The 2017 Nobel Prize in Chemistry went to three scientists for their development of a new technology called cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). This technique freezes proteins, and bombards them with electrons, allowing researchers to observe the building blocks of human cells.

In a recent podcast by Proto, Luke Chao, PhD, a researcher in the department of molecular biology at Massachusetts General Hospital, discussed the significance of cryo-EM and how this basic science technique could help advance clinical treatment.

Chao explained that cryo-EM provides scientists with an opportunity to better see the shapes of molecules. Proteins, such as hemoglobin and antibodies, are versatile molecules and their shapes can provide a lot of insight into how they work and their function. Understanding their function is especially important if researchers want to develop a therapy to modify or block its role.

Cryo-EM offers an advantage over previous microscope-based techniques because it allows scientists to see the protein in more shapes and stages of motion.

Think of how difficult it can be to take a good photo of fireworks, for example. Similarly, proteins are dynamic, moving molecules and cryo-EM allows scientists to get more snapshots of them in motion.

Listen to the entire podcast episode on the Proto website.

(top photo courtesy of the Nobel Prize; bottom photo courtesy of the Nobel Prize- MARTIN HÖGBOM/THE ROYAL SWEDISH ACADEMY OF SCIENCES)

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Research at Massachusetts General Hospital is interwoven through more than 30 different departments, centers and institutes. Our research includes fundamental, lab-based science; clinical trials to test new drugs, devices and diagnostic tools; and community and population-based research to improve health outcomes across populations and eliminate disparities in care.
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