LANDER LAB

Cheaper, faster, easier: Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is a technique that is now widely used to determine the structures of cellular machinery. To increase the accessibility of this powerful technique to biologists, we develop software, sample preparation strategies, and data acquisition protocols to streamline automated structure determination using cheaper, more accessible instrumentation. Our ultimate goal is near-instantaneous, automated assessment of cryo-EM specimens and rapid high-resolution structure determination... Smaller, smaller, smaller: Many of the enzymes required for cell survival are incredibly small (very small - even by electron microscopy standards). Some of these complexes are believed to be too small to resolve using single particle cryo-EM approaches. We are developing new grid support systems, sample preparation methodologies, and image processing strategies that will enable structure determination of biological complexes that are smaller than previously..

Primary location: San Diego United States