Research summary
Electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM) is a technique in structural biology that uses electrons to study samples that have been frozen at cryogenic temperatures. It can help researchers look inside cells to understand how they work at the molecular level. As Canada Research Chair in Electron Cryomicroscopy, Dr. John Rubinstein aims to develop tools to expand the capabilities of cryo-EM.
Rubinstein and his research team are using cryo-EM to better understand the control and flow of energy in biological systems. For example, they are studying mitochondrial respiration to better understand how this process changes in cancer, mitochondrial disease and neurodegeneration. They are also investigating mycobacterial respiration to support the development of new treatments for tuberculosis and other mycobacterial infections. In a related project, they are looking for new treatments for osteoporosis, cancer and neurological diseases.