8RQ5

Cryo-EM structure of the light-driven sodium-pumping rhodopsin KR2

Summary for 8RQ5

• Entry DOI: 10.2210/pdb8rq5/pdb
• EMDB information: 19434
• Descriptor: Sodium pumping rhodopsin, (2R)-2,3-dihydroxypropyl (9Z)-octadec-9-enoate, EICOSANE, ... (7 entities in total)
• Functional Keywords: retinal, ion transport, sodium, rhodopsin, photocycle, pentamer, membrane protein
• Biological source: Dokdonia eikasta
• Total number of polymer chains: 5
• Total formula weight: 180799.97

Authors

Kovalev, K.,Linares, R. (deposition date: 2024-01-17, release date: 2025-01-29, Last modification date: 2026-07-08)

Primary citation

Gemin, O.,Armijo, V.,Lecomte, L.,Hons, M.,Deckers, T.,Bissardon, C.,Rossi, C.,Lauzier, K.,Janocha, R.,Felisaz, F.,Sinoir, J.,Linares, R.,Babenko, A.,Kovalev, K.,Prokhorova, I.,Khusainov, I.,Schreiner, C.,Kolesnikova, O.,Salo, V.T.,Schneider, S.,Bowler, M.W.,Wolff, G.,Galej, W.P.,Mahamid, J.,Muller, C.W.,Carugo, K.D.,Eustermann, S.,Mattei, S.,Cipriani, F.,Papp, G.
EasyGrid: a versatile platform for automated cryo-EM sample preparation and quality control.
Nat.Methods, 2026

PubMed Abstract: Optimized sample preparation is essential for imaging biological macromolecules in their native state using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) or in situ cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET). Here we present EasyGrid, a modular, automated platform designed to streamline and standardize cryo-EM/ET sample preparation. EasyGrid integrates in-line plasma treatment of the sample support, microfluidic dispensing, blot-less sample spreading, jet-based vitrification and grid quality control via light interferometry. We demonstrate its effectiveness by preparing grids for multiple purified macromolecular complexes and resolving their structures with cryo-EM. Additionally, EasyGrid achieves improved vitrification of large mammalian cells compared to conventional plunge-freezing. By enabling systematic and high-throughput optimization, EasyGrid provides a robust and time-saving solution for both structural and cellular cryo-EM applications.

PubMed: 42337080
DOI: 10.1038/s41592-026-03127-5

Experimental method

ELECTRON MICROSCOPY (2.32 Å)