A center for advanced imaging techniques to visualize biological samples.
Official title: The National Center for In-situ Tomographic Ultramicroscopy (NCITU)
Funded at New York Structural Biology Center · NIH-10991155 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping researchers learn how to prepare tiny biological samples for a special imaging technique called cryo-electron tomography, so they can see the structures inside cells better and understand how they work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York Structural Biology Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $700,000 |
| NIH project number | 4U24GM139171-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991155 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include researchers and scientists working in the fields of structural biology and cell biology who require advanced imaging techniques.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not involved in research or those outside the scientific community may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
The National Center for In-situ Tomographic Ultramicroscopy (NCITU) aims to develop and provide access to advanced methods for preparing biological specimens for cryo-electron tomography (cryoET). This center will offer hands-on services and training to researchers at various skill levels, ensuring high-quality sample preparation for direct visualization of macromolecular structures in native cells. By utilizing cutting-edge techniques such as plunge freezing and cryo-light microscopy, NCITU will enhance the understanding of cellular organization and interactions. The center will also expand its cross-training programs to disseminate expertise in cryoET specimen preparation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the ability to visualize and understand complex biological structures at the molecular level.
How similar studies have gone: Other research in advanced imaging techniques has shown success in enhancing our understanding of biological processes, indicating that this approach has the potential for significant impact.
Where this research is happening
-
New York Structural Biology Center
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kieft, Jeffrey S — New York Structural Biology Center
- Study coordinator: Kieft, Jeffrey S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Macromolecule dynamics and NMR tools center for biomedicine
A program to make advanced NMR-based methods and analysis more accessible to researchers studying cancers and related biological processes.
-
Soft X-ray microscope to power advanced cellular imaging
A major imaging instrument upgrade will let researchers study cell biology and disease-related structures with clearer, three-dimensional detail.
-
Understanding how viral RNAs fold and work inside cells
A NIH-funded program studies how viral RNAs shape themselves in 3D and interact with cellular machinery to reveal how they cause disease or could be used as therapies.
-
Understanding how viruses use RNA to take over cells
This work explores how viruses use special RNA structures to control our cells and make more viruses.
-
A center for advanced cryo-electron microscopy access and training
This study is all about helping researchers learn how to use advanced cryo-electron microscopy technology to better understand the structures of important biological molecules, with support and training available for everyone, no matter their experience level.
-
Understanding how viruses use cellular processes to mature their RNA
This study is looking at how viruses like dengue and Zika trick our cells to help them survive and grow, and by understanding this, researchers hope to find new ways to fight these viruses and help people stay healthy.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.