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Three-dimensional imaging of biological complexity

2002; Elsevier BV; Volume: 138; Issue: 1-2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/s1047-8477(02)00019-9

1095-8657

Joachim Frank, Terence Wagenknecht, Bruce F. McEwen, Michael Marko, Chyongere Hsieh, Carmen A. Mannella,

Nuclear Structure and Function

Over the past 5 years, thanks to advances in both instrumentation and computational speed, three-dimensional imaging techniques using the electron microscope have been greatly improved in two areas: electron tomography of cell organelles or cell sections and reconstruction of macromolecules from single particles. Ice embedment has brought a breakthrough in the degree of preservation of specimens under close-to-native conditions. The current challenge is to push the resolution of electron tomographic imaging to a point where macromolecular signatures can be recognized within the cellular context. We show first progress toward this goal by examples in two areas of application: the structure of the muscle triad junction and the architecture and fine structure of mitochondria. As techniques of cryo-microtomy are perfected, we hope to be able to apply tomography to high-pressure frozen sections of tissue.