A Midlands Regional Cryo-EM facility

Human cells are full of large protein assemblies that act as molecular machines to carry out the functions of the cell. These include machines that carry out metabolism; that regulate our genetic material; that manage the process of cell division; and finally the machines that make the machines themselves.
Structural biologists seek to determine the structure and function of these machines. Through this, we not only gain an understanding of the mechanisms that underpin life, but also learn how to develop novel approaches to cure disease. The traditional techniques of structural biology have proven insufficient when studying large molecular assemblies. Recently, a breakthrough in new cameras and powerful computation has made it possible to use electron microscopy to determine the
architectures of these machines. This circumvents the limitations of traditional methods and represents a revolution in structural biology.
We are applying for a high-end cryo-electron microscope to be operated as a regional facility. We have a very strong network of partners in the Midlands whose research will be transformed by the new instrument. This will enable a detailed mechanistic understanding of many of the important processes of life including gene expression, DNA replication and repair, cellular organisation and communication.

We are seeking to establish a regional cryo-Electron Microscopy facility in the Midlands. This will serve the needs of a large community of structural and cell biologists, enabling them to take advantage of the revolution in this technology. The facility will comprise a high-end 300kV instrument in Leicester and a 200kV feeder instrument in Warwick. Together with existing feeder instruments, this will establish an ecosystem (with both shared equipment, expertise and training) that will transform structural biology in the Midlands.
The facility will support the research of more than 37 researchers studying complexes involved in gene regulation, DNA replication and repair, cellular organisation and communication. In addition, we will use the instrument to develop methods for time resolved cryo-EM and imaging membrane proteins using SMALP technology.
In recognition of the strategic value of this facility, the regional Institutions have together committed to making a substantial financial contribution (>40%). There is a strong track record of collaboration and expertise sharing between the Midlands structural biologists. This will ensure effective use of the facility, accelerating our world-class research into the structure and mechanism of the molecular machinery that drives cellular function.