Transformative High-Resolution Cryoelectron Microscopy Program (CryoEM)
Transformative High-Resolution Cryoelectron Microscopy Program (CryoEM)
Program Snapshot
The program broadens access to high-resolution cryoelectron microscopy (cryoEM) and tomography (cryoET) for biomedical researchers by creating national service centers, and cultivating a skilled workforce through the development and implementation of cryoEM training material. CryoEM and cryoET enable high-resolution, three-dimensional data collection on samples that could not be used with other techniques in the past, such as samples containing mixtures of different biological structures or intact cells. The three National cryoEM Service Centers offer usage of state-of-the-art equipment, technical support, and cross-training for the production and analysis of high-resolution data. These offerings are available at no charge for non-profit use, eliminating the high-cost barrier usually associated with cryoEM. NIH recently funded four centers to make up the National Network for CryoET. This Network will provide the biomedical research community access to advanced instrumentation for cryoET, cryoET specimen preparation, and collection of high-resolution cryoET data as well as cross-training in cryoET methods.
Two of three components of the Transformative High-Resolution Cryoelectron Microscopy program (CryoEM) have transitioned from Common Fund support. Common Fund programs are strategic investments that achieve a set of high-impact goals within a 5-10 year timeframe. At the conclusion of each program, deliverables transition to other sources of support or use within the scientific community.
- The National Centers for Cryoelectron Microscopy program was supported by the Common Fund from 2018 to 2024. Currently the Centers for Cryoelectron Microscopy developed by the Common Fund program are sustained by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), beginning in June 2024. Additional information and updates can be found on the NIGMS website.
- The Research Education Program Grants for CryoEM and CryoET Curriculum Development (CryoEM Training) program was supported by the Common Fund from 2018 to 2024. Currently, curriculum materials developed by projects are included on the shared website developed by the National Center for CryoEM Access and Training (NCCAT).
- The National Network for Cryoelectron Tomography will continue to be supported by the Common Fund through August of 2026.
Please note that since the National Centers for Cryoelectron Microscopy and the Research Education Program Grants for CryoEM and CryoET Curriculum Development programs are no longer supported by the Common Fund, the websites for those initiatives are being maintained as archives and will not be updated on a regular basis.
The National Network for Cryoelectron Tomography program website will be maintained by the Common Fund until its conclusion or transition.
Microscopy is an important tool for scientists in the study of cells, tissues, and organs. Knowing the structure of a molecule reveals important information about how it functions and can provide insight into potential drug targets for fighting disease. CryoEM is a method used to image frozen biological molecules without the use of structure-altering dyes or fixatives or the need for crystallization to provide a more accurate picture of the molecules and a greater understanding of biological function. Recent advances in cryoEM technology have made it possible for scientists to obtain detailed images and structures of many biological molecules that cannot be obtained using other methods, like X-ray crystallography. Despite the emergence of cryoEM as a powerful high-resolution imaging method, its use is hampered by inadequate access to equipment and a limited workforce. By increasing scientists’ access and training on cryoEM and the detailed information it can provide about viruses, proteins, and other important biomolecules, the NIH hopes to accelerate the development of vaccines and drugs to combat diseases and conditions from Alzheimer’s to Zika.
Learn More!
Find news, events, and resource information on the shared landing site from our Centers and Curriculum Development Teams.
National Network for CryoET Webinar Series
Did you miss one of the National Network for CryoET webinars? Watch a recording on their portal!
National Centers for CryoEM Webinar Series
Did you miss one of the free monthly webinars on cryoEM current practices and strategies hosted by the National Centers for Cryoelectron Microscopy? Catch up before the next one by watching recordings!
