New tool promises to accelerate basic science research

OHSU’s Eric Gouaux has already amassed prolific record of discoveries about how the brain works

By Erik Robinson May 15, 2018 Portland, Oregon

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The cryo-EM microscope (left) produces 'near-atomic' images by shooting a beam of electrons into a sample instead of visible light. Craig Yoshioka, Ph.D., research assistant professor of biomedical engineering, OHSU School of Medicine looks over a display from a cryo-EM microscope, May 2, 2018 at OHSU. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Cryo-EM

Cryo-EM can provide three-dimensional structural information on biological molecules with near atomic-level resolution detail. This technology has opened the doors for researchers to visualize many new types of biomolecules that have escaped detection by traditional methods (such as membrane proteins and receptors). Membrane proteins represent 50 percent of the market currently targeted by drug developers, and will be an area of specialization at the Pacific Northwest Center for Cryo-EM Center. (Image courtesy Steve Reichow, Ph.D.)

Cryo-EM

Researchers at OHSU who work with cryo-electron microscopy (left to right): Michael Chapman, Ph.D., Claudia Lopez, Ph.D., Steve Reichow, Ph.D., Eric Gouaux, Ph.D., and Craig Yoshioka, Ph.D. Four more of these powerful scopes will be installed on the OHSU campus, creating the Pacific Northwest Center for Cryo-EM. OHSU, in partnership with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has been named one of three new national centers for cryo-electron microscopy. The National Institutes of Health is investing $128 million to establish all three of the centers. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Cryo-EM

Michael Chapman, Ph.D., professor of biochemistry and molecular biology in the OHSU School of Medicine, looks inside a cryo-EM microscope at OHSU. Four more of these powerful scopes will be installed on the OHSU campus, creating the Pacific Northwest Center for Cryo-EM. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Cryo-EM

Craig Yoshioka, Ph.D., research assistant professor of biomedical engineering, OHSU School of Medicine explains how the cryo-EM microscope operates.(OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Cryo-EM

Craig Yoshioka, Ph.D., research assistant professor of biomedical engineering, OHSU School of Medicine explains how the cryo-EM microscope operates. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

James Evans, Ph.D.

James Evans, Ph.D., senior research scientist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Washington.
(Photo courtesy James Evans)

Michael Chapman, Ph.D.

Michael Chapman, Ph.D., professor of biochemistry and molecular biology in the OHSU School of Medicine. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Eric Gouaux, Ph.D. (OHSU)

Eric Gouaux, Ph.D.

Eric Gouaux, Ph.D., investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and a senior scientist in the OHSU Vollum Institute. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)