Recent technical advances in cellular cryo-electron tomography

• Published in: The international journal of biochemistry & cell biology Vol. 175; p. 106648
• Main Authors: Zheng, Tianyu, Cai, Shujun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2024
• Subjects: 3D reconstruction; Cellular architecture; Cryo-electron microscopy; Cryo-focused ion beam; Structural cell biology; Subtomogram averaging; Cryo-focused ion beam; Structural cell biology; 3D reconstruction; Cryo-electron microscopy; Cellular architecture; Subtomogram averaging
• ISSN: 1357-2725; 1878-5875; 1878-5875
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2024.106648

Understanding the in situ structure, organization, and interactions of macromolecules is essential for elucidating their functions and mechanisms of action. Cellular cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) is a cutting-edge technique that reveals in situ molecular-resolution architectures of macromolecules in their lifelike states. It also provides insights into the three-dimensional distribution of macromolecules and their spatial relationships with various subcellular structures. Thus, cellular cryo-ET bridges the gap between structural biology and cell biology. With rapid advancements, this technique achieved substantial improvements in throughput, automation, and resolution. This review presents the fundamental principles and methodologies of cellular cryo-ET, highlighting recent developments in sample preparation, data collection, and image processing. We also discuss emerging trends and potential future directions. As cellular cryo-ET continues to develop, it is set to play an increasingly vital role in structural cell biology.