# CU Boulder Center for Cryo-ET (CCET)

> **NIH NIH U24** · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO · 2020 · $780,586

## Abstract

All funds awarded for Yr-01 are anticipated to be expended as planned and not available for re-
budgeting for the equipment costs detailed in the budget.
We will establish a satellite service center within a larger network according to RFAs RM-19-009
and -010, named the CU-Boulder Center for Cryo-Electron Tomography (CCET). Our
satellite will focus on cryospecimen preparation and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) applied
to cells, organelles and large supramolecular assemblies. The applicants combine the expertise
of three P.I.s, Michael Stowell (highresolution cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM)), Karolin
Luger (biochemistry of large complex assemblies, especially protein-nucleic acid interactions),
and Andreas Hoenger (former P41 director, cryo-EM and cryo-ET from macromolecules to cells
and tissues). With our current staff, we combine extensive expertise with cryo-ET and relevant
software. We will offer a broad range of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and cryo-ET
preparation procedures for cellular structures and intracellular macromolecular assemblies, as
well as training opportunities for scientists who would like to establish these technologies, or at
least part of them, for their home labs. Here in Boulder, we have several high-end microscopes
available, including a newly installed Titan-Krios. Three of our microscopes are equipped with
direct electron detectors. In addition, we have a comprehensive periphery for cryo-specimen
preparation, storage, and handling resources, including computational tools. We will add cryo-
Focused Ion Beam (cryo-FIB) milling to produce vitrified lamellae of cells and tissues. We
propose the following organization of the facility:
Specific Aim 1: Cryo-ET specimen preparation methods offered for service: Our
technology and expertise will be made accessible for our users and for further collaborations
with the data collection hub proposed in a parallel RFA (RM-19-010).
Specific Aim 2: Cross-training opportunities forservice users: We will offer comprehensive
training for users, including one-on-one instruction on microscopes and related equipment. As
appropriate, we will pool users into small groups and run a training week as a hands-on
workshop on equipment as well as related software developed by our facility such as Serial-EM,
IMOD and PEET.
While the emphasis with training will be on practical aspects of specimen preparation and data
collection, we often encounter novice users in strong need for a thorough introduction into
image analysis software as well.
Specific Aim
3: Administration and organization of the facility: Users, assigned to us via the network-wide
application process will have the opportunity to participate in the specimen refinement process,
and receive training on the cryo-ET processes involved. Projects with high potential will be
referred for high-throughput data collection to the central hub facility of the network. Boulder,
Colorado is centrally located and well-connected nationwide t...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10261985
- **Project number:** 3U24GM139174-01S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO
- **Principal Investigator:** ANDREAS HOENGER
- **Activity code:** U24 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $780,586
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2020-09-08 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10261985

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10261985, CU Boulder Center for Cryo-ET (CCET) (3U24GM139174-01S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10261985. Licensed CC0.

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