Centralized facilities improve biomedical researchers' access to cryoEM technology.

Abstract

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) has roots in techniques developed nearly half a century ago, but recent technological advances have broadened its utility and enabled the reliable generation of atomic models of macromolecular complexes. CryoEM experiments are routinely utilized in structural science publications and new instrumentation is being installed in many research institutions resulting in a requirement to understand the best practices used within the field. The NIH Common Fund established the Transformative High-Resolution Cryo-Electron Microscopy program to provide access to this technology and support the development of cryoEM training curricula to promote a competent cryoEM workforce. The National Center for CryoEM Access and Training (NCCAT) is one of these NIH-sponsored service centers. NCCAT is housed at the New York Structural Biology Center and is strategically co-located with resources that broaden its outreach and enable users to travel onsite to participate in our local cryoEM community. This environment allows access to state-of-the-art equipment for the generation and analysis of high-resolution data. A unique opportunity at NCCAT is our intensive immersion program, where a trainee “embeds” by spending significant time at our facility. This program mentors scientists to become independent cryoEM researchers and helps create a support network of cryoEM practitioners across the nation. Our educational modules focus on everything from how to use the national cryoEM service centers, a media-rich curriculum to augment users’ own hands-on training, and earning cryoEM merit badges that serve as proficiency certifications. Taken together, national service centers with centralized resources have emerged to support the expansion of cryoEM technology by increasing the nationwide accessibility of cryoEM throughout the biomedical research community.