Free poster on SARS-CoV-2 variants Download now › Search All Home›Electron Microscopy›Life Science Electron Microscopy›Single Particle Analysis ELECTRON MICROSCOPY Single Particle Analysis Single particle analysis electron microscopy offers cryo-EM structural biology at near-atomic resolution. Contact us Applications Samples Products Resources Contact Us Learning Center What is single particle analysis? Single particle analysis is an increasingly popular cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) technique that allows you to investigate biomolecules at near-atomic resolutions, unraveling dynamic biological processes and the structure of biomolecular complexes/assemblies. In single particle analysis, purified proteins or protein complexes are suspended in amorphous (vitreous) ice through rapid plunge freezing, which preserve the samples’ native structures. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is then used to collect numerous 2D snapshots of the samples. As the proteins are oriented randomly within the ice, these images show the sample at various angles, and can be recombined into a high-resolution 3D reconstruction of the sample. Learn more about the single particle analysis workflow › Single particle analysis electron microscopy benefits One of the primary challenges with investigating dynamic biological processes is the inherent complexity of biological machinery. Traditional structural biology techniques have struggled with large and/or dynamic protein systems, requiring indirect observation or the study of fragments. Luckily, single particle analysis has emerged as a well-suited approach for the direct determination of native function and dynamics in complex biological systems. Single particle analysis can validate your biochemistry work by showing the molecular details that underlie the interactions between proteins, small molecules, and post-translational modifications in large and dynamic protein systems at near-native conditions. These molecular details can reveal the mechanisms by which complex biological systems contribute to human health and disease. Single particle analysis is particularly suited for the study of membrane proteins, protein complexes, and macromolecular machines such as viruses, ribosomes, and proteasomes. For example, the human GABAA (gamma-aminobutyric acid type A) receptor is a small membrane protein and ligand-gated chloride-ion channel that mediates inhibitory neurotransmission. GABAA receptors are important therapeutic targets as they impact a variety of important signaling pathways. Due to GABAA's conformational flexibility, traditional methods have been unable to reveal its molecular mechanism of action. Single particle analysis, however, has enabled researchers to see the molecular details of this important receptor, and how they underpin its allosteric modulation. Getting started in cryo-EM single particle analysis Our team is here to help you get started with cryo-EM, so that you too can integrate single particle analysis into your structural biology research. Follow the links below to see how we support you throughout the entire process, from initial advice and planning, to financing, to personal application-specialist support. Multi-level support at every stage You can rely on our expertise to support both your investment and your research endeavors. Our highly knowledgeable cryo-EM application specialists can assist with everything from sample preparation to data processing. Rest assured when you trust your long-term ongoing support to a cryo-EM leader currently supporting 100+ systems worldwide. 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Learn more › Resources Webinars Videos Relevant Links Play Video Play Mute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 1:10:18 Loaded: Share Fullscreen Understanding Malaria Parasite Pathogenesis by Cryo-Electron Microscopy Prof. Chi-Min Ho, Columbia University Learn how employing the unique strengths of single particle cryo-EM as an experimental tool presents opportunities for structure-based design of anti-malarial drugs. Determining protein and small molecule structures with Microcrystal Electron Diffraction Dr. Tamir Gonen, UCLA & Dr. Christopher Arthur, Genentech In this webcast speakers describe the new method of MicroED and explore advances for small molecule & protein structure in pharma. The Emerging Role of Cryo-Electron Microscopy in Drug Discovery Rob Cooke, SVP Biomolecular Structure No longer a niche technique, single particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), provides a prevailing direction to obtain high-resolution structure information on proteins without crystallization. Cryo-Electron Microscopy and the Complexity of Cancer Dr. Simon Poepsel, UC Berkeley Covering both biology and methodology, this webinar will explain how single-particle cryo-electron microscopy enables us to gain insight into cancer development through the detailed analysis of molecular structure. Untangling Neurodegenerative Diseases using Cryo-Electron Microscopy Prof. Anthony Fitzpatrick, Columbia University Cryo-EM solves structures of amyloid fibrils from patient post-mortem brain tissue with a range of neurological disorders & elucidates the molecular/structural basis of neurodegeneration. Structure of alpha-synuclein fibrils by cryo-electron microscopy Ricardo Guerrero-Ferreira, Univ. Basel Webinar covers cryo-EM structure of alpha-synuclein fibril and implications of this fibril structure on amyloid fibril elongation and the rational design of biomarkers for early detection of synucleinopathies. Unraveling the structure of toxic protein aggregates in situ by cryo-electron microscopy Dr. Rubén Fernández-Busnadiego, MPI Biochemistry Learn how cryo-electron tomography imaging of protein aggregates within cells illuminates their mechanisms of cytotoxicity. Structure-guided design of SARS-CoV-2 antivirals Register to watch our recorded webinar from Dr. Quan Wang of ShanghaiTech University and Dr. Renhong Yan of Westlake University on new cryo-EM studies of the structural basis of key molecular processes including RNA replication/transcription and receptor recognition. Register now Applications Structural Biology Research Cryo-electron microscopy enables the structural analysis of challenging biological targets such as large complexes, flexible species and membrane protein. Infectious Disease Research Cryo-EM techniques enable multiscale observations of 3D biological structures in their near-native states, informing faster, more efficient development of therapeutics. Drug Discovery Learn how to take advantage of rational drug design for many major drug target classes, leading to best-in-class drugs. Samples Proteins Analysis Cryo-electron microscopy provides near-atomic resolution 3D protein structure. It can determine structural information for complexes and crystallization-resistant samples, as well as vital cellular context. Learn more › Virus Analysis Cryo-EM enables the 3D structural visualization of virus particles, and the antigen-antibody interface, at near-atomic resolutions. A virus’s inherent structural symmetry makes it the ideal target for cryo-EM analysis. 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