Sung-hoon No

Cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) is a key mediator of the nitric oxide/cGMP signaling pathway and plays a central role in regulating cardiovascular and neuronal functions. The N-terminal ∼50 amino acids of the kinase are required for homodimerization and association with isoform-specific PKG-anchoring proteins (GKAPs), which target the kinase to specific substrates. To understand the molecular details of PKG dimerization and gain insight into its association with GKAPs, we solved a crys

MLC1 is a membrane protein mainly expressed in astrocytes, and genetic mutations lead to the development of a leukodystrophy, megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts disease. Currently, the biochemical properties of the MLC1 protein are largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to characterize the transmembrane (TM) topology and oligomeric nature of the MLC1 protein. Systematic immunofluorescence staining data revealed that the MLC1 protein has eight TM domains and that both th

The formation of uniform vitreous ice is a crucial step in the preparation of samples for cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Despite the rapid technological progress in EM, controlling the thickness of vitreous ice on sample grids with reproducibility remains a major obstacle to obtaining high-quality data in cryo-EM imaging. The commonly employed classical blotting process faces the problem of excess water that cannot be absorbed by the filter paper, resulting in the formation of thick an

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is a revolutionary technique to study the three-dimensional structure of macromolecules and theirs complexes at molecular resolution. The first step in preparing samples for cryo-EM is to select and optimize the right grid for the specimen. This screening process needs consideration in many aspects including concentration and stability of the specimen, compatibility with grid material and optimum ice thickness across the grid. Importantly, the best signal-to-no

The Center for Macromolecular and Cell Imaging (CMCI) is a core facility equipped with multiple cryo-capable electron microscopes including a 200 kV Thermofisher Glacios, 200 kV JEOL JEM2100Plus and 120 kV FEI TECNAI with direct electron detector technologies. The center also has auxiliary equipment for optimal specimen preparation, such as for protein purification, tissue culture, grid preparation and vitrification. The center offers to the scientific community the best practice of cutting-edge