Teaming for Interdisciplinary Research Pre-Seed Program

Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryoTEM) has transformed research practices in biomedical fields over the last decade by enabling 3D tomography of cellular structures, molecular structure determination of biomolecules, and electron crystallography on microcrystals. In particular, structure determination by “single particle analysis” has become an increasingly routine part of studying challenging biomolecules in their near-native states.

Although UGA has longstanding research programs based on structure determination through conventional electron microscopy, x-ray crystallography, and nuclear magnetic resonance methods, the increasing importance of cryoTEM has prompted recent investments at UGA: commitments during the past year include the purchase of major equipment, including a dedicated cryoTEM system for single particle analysis and a complementary cryo-capable TEM instrument for cryo- tomography, electron crystallography, and improved conventional imaging. These instruments will be housed in UGA’s ISTEM-1 building and managed by the staff of Georgia Electron Microscopy, an Office of Research core facility. Additional recent efforts including recruiting faculty with cryoTEM research programs and planning the short- and long-term support of this new infrastructure.

It is clear that the success of cryoTEM at UGA will hinge on vibrant research efforts across a large user base. Thus, the goal of this team is to help establish, shape, and integrate the productive research networks, training frameworks, interdisciplinary collaborations, funding sources, external partners, and allied resources that will transform UGA’s investment in cryoTEM into enduring success and scientific leadership.The research needs for cryoTEM are concentrated among the faculty of FCAS (Cellular Biology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry), CVM (Physiology & Pharmacology, Infectious Diseases), CAES (Entomology), Pharmacy, and the Complex Carbohydrate Research Center. The team includes members from these units who plan to collaborate in several ways:

We will strengthen UGA’s internal network of PIs with cryoTEM needs as well as external networks in the field by: (1) Establishing an online portal for UGA-specific information about cryoTEM to enhance knowledge sharing and facilitate access; this resource will be associated with the existing Georgia Electron Microscopy website, and (2) Organizing a symposium for UGA researchers during Fall 2024 to foster interdisciplinary connections surrounding cryoTEM. This event will include 10-15 min talks by UGA PIs, an invited external speaker, and a panel discussion. Throughout these activities, we plan to emphasize the complementary nature of cryoTEM alongside UGA’s extensive experience with other structure determination methods, identify ways to leverage UGA’s strengths in topical areas to increase the high-impact use of cryoTEM, and explore recent developments related to the application of data science and AI tools to cryoTEM image processing and modeling.

Many UGA PIs interested in using cryoTEM have limited direct experience. Although some have worked with collaborators to collect and analyze data, the majority will need assistance with the basics because cryoTEM is unique with respect to sample preparation and data analysis methods. To meet the demand for training that will enable the skillful use of cryoTEM, we propose to offer a pair of short courses during Fall 2024: (1) A weeklong, in-person, hands-on short course related to sample preparation, optimization, and usage of cryoTEM equipment, and (2) A 3-day virtual short course related to cryoTEM software, data processing, and structure modeling.

Support from this seed funding will allow us to offer these opportunities at no cost to UGA researchers. The outcome will be more UGA PIs using cryoTEM in their research programs, thereby strengthening technical capabilities, collaborative efforts, researcher training, and proposals for extramural funding.

Team Lead

Tina Salguero
salguero@uga.edu
Chemistry

Team Members

Roberto Docampo
rdocampo@uga.edu
FCAS
Cellular Biology

Timothy Hoover
trhoover@uga.edu
FCAS
Microbiology

Anumantha Kanthasamy
anumantha.kanthasamy@uga.edu
CVM
Physiology & Pharmacology

Jae-Kyung Lee
jamlee@uga.edu
CVM
Physiology & Pharmacology

Kelley Moremen
moremen@uga.edu
FCAS
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Camilo Perez
camilo.perez@uga.edu
FCAS
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Robert Phillips
plp@uga.edu
FCAS
Chemistry

Fred Quinn
fquinn@uga.edu
CVM
Infectious Diseases

Yifan Wang
wang.yifan@uga.edu
FCAS
Chemistry

Christopher West
westcm@uga.edu
FCAS
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Karl Lechtreck
lechtreck@uga.edu
FCAS
Cellular Biology