Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: University of Maastricht Adds Complete Correlative Workflow from FEI to its Institute of Nanoscopy

Home > Press > University of Maastricht Adds Complete Correlative Workflow from FEI to its Institute of Nanoscopy

Abstract:
The University of Maastricht will use a Correlative Workflow from FEI to enable greater insight into the 3D form of cellular proteins, which may facilitate the development of more effective disease treatment and prevention

University of Maastricht Adds Complete Correlative Workflow from FEI to its Institute of Nanoscopy

Hillsboro, OR and Maastricht, the Netherlands | Posted on June 23rd, 2014

FEI (NASDAQ: FEIC) announces the sale of a complete correlative workflow to the University of Maastricht. The systems will be installed at the University's Institute of Nanoscopy, a new research facility that will use the high-resolution microscopes to understand the working mechanisms of protein complexes in an effort to develop new and improved treatment and prevention for disease, such as cancer and tuberculosis.

"Our ultimate goal is to image biological nano-machines and their mode of action at the macromolecular-scale by pushing the current limits of visual proteomics and nanotechnologies," states Peter Peters, university professor of Nanobiology at the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, and head of the Institute of Nanoscopy. "Cryo-electron microscopy is the only way to study cellular processes close to the in vivo situation. In order to do so, a full workflow is needed, from live cell imaging with fluorescent markers through cryo-fixation to preserve the structure, and finally, using high-resolution cryo-electron tomography to visualize three-dimensional structures down to the nanometer scale. FEI is the only company that can deliver this complete workflow from start to finish."

The complete workflow delivered to the University of Maastricht starts with live cell imaging using CorrSight™, an advanced light microscope that is designed specifically for use in correlative experiments and enables researchers to image live cell dynamics and, when a targeted event is observed, quickly fix those cells for electron microscopy (EM). FEI's MAPS™ software tracks the target position and coordinates and provides a common operating interface between the different tools across the entire workflow. The sample, along with its coordinates, is then transferred to the Scios DualBeam™ (focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope) system, which thins the identified areas of interest down to the appropriate thickness of 100-200 nm while maintaining cryogenic conditions. The thinned sample is transferred to the Tecnai Arctica™ transmission electron microscope (TEM) for high-resolution imaging and analysis. The Arctica is specially-designed for automated, high-throughput cryo-tomography, which acquires a sequence of images from different perspectives to reconstruct a 3D model of the target.

According to Peter Fruhstorfer, FEI's vice president and general manager of Life Sciences, "The complete workflow provides a seamless way to study biological cells and processes. It reduces the tedious manual work and improves reproducibility of the data." He adds, "We have a long-standing relationship with Dr. Peters, who is a leading and well-known researcher in his field. We look forward to working with him to further expand the use of cryo-EM in medical research."

The research team at the University's Institute of Nanoscopy will focus on revealing the 3D structure of a large complex called ‘type VII secretion system' present in the cell wall of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the most important virulence factor. This knowledge may contribute to improving the vaccine presently used against tuberculosis (TB). This research is based on Dr. Peters' findings of how the bacteria that cause TB behave within cells, which was published in Cell in 2007. The Institute also aims to develop greater insight into the working of the immune system, which may potentially lead to an immune response against cancer cells in the human body. In addition, the team will continue to work on improving sample preparation for cryo-EM.

Please visit www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/nanoscopy for more information. For more information about FEI's Correlative Workflow, please visit: www.fei.com/life-sciences/cellular-biology/.

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About FEI Company
FEI Company (Nasdaq: FEIC) designs, manufactures and supports a broad range of high-performance microscopy workflow solutions that provide images and answers at the micro-, nano- and picometer scales. Its innovation and leadership enable customers in industry and science to increase productivity and make breakthrough discoveries. Headquartered in Hillsboro, Ore., USA, FEI has over 2,600 employees and sales and service operations in more than 50 countries around the world. More information can be found at: www.fei.com.

About the Institute of Nanoscopy

The Institute of Nanoscopy investigates cell structures at a macromolecular level. Inside cells, proteins work together in complex structures and are responsible for virtually all processes in the human body, including diseases such as cancer. To understand the working mechanisms of protein complexes, three-dimensional imaging of normal and disease-causing protein complexes is essential. This could ultimately lead to more effective treatments, but also to vaccines against diseases such as tuberculosis.

Using high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy, detailed photographs of protein complexes in cells are taken. Next, powerful computers transform these images into 3D structures of protein complexes. This technique requires painstaking preparation of the biological samples. To this end, the Maastricht institute has state-of-the-art microscopes at its disposal. Peter Peters and his recently recruited colleague Raimond Ravelli are renowned experts in the field.

FEI Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements that include statements regarding the performance capabilities and benefits of the correlative workflow and the related products, including the CorrSight, MAPS Software, Scios DualBeam and Tecnai Arctica. Factors that could affect these forward-looking statements include but are not limited to our ability to manufacture, ship, deliver and install the tools or software as expected; failure of the product or technology to perform as expected; unexpected technology problems and challenges; changes to the technology; the inability of FEI, its suppliers or project partners to make the technological advances required for the technology to achieve anticipated results; and the inability of the customer to deploy the tools or develop and deploy the expected new applications. Please also refer to our Form 10-K, Forms 10-Q, Forms 8-K and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for additional information on these factors and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. FEI assumes no duty to update forward-looking statements.

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