Cryo-EM on the Move: New Applications and Challenges

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is the leading method in structural biology. It features sample preparation without the need for crystallization, access to membrane proteins, and low sample demands. Direct detection devices (DDDs), automated data acquisition, and fast, facile processing of EM datasets democratized this technology, which had been a niche application 15 years earlier. For structural studies of isolated protein complexes (single particle analysis), technological improvements and new approaches are published on a daily basis, making the field highly dynamic and innovative. Most new developments focus on the analysis of mobile and flexible complexes, high-resolution and time-resolved structural studies, as well as automation.
At the same time, in situ structural biology, enabled by modern Focused Ion Beam (FIB) scanning electron microscopes (FIB-SEM) and cryo-tomography, opened the door to entirely new applications. We witness a new era that permits the direct visualization of macromolecular complexes within native cells at increasingly high resolution. Correlative light and electron microscopy workflows can be used to precisely detect areas of interest and identify target proteins.
Given its broad use in the field and the rich data that can be obtained with this technology, cryo-EM and all its applications remain under active development. New integrative approaches combining cryo-EM with other biophysical methods are emerging and will continue to fuel the transformation in structural biology. Following the success of the first meeting, this seminar aims to serve as an exchange platform for scientists at various career levels working on improving cryo-EM methodology. Keynote and invited speakers will highlight the latest software and hardware developments, discuss case studies, and outline future directions in the field of cryo-EM. Furthermore, a large number of flash talks, selected from poster abstracts, will allow students and PostDocs to showcase their work and facilitate discussions and networking at poster sessions and informal get-togethers.

The conference language will be English. The Wilhelm and Else Heraeus-Foundation bears the cost of full-board accommodation for all participants.