Establishment of Cryo-EM screening facility at University of Dundee

Many research groups across Dundee and St Andrews investigate how cells grow and respond to their environments. This involves the action of molecular machines including assemblies of proteins that until recently have been difficult to observe. Recent advances to cryo-electron microscopy make it possible to see these molecular machines with unprecedented definition. To make full use of cryo-electron microscopy researchers need access to local facilities to optimise samples prior to sending them to national facilities for characterisation in greatest possible detail. We request funds to establish a state of the art local screening facility to enable researchers from across Dundee and St Andrews to apply cryo-electron microscopy to their research projects. This will transform these research projects providing new insight into the molecular basis of life with the detail required to generate new treatments for diseases.