Services
Years of experience, technical expertise and comprehensive capabilities make TEMPoS your trusted cryo-EM partner. Our seasoned team delivers a wide array of services, spanning from protein structure determination to consulting and training.
By synergizing our insights and skills, we can optimize your performance and boost your productivity, ensuring unparalleled results in your scientific endeavors. Unlock the full potential of cryo-EM with TEMPoS today.
About cryo-EM
Cryo-EM (cryo-electron microscopy) is cutting-edge technique that is revolutionizing the field of structural biology by solving the intricate structures of biomolecular complexes.
Cryo-EM captures small samples in their native state by freezing them before imaging in an electron microscope. Advanced image analysis allows precise exploration of conformational and compositional states of these samples.
Cryo-EM's impact on science is profound, as shown by the Nobel Prize awarded in 2017 to Richard Henderson, Jaque Debouchet and Joachim Frank. Cryo-EM enables breakthroughs in understanding complex biological systems at the atomic level, unraveling the mysteries of life through high-resolution structural insights.
The future of cryo-EM holds greater promise. As structure determination by cryo-EM advances, it becomes an essential tool for drug discovery, accelerating the development of new therapeutics and driving innovation in the pharmaceutical industry.
TEMPoS means access to a wealth of expertise. We understand the unique requirements of each project and tailor our solutions to your specific goals. Our team is dedicated to providing full support and guidance throughout the entire process, empowering you to achieve groundbreaking discoveries and push the boundaries of scientific knowledge.
Protein structure determination
TEMPoS offers comprehensive hands-on expertise, supporting our clients across the entire single particle analysis (SPA) cryo-EM pipeline. Our assistance spans various crucial steps, including sample preparation, specimen optimization, preliminary screening, high-end data collection, image processing, and structure modelling.
To suit your needs, we offer the flexibility to undertake the entire project or specific steps as per your requirements.
Specimen characterization by negative staining
The initial assessment of sample quality involves negative staining, which swiftly provides information about molecule shape, size, homogeneity, and potential binding partners.
Specimen characterization by cryo-EM
The monodisperse and stable specimen undergoes further investigation using cryo-EM. The aim of this step is to obtain high-quality cryo-EM grids, characterized by appropriate protein concentration, uniform particle distribution with random orientations, and preservation of the complex during freezing. Achieving these conditions necessitates a meticulous optimization process involving multiple parameters.
High-resolution data collection
To ensure high-quality results, it is crucial to acquire a high-quality image dataset using a stable state-of-the-art TEM microscope. The selection of the optimal microscope, detector, and hardware, as well as the amount of data collected, depends on the specific project. Precise use of these instruments using high-throughput automated data acquisition software is important for achieving reliable and valid high-resolution results.
Image processing
After collecting the high-resolution cryo-EM data, the next step involves processing the images using various single particle analysis (SPA) tools. These tools encompass new image software packages and advanced methodologies, aimed at reconstructing a 3D cryo-EM map at the highest achievable resolution.
Structure modelling
Model building based on the cryo-EM map elucidates the conformation of the complex and the interactions among its components. Lastly, the validation of both the map and the model plays a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the analysis.