Cost-benefit analysis of cryogenic electron tomography subtomogram averaging of chaperonin MmCpn at near atomic resolution.
Zhao, Y., Schmid, M.F., Chiu, W.(2025) Structure 33: 372-380.e2
- PubMed: 39644888 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.str.2024.11.008
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
9CPK - PubMed Abstract: 
Cryogenic electron microscopy single particle analysis (cryoEM-SPA) has evolved into a routine approach for determining macromolecule structures to near-atomic resolution. Cryogenic electron tomography subtomogram averaging (cryoET-STA) toward a similar resolution, in contrast, is still under active development. Here, we use the archeal chaperonin MmCpn as a model macromolecule to quantitatively investigate the resolution limiting factors of cryoET-STA in terms of cumulative electron dose, ice thickness, subtomogram numbers, and tilt angle ranges. By delineating the feasibility and experimental factors of attaining near atomic resolution structure with cryoET-STA, especially the effect of electron damage through the tilt series and inelastic scattering at various ice thickness, we encourage a customized tilt series collection strategy for efficient throughput. This study provides a biophysical basis for the application of cryoET-STA (for highly symmetric molecules like MmCpn) toward high resolution and the rationales in using cryoET-STA to achieve an efficient outcome at the desired resolution.
- Department of Bioengineering, James Clark Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. Electronic address: yanyanz@stanford.edu.
Organizational Affiliation: 
















