this support, to develop the second phase of our strategy and seek funding for an&nbsp;advanced microscope capable of&nbsp;high resolution structure determination to complement and extend our existing instrumentations.</p>

£3,000,000

07 Dec 2016