The IBS/ISBG EM platform : overview and applications

Electron microscopy is an essential tool in biology, providing unparalleled access to biological structures at multiple scales. It enables the observation of living organisms, from tissues down to the macromolecular complexes that compose them. This technique is also widely applicable to individual cells, yeasts, bacteria, and algae.

The resolution revolution has positioned electron microscopy as a competitive alternative to X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy for obtaining structures at near-atomic resolution. This is particularly relevant for macromolecular complexes ranging in size from approximately 100 kDa to entire viruses. In addition to high-resolution structural determination, electron microscopy is invaluable for morphological studies of cells and the immunolocalization of proteins within them.

Integrative structural biology is rapidly evolving, bridging the gap between atomic-level structure determination and cellular context. This approach allows researchers to localize and resolve biological macromolecular assemblies directly within cells, providing critical insights into their native organization and function.

At the platform of IBS/ISBG, we are committed to staying at the forefront of these advancements. Our facility is equipped with state-of-the-art electron microscopes capable of achieving atomic resolution for highly purified macromolecular complexes outside their cellular context. Additionally, we have extensive expertise in the preparation and imaging of large biological samples at lower resolution.

To further advance integrative structural biology, we have recently acquired a cryo-FIB/SEM (Focused Ion Beam/Scanning Electron Microscope), a cutting-edge instrument that enables high-precision sample preparation and nanometric-resolution imaging of cells. This acquisition marks a significant step toward visualizing the ultrastructure of biological systems in their native state.

The various instruments, capabilities, and services offered by our platform will be presented in detail, along with selected examples to illustrate their applications.