The Kaplan lab develops and applies cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), and associated techniques like cryo-FIB milling and cryo-CLEM, for the structural determination of molecular machines in micro-organisms and cells.

Cryo-ET is at the forefront of technologies in ultrastructure imaging, where a biological sample is plunge frozen, and imaged with a transmission electron microscope. The sample is preserved in a hydrated-frozen state, allowing the visualization of whole intact cells at macromolecular resolution. The sample is tilted along an axis, taking multiple images at the different tilts. The images can be reconstructed into a 3D volume with computational methods, producing a tomogram.

Cryo-ET is able to obtain nanometer level images and information about complexes and structures directly in their natural environment. Knowing the structure and localization of complexes is crucial to understand cellular function.

We are particularly interested in using cryo-ET to research bacterial motors, predation, and cellular structures in all sorts of cells. For collaborations, feel free to reach out to us! If you are interested in joining the lab, feel free to contact us (all are welcome)!