Oxford Particle Imaging Centre specialises in cryogenic electron microscopy
Oxford Particle Imaging Centre (OPIC) houses state-of-the art equipment for cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). This includes a Titan Krios and a Glacios instrument, both fitted with direct electron detectors, in addition to auxiliary equipment for sample preparation.
OPIC facilities enable imaging of macromolecular complexes (including membrane proteins, enzymes, and viruses), organelles, and cells in their native state. Through computational reconstruction of cryo-EM images it is possible to derive three-dimensional density maps of biological structures. Often these maps have sufficient resolution to allow building of atomic models leading to mechanistic understanding of cellular functions.
The local groups using OPIC facilities represent a wide range of research ranging from cell surface receptors and ion-channels to viral polymerases and entire viral particles. Central to OPIC are biosafety containment laboratories which facilitate the study of infectious viruses relevant to human and animal health. OPIC welcomes research proposals from a broad science base.
Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Roosevelt Drive
OX3 7BN, Oxford
United Kingdom
Oxford Particle Imaging Centre (OPIC) is part of the Division of Structural Biology within the Nuffield Department of Medicine at the University of Oxford. OPIC facilities are located in the Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics on Old Road Campus.
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Glacios and Titan Krios instruments are available for cryo-EM
