A Robust Single-Particle Cryo-Electron Microscopy (cryo-EM) Processing Workflow with cryoSPARC, RELION, and Scipion. 2022

Megan C DiIorio, and Arkadiusz W Kulczyk
Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers University.

Recent advances in both instrumentation and image processing software have made single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) the preferred method for structural biologists to determine high-resolution structures of a wide variety of macromolecules. Multiple software suites are available to new and expert users for image processing and structure calculation, which streamline the same basic workflow: movies acquired by the microscope detectors undergo correction for beam-induced motion and contrast transfer function (CTF) estimation. Next, particle images are selected and extracted from averaged movie frames for iterative 2D and 3D classification, followed by 3D reconstruction, refinement, and validation. Because various software packages employ different algorithms and require varying levels of expertise to operate, the 3D maps they generate often differ in quality and resolution. Thus, users regularly transfer data between a variety of programs for optimal results. This paper provides a guide for users to navigate a workflow across the popular software packages: cryoSPARC v3, RELION-3, and Scipion 3 to obtain a near-atomic resolution structure of the adeno-associated virus (AAV). We first detail an image processing pipeline with cryoSPARC v3, as its efficient algorithms and easy-to-use GUI allow users to quickly arrive at a 3D map. In the next step, we use PyEM and in-house scripts to convert and transfer particle coordinates from the best quality 3D reconstruction obtained in cryoSPARC v3 to RELION-3 and Scipion 3 and recalculate 3D maps. Finally, we outline steps for further refinement and validation of the resultant structures by integrating algorithms from RELION-3 and Scipion 3. In this article, we describe how to effectively utilize three processing platforms to create a single and robust workflow applicable to a variety of data sets for high-resolution structure determination.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007091 Image Processing, Computer-Assisted A technique of inputting two-dimensional or three-dimensional images into a computer and then enhancing or analyzing the imagery into a form that is more useful to the human observer. Biomedical Image Processing,Computer-Assisted Image Processing,Digital Image Processing,Image Analysis, Computer-Assisted,Image Reconstruction,Medical Image Processing,Analysis, Computer-Assisted Image,Computer-Assisted Image Analysis,Computer Assisted Image Analysis,Computer Assisted Image Processing,Computer-Assisted Image Analyses,Image Analyses, Computer-Assisted,Image Analysis, Computer Assisted,Image Processing, Biomedical,Image Processing, Computer Assisted,Image Processing, Digital,Image Processing, Medical,Image Processings, Medical,Image Reconstructions,Medical Image Processings,Processing, Biomedical Image,Processing, Digital Image,Processing, Medical Image,Processings, Digital Image,Processings, Medical Image,Reconstruction, Image,Reconstructions, Image
D000465 Algorithms A procedure consisting of a sequence of algebraic formulas and/or logical steps to calculate or determine a given task. Algorithm
D012984 Software Sequential operating programs and data which instruct the functioning of a digital computer. Computer Programs,Computer Software,Open Source Software,Software Engineering,Software Tools,Computer Applications Software,Computer Programs and Programming,Computer Software Applications,Application, Computer Software,Applications Software, Computer,Applications Softwares, Computer,Applications, Computer Software,Computer Applications Softwares,Computer Program,Computer Software Application,Engineering, Software,Open Source Softwares,Program, Computer,Programs, Computer,Software Application, Computer,Software Applications, Computer,Software Tool,Software, Computer,Software, Computer Applications,Software, Open Source,Softwares, Computer Applications,Softwares, Open Source,Source Software, Open,Source Softwares, Open,Tool, Software,Tools, Software
D057188 Workflow Description of pattern of recurrent functions or procedures frequently found in organizational processes, such as notification, decision, and action. Work Flow,Work Flows,Workflows
D020285 Cryoelectron Microscopy Electron microscopy involving rapid freezing of the samples. The imaging of frozen-hydrated molecules and organelles permits the best possible resolution closest to the living state, free of chemical fixatives or stains. Electron Cryomicroscopy,Cryo-electron Microscopy,Cryo electron Microscopy,Cryo-electron Microscopies,Cryoelectron Microscopies,Cryomicroscopies, Electron,Cryomicroscopy, Electron,Electron Cryomicroscopies,Microscopies, Cryo-electron,Microscopies, Cryoelectron,Microscopy, Cryo-electron,Microscopy, Cryoelectron
D021621 Imaging, Three-Dimensional The process of generating three-dimensional images by electronic, photographic, or other methods. For example, three-dimensional images can be generated by assembling multiple tomographic images with the aid of a computer, while photographic 3-D images (HOLOGRAPHY) can be made by exposing film to the interference pattern created when two laser light sources shine on an object. Computer-Assisted Three-Dimensional Imaging,Imaging, Three-Dimensional, Computer Assisted,3-D Image,3-D Imaging,Computer-Generated 3D Imaging,Three-Dimensional Image,Three-Dimensional Imaging, Computer Generated,3 D Image,3 D Imaging,3-D Images,3-D Imagings,3D Imaging, Computer-Generated,3D Imagings, Computer-Generated,Computer Assisted Three Dimensional Imaging,Computer Generated 3D Imaging,Computer-Assisted Three-Dimensional Imagings,Computer-Generated 3D Imagings,Image, 3-D,Image, Three-Dimensional,Images, 3-D,Images, Three-Dimensional,Imaging, 3-D,Imaging, Computer-Assisted Three-Dimensional,Imaging, Computer-Generated 3D,Imaging, Three Dimensional,Imagings, 3-D,Imagings, Computer-Assisted Three-Dimensional,Imagings, Computer-Generated 3D,Imagings, Three-Dimensional,Three Dimensional Image,Three Dimensional Imaging, Computer Generated,Three-Dimensional Images,Three-Dimensional Imaging,Three-Dimensional Imaging, Computer-Assisted,Three-Dimensional Imagings,Three-Dimensional Imagings, Computer-Assisted

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