Optimizing Protein Imaging Techniques

Student’s name: Sydney Jones Home Institution: Virginia Tech NNCI Site: CNS @ Harvard University REU Principal Investigator: Dr. Bill Wilson – Center for Nanoscale Systems, Harvard University REU Mentor: Nicki Watson – Center for Nanoscale Systems, Harvard University Abstract: Biological imaging is a process used to examine how different biological samples function and react under stressors. It is important to image biological samples on a widespread level to accurately assess their behavior and phenotype. Through electron microscopy techniques such as SEM and TEM, we can obtain high-resolution images at a higher magnification than light microscopy. However, current EM techniques require the dehydration of compounds, which does not mimic real hydrous biological conditions. To accurately assess the folding of Apoferritin, we hypothesize that integrating Cryo-EM into our regular imaging will improve the scope of biological imaging altogether. Our approach includes comparing SEM and TEM images to Cryo-EM to identify their differences. SEM and TEM require samples to be chemically fixed and then dehydrated. However, through Cryo-EM, we found that the plunge-freezing process more accurately depicts how Apoferritin behaves in our bodies. The future of biological imaging lies in Cryo-EM techniques because they accurately depict biological compounds in vivo, rather than relying on EM methods that dehydrate samples.