FIB-milling and cellular tomography (cryo-ET)

As part of our cryo-CLEM approach, we utilise focused ion beam (FIB) milling and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) in collaboration with eBiC (Diamond Light Source) to investigate intricate structures of prion assemblies within cells and tissues at sub-nanometre resolution. This cutting-edge approach will provide unprecedented insights into the structural organization of prion assemblies in their native environment, i.e., in specific (peri/sub)cellular compartments. It will thus shed new light on prion infection pathways, ultimately contributing to our understanding of the pathogenicity mechanisms driving prion (and prion-like) diseases and to the development of potential therapeutic interventions.

After co-leading a successful BBSRC ALERT 2024 bid, we now also share a focused ion beam scanning electron microscope (FIB/SEM) for in situ structural biology at the EM Facility of the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR, Chelsea), managed by Dr Teige Matthews-Palmer, just a 10-minute walk away.

We also use the Imperial EM Facility managed by Paul Simpson, which houses Thermo Fisher 200 kV Glacios, 120 kV T12 spirit and 120 kV T12 electron microscopes.