Unveiling the Cytoskeletal Architecture of Glial Cells Using Cryo-Electron Tomography
Eva Nogales, Professor
Molecular and Cell Biology
Applications for Fall 2025 are closed for this project.
Glial cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia), which make up half the brain volume, play essential roles in maintaining and protecting neurons. They regulate synaptic neurotransmission, insulate the neuronal axons, maintain their extracellular environment and are involved in immune defense, thereby playing a central role in the regulation of brain function. Despite their diverse roles, they remain largely unexplored. In this project, we aim at using cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) to study the structural organization underlying their diverse functions in their native, unperturbed states to visualize the molecular architecture of glial cells.
Role: Students working on this project will be involved with:
Sample preparation for Cryo-ET
Negative staining electron microscopy of cytoskeletal filaments
Tomogram reconstruction and subtomogram averaging
Segmentation of cellular tomography
Qualifications: The applicant ideally would have foundational understanding of experimental molecular biology, cell biology or structural biology, along with a strong motivation to learn about Cryo-EM and cryo-electron tomography. Additionally, good analytical and organizational skills, critical thinking, and a desire to participate in cutting-edge research as a team are required!
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Dharshini Gopal, Post-Doc
Hours: 12 or more hours
Related website: http://cryoem.berkeley.edu
Biological & Health Sciences