# The National Center for In-situ Tomographic Ultramicroscopy (NCITU)

> **NIH NIH U24** · NEW YORK STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY CENTER · 2020 · $786,967

## Abstract

Summary
The primary goal of the National Center for In-situ Tomographic Ultramicroscopy (NCITU) is to provide
user access and service towards preparing specimens for direct visualization of macromolecular
associations and organization, particularly in native cells. NCITU is dedicated to developing and
providing access to both standard and advanced methods for in-situ cryoET specimen preparation, and
to disseminating this expertise through a cryoET cross-training program designed to serve a wide
variety of skill levels and career goals. A highly qualified technical team provides direct hands-on
service, guidance, and assistance to ensure that samples and grids are prepared with the highest
quality and in the shortest time possible. As NCITU develops, it will provide a full range of services for
in-situ sample preparation for tomography including: culturing biological samples, plunge freezing and
high pressure freezing, cryo-light microscopy (cryoLM), cryo-ultramicrotomy, focused ion beam milling
(FIB-milling) including lift-out, and initial cryoTEM screening prior to submission of specimens to the
network Hub for high-resolution cryoET data collection.
This is a request for supplemental funding to purchase instrumentation that will expand and enhance
the capabilities of the center. We are requesting: (i) a correlative fluorescence light microscope
integrated into the FIB/SEM; (ii) a modern high pressure freezer; and (iii) a dedicated cryo fluorescence
confocal light microscope.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10264522
- **Project number:** 3U24GM139171-01S1
- **Recipient organization:** NEW YORK STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** BRIDGET Olivia CARRAGHER
- **Activity code:** U24 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $786,967
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2020-09-15 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10264522

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10264522, The National Center for In-situ Tomographic Ultramicroscopy (NCITU) (3U24GM139171-01S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10264522. Licensed CC0.

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