Making MicroED Accessible at a CryoEM Center Through Training and Infrastructure

TL;DR

This paper describes efforts to make microED accessible at a cryoEM center by improving training and collaboration.

Contribution

The paper introduces cross-training initiatives and collaborative strategies to integrate microED into cryoEM facilities.

Findings

Cross-training initiatives have been implemented to lower barriers for researchers using microED.

Collaborations between microscopists and crystallographers help integrate microED into existing cryoEM workflows.

The goal is to make microED a viable and accessible technique for structural biologists.

Abstract

Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) is powerful technology that may be applied to the structural sciences by leveraging the widely used and directly translatable modalities of single particle analysis and electron tomography. However, integrating micro electron diffraction (microED) into an existing cryoEM facilities present unique challenges including staff and instrument availability, expertise, and standard protocols. At the Simons Electron Microscopy Center (SEMC) housed at the New York Structural Biology Center (NYSBC), we have worked to lower barriers for researchers interested in all cryoEM modalities by implementing targeted cross-training initiatives, and fostering collaborations between microscopists and crystallographers. As a national cryoEM service center, NYSBC is committed to broadening access to structural biological technologies by sharing best practices, facilitating training, and ensuring that these workflows are not limited to specialized groups. As part of this mission, we aim to enable researchers by cross-training them to independently lead their own research projects. Our overall goal is to make all users view microED as a viable and accessible technique within a structural biologist's toolkit and strive to help scientists leverage the resources within their home cryoEM facilities to pursue a variety of research initiatives.