Using graphene grids to improve cryo-electron microscopy for protein analysis
Official title: Graphene covalent grids for single-particle cryo-EM
Funded at University of Arkansas at Fayetteville · NIH-11095896 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to take clearer pictures of proteins using a special grid made from graphene, which helps keep the proteins in place and safe while we look at them, making it easier to understand how they work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arkansas at Fayetteville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fayetteville, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $188,871 |
| NIH project number | 5R21GM154202-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11095896 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with conditions related to protein misfolding or aggregation, such as neurodegenerative diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to protein structure or function may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), a technique used to visualize proteins in their natural state. The team aims to develop a new type of grid made from graphene that can covalently attach protein particles, preventing them from diffusing away or becoming damaged during the imaging process. By creating a more stable environment for proteins, the researchers hope to improve the quality of the images obtained, which is crucial for understanding protein structures and functions. The project will involve designing these specialized grids and testing their effectiveness in capturing high-resolution images of proteins.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and detailed images of proteins, which would enhance our understanding of various biological processes and diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that improving specimen preparation techniques can significantly enhance the quality of cryo-EM images, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Fayetteville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: He, Maggie — University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
- Study coordinator: He, Maggie
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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.