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Overview:
Established in July 2022, the UC Center for Advanced Structural Biology (CASB) is integrating the latest technology in single-particle cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM).  This technology has revolutionized structural biology, emerging as the leading method in macromolecular structure determination to visualize large protein assemblies of unprecedented size and complexity, many of which are intractable by conventional NMR and X-ray crystallography methods.  Through the support of institutional Research2030 funds, the first phase of equipment, a Thermo Talos L120C Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) that can be operated at both ambient and cryogenic temperatures and is ideally suited for imaging negatively stained samples and screening cryo-EM samples, became avaiable in July 2022 allowing with the TFS Mark IV Vitrobot system for sample preparation.  Details of both systems are provided in the equipment section. 
 
For Phase 2, the CASB applied for and was awarded a Shared Instrumentation Grant (S10OD030388) from the high-end instrumentation (HEI) program from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  The S10 funding along with additional matching institutional funds ($3.7M total) led to the purchase of a Thermo Glacios 200 kV cryogenic TEM equipped with both a Ceta-16M camera and a TFS Falcon 4 direct electron detector, in addition to a Selectris Energy Filter. This system was installed in the Fall of 2023 as is able to generate images for atomic resolution structures for SPA projects. The Glacios will also come equipped with software for micro-Electron Diffraction data set collection. This system has been delievered and will begin installation in August 2023 which is expected to take 6-8 weeks to complete.  
 
Services Available:

• Training and access to the Mark IV Vitrobot plunge freezer
• Training and access to the Talos L120C TEM system
• Training and access to the Glacios 200 kV cryogenic TEM system
• Assisted TEM analysis by CASB personnel (inquiry required)

Location & Hours:
The CASB is located on the ground level of the Medical Sciences building in rooms G056-G060.  The Facility Manager is available Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm or by appointment.

Cryo-EM in the news:
UC commits to investment in Cryo-EM technology. June 30, 2022
 
UC Scientists are excited to deep-freeze molecules. July 18, 2022
 
UC hosts world renowned structural biologists for Grand Opening Cryo-EM symposium.  September 7, 2023
 
UC College of Medicine opens the Center for Advanced Structural Biology featuring Cryo-EM. September 18, 2023