Program

Pacific Northwest Cryo-EM Center

Training the next generation of cryo-electron microscopy specialists and providing free access to state-of-the-art structure determination

compilation of structures of macromolecular complexes

Researchers from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Oregon Health & Science University are providing specialized training in cryo-electron microscopy through the Pacific Northwest Cryo-EM Center. 

(Composite image by James Evans | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)

The Pacific Northwest Center for Cryo-EM (PNCC) is a national user facility for cryo-electron microscopy that is jointly operated by Oregon Health & Sciences University (OHSU) and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). Funding is provided by the National Institutes of Health Common Fund (NIH).

PNCC provides new and experienced cryo-EM researchers with free access to state-of-the-art workflows for single particle analysis and electron tomography. The center also offers individual and group training to users related to:

  • sample analysis and optimization
  • grid preparation and screening
  • (semi-)automated data collection
  • image analysis and 3D reconstruction

Since 2019, PNCC has served over 800 unique users from 110 institutions, has collected over 12,000,000 cryo-EM movies, and has helped determine the structure of over 400 macromolecular complexes reported in peer-reviewed publications.

PNCC is one of the collaborative projects under the umbrella of the Pacific northwest bioMedical Innovation Co-laboratory (PMedlC).

PMedlC's mission is to use multidimensional omics and imaging data to improve understanding around disease and to inform customized treatment options for patients.

Research topics

Human Health
Biology
Structural Biology