RESEARCH: PROTEIN-VITRIFICATION-CRYOEM
FOLDING PROJECT #18820 PROFILE

Cryogenic electron microscopy helps us see tiny protein structures, which is important for making new medicines. This project uses computer simulations to figure out how the freezing process affects these proteins, so we can use this technique even better to develop drugs faster.

Note: This TLDR is a simplication and may not be 100% accurate.

Cryogenic electron microscopy has revolutionized the field of molecular biology.

It has revealed the structures of thousands of previously uncharacterised proteins, enabling the development of new therapeutics for every kind of human disease.

A crucial step in the preparation of proteins for study in this method involves the rapid cooling and vitrification of dissolved protein in liquid ethane.

Despite the ubiquity of this technique, its effects on molecular structure are not well understood, leaving important implications for the field of molecular biophysics.

In this project we will explicitly simulate the vitrification process to understand how it perturbs molecular structures-teaching us what kinds of structures are preserved during cooling and which ones are lost.

This will enable the transformation of cryogenic electron microscopy into a quantitative biophysical tool, letting us develop drugs more quickly and accurately for all diseases.

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Cryogenic electron microscopy

A technique to visualize macromolecular structures at near-atomic resolution using electrons.

Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is a powerful imaging technique used to determine the 3D structure of molecules. It involves rapidly freezing samples and then bombarding them with a beam of electrons. By analyzing the scattered electrons, scientists can reconstruct detailed images of the molecule's shape and composition.

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Proteins

Large biomolecules essential for many cellular functions.

Proteins are complex molecules made up of chains of amino acids. They perform a wide variety of functions in living organisms, including catalyzing biochemical reactions, transporting molecules, providing structural support, and regulating cellular processes.

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Therapeutics

Substances used to treat or prevent disease.

Therapeutics are medications or treatments designed to alleviate or cure diseases. They work by targeting specific biological pathways or molecules involved in the disease process.

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Vitrification

Rapid cooling process that transforms liquids into a solid state without forming ice crystals.

Vitrification is a rapid freezing technique used to preserve biological samples. It involves cooling the sample at an extremely fast rate to prevent ice crystal formation, which can damage cells and tissues. This technique is widely used in cryopreservation for long-term storage of biological materials.

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Biophysics

Study of physical principles underlying biological systems.

Biophysics is a field that combines physics and biology to understand the physical processes occurring in living organisms. It explores topics such as molecular interactions, cell mechanics, transport phenomena, and bioenergy.