3D-EM Group
The Wadsworth Center 3D-EM Group consists of Wadsworth researchers who develop and use the latest advances in electron microscopy and image processing to study cellular processes, disease mechanisms and microbial pathogens. The techniques pioneered at Wadsworth are used by scientists around the world, and images generated over the past 4 decades can be found in top journals, textbooks and encyclopedias.
Biological Research Areas
Ribosomes and the mechanism of protein translation
As the site of protein synthesis, the functioning of this macromolecule is relevant to a wide range of diseases and disorders.
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Functional states of the ryanodine receptor (RyR) and 3D structure of the triad junction
This macromolecule, also known as the calcium-release channel, mediates muscle contraction and is involved in disorders of both skeletal and cardiac muscle.
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Microtubule-based complexes and organelles
Microtubules are present in almost all cells, and are responsible for many forms of motility, as well as playing a key role in cell division.
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Mitochondria
This cellular organelle is responsible for energy production, and is sensitive to and indicative of many pathological states.
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Technological Development Areas
Single-particle cryo-EM
Individual projection images of many examples of a single ice-embedded macromolecule are combined to yield a high-resolution 3-D reconstruction.
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Cryo-electron tomography
Projection images of a unique, vitreously frozen subcellular feature are recorded over a range viewing angles and combined into a 3-D reconstruction.
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SPIDER and Web image-processing software
A suite of image-processing operations and protocols for creating 3-D reconstructions from electron microscope images, SPIDER and Web are used in about 100 laboratories worldwide.
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Cryo-focused-ion-beam (FIB) preparation of vitreous specimens for cryo-TEM
A new technique to create thin TEM samples from frozen, native-state biological material allows cryo-tomographic 3-D reconstruction from any type of cell or tissue.
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Phase-plate imaging for cryo-TEM
Phase plates facilitate TEM imaging of unstained biological specimens without an oscillating transfer function, greatly improving overall contrast and simplifying image analysis. .
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Time-resolved single-particle Cryo-TEM
Millisecond-range intermediates in macromolecular interactions can be captured for cryo-TEM study.
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