News

GW4 Alliance secures £1.5 million for cutting-edge cryoFIB-SEM instrumentation following successful BBSRC bid

9 September 2024

The GW4 Alliance, comprising the Universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, and Exeter, has secured a total of £2.6 million in funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) ALERT scheme to bolster its research infrastructure. This includes £1.5 million to enable the acquisition of the first cryo-focused ion beam-scanning electron microscope (cryoFIB-SEM) with integrated fluorescent light imaging in the region, alongside £1.1 million to upgrade cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) capabilities at the University of Exeter. This investment represents a transformative leap in the capabilities of the GW4 Facility for High-Resolution Electron Cryo-Microscopy and is set to drive groundbreaking research in in situ structural biology across the alliance.

Cryo-electron microscopy reveals novel cytoskeletal structures in human cells

16 July 2024

In a pioneering study using advanced imaging techniques, including cryo-electron tomography (cryoET) and cryo-focused ion beam milling with scanning electron microscopy (cryoFIB-SEM), researchers at the University of Bristol have illuminated a fascinating aspect of cellular architecture, revealing new insights into the interactions between the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons, which are crucial for cell division, migration, and intracellular transport. Traditionally, it was believed that these interactions were primarily mediated by proteins that directly link or signal between these two dynamic networks. However, emerging evidence suggests an additional mechanism where F-actin, a polymerized form of actin, assembles within the lumen of microtubules to form composite structures.

Exploring cutting-edge nanoparticle-based vaccine design using electron cryo-microscopy: the development of ADDoCoV and Gigabody

19 November 2023

In the realm of combating infectious diseases, a groundbreaking publication stands as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative technologies, and pioneering methodologies. This research represents a pivotal stride forward in the development of nanoparticle-based reagents targeting infectious pathogens, harnessing the integration of synthetic, computational, and high-resolution structural methods. The synthesis of these diverse approaches culminated in the creation of two fascinating innovations: ADDoCoV, a thermostable COVID-19 nanoparticle vaccine designed for nasal administration, and a novel Gigabody, a multivalent superbinder - both tailored to combat SARS-CoV-2 and its immune-evading variants.

British Heart Foundation and Sun Life explore cardiovascular research at the University of Bristol

28 September 2023

We recently had the pleasure of hosting a visit from the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and their corporate partner, Sun Life, at the GW4 Facility for High-Resolution Electron Cryo-Microscopy, situated within the University of Bristol. The occasion provided an opportunity to showcase the practical aspects of cardiovascular research conducted by the Paul lab, supported by BHF funding and utilizing our facility's advanced equipment.

Cryo-EM Research reveals Zebrafish as a Promising Model for Studying Human Heart Disease

23 July 2023

In a recent breakthrough, researchers at the University of Bristol have utilized cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to investigate the three-dimensional structure of the cardiac thin filament in zebrafish, shedding light on its similarity to the human counterpart. The study establishes zebrafish as a valuable model for human heart diseases, particularly hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Breakthrough study uncovers the elusive structure of block copolymer nanofibers through high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy

22 May 2023

High-resolution cryo-TEM imaging reveals remarkable core and corona structure of nanofibers with vast potential.

Discovery of common feature among lethal Coronaviruses offers hope for pan-Coronavirus antiviral treatment

23 November 2022

Bristol-led study uncovers factors influencing coronavirus severity, paving the way for a universal treatment against all coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 variants like Omicron.