Single-particle Cryo-EM and molecular dynamics simulations: A perfect match

Curr Opin Struct Biol. 2024 Jun:86:102825. doi: 10.1016/j.sbi.2024.102825. Epub 2024 May 8.

Abstract

Knowledge of the structure and dynamics of biomolecules is key to understanding the mechanisms underlying their biological functions. Single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is a powerful structural biology technique to characterize complex biomolecular systems. Here, we review recent advances of how Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations are being used to increase and enhance the information extracted from cryo-EM experiments. We will particularly focus on the physics underlying these experiments, how MD facilitates structure refinement, in particular for heterogeneous and non-isotropic resolution, and how thermodynamic and kinetic information can be extracted from cryo-EM data.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cryoelectron Microscopy* / methods
  • Kinetics
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Protein Conformation
  • Single Molecule Imaging* / methods