Cryogenic electron imaging of macromolecules, cells and tissues
Huck Distinguished Lecture Series

Abstract:
Cryogenic electron microcopy has evolved into a powerful biophysical tool for resolving 3D structures of macromolecular complexes at resolutions comparable to those achieved with X-ray crystallography. Cryo-volume electron microscopy is an emerging imaging technique that allows for the examination of structures within micron-sized sections of tissues, organoids, and cells at nanometer resolution. Such data can potentially provide structural markers to elucidate subcellular ultrastructure in both healthy and pathological states. This information could be invaluable as part of a pipeline for therapeutic and preventive medicine.

About the Speaker:
Prof. Wah Chiu is the Wallenberg–Bienenstock Professor at Stanford University, Director of the Division of Cryo-EM and Bioimaging at SSRL, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, and a member of the National Academy of Sciences. He previously directed the NIH-funded National Center for Macromolecular Imaging for over three decades. Currently, he leads two NIH national cryo-EM centers focused on single-particle analysis and tomography, providing nationwide training, sample screening, and data collection services.

Wah Chiu is a leading investigator in the field of cryogenic electron microscopy (Cryo-EM), renowned for his significant contributions to the development and application of this technique. His work has enabled near-atomic-level structural determination of biochemically purified macromolecules, greatly enhancing our understanding of the intricate structure-function relationships of various biological entities. He has also played a key role in establishing metrics that quantitatively assess the resolvability of Cryo-EM structures at resolutions ranging from 1 to 4 Å, providing researchers with valuable tools for evaluating and interpreting Cryo-EM structural data.

Recently, Chiu's research focus has expanded to include the development of cryogenic volume electron microscopy and tomography, which integrates cutting-edge machine learning techniques for image analysis. This innovative approach aims to characterize subcellular structural features of vitrified tissues, organoids, and cells in situ, while addressing both normal and pathological states.

Contact

  Wen Jiang
  wen.jiang@psu.edu