May 30, 2024: Vitor Hugo Balasco Serrão, Ph.D., University of California, Santa Cruz

Building Bridges: Selenocysteine Synthase as a Model for Efficiently Managing Interactions between Researchers and National Facilities
Collaboration and engagement with National Facilities play a pivotal role in propelling scientific research and innovation forward. The integration of screening processes for cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) facilities with state-of-the-art instrumentation facilities is of utmost importance for ensuring the efficacy and excellence of structural biology investigations. CryoEM has emerged as a groundbreaking method for visualizing biomolecular structures at nearly atomic levels, offering unprecedented insights into biological mechanisms. The meticulous selection of samples in screening cryoEM facilities serves to uphold rigorous standards encompassing instrument performance at high-end instruments National Facilities. This commitment to excellence fosters trust and confidence within the scientific community by ensuring the reliability and reproducibility of structural data. By carefully evaluating the capabilities and proficiency of cryoEM facilities, researchers can pinpoint the platforms best suited to their unique experimental needs. This strategic approach facilitates the optimal allocation of resources and enhances the prospects of obtaining high-caliber structural insights. A recent example showcasing this collaborative synergy is the elucidation of the structure of bacterial Selenocysteine Synthase (SelA), underscoring the importance of fostering efficient relationships between researchers and National Facilities. Such partnerships not only support both ends effectively but also amplify the scientific impact by streamlining processes and maximizing outcomes.