Enabling CryoEM Adoption and Training Through Immersive Visualization Technologies

Advances in cryogenic sample electron microscopy (cryoEM) and electron tomography (cryoET) have enabled researchers to routinely determine models of macromolecular complexes at near-atomic resolutions in both in vitro and in situ contexts. Applications of these methods have been broadened by advances in data visualization technologies that help integrate, contextualize and communicate experimental data from complex biological systems [1]. The NIH-sponsored Transformative High-Resolution CryoEM Program [2] was created to support this ‘resolution revolution’ by setting up a network of cryoEM focused service centers to provide access to advanced instrumentation, expertise and training at no cost at the point of access. The cryoEM centers (the National Center for CryoEM Access and Training (NCCAT) at the New York Structural Biology Center, the Stanford-SLAC CryoEM Center (S2C2), and the Pacific Northwest CryoEM Center (PNCC)) have worked together to gather, develop, and share standard operating procedures and novel educational tools to promote best practices. As part of our mission to accelerate the adoption cryoEM we have incorporated the latest data visualization tools and technologies into our outreach programs. Visualization technologies, such as immersive virtual reality (VR) and video game engines are redefining how biophysical and structural data can be transformed into research, training, and discovery workflows. By integrating VR-based learning into research and educational environments, the Centers have explored how to accelerate training in the operation of cryoEM instrumentation, as well as data analysis [3]. These trainings have been packaged into modules that are incorporated into the national center CryoEM merit badge system, which provide proficiency certifications in core cryoEM techniques. This modular certification system, based on Scouting merit badges, not only standardizes training in the cryoEM workflow, but helps with the standardization of sample preparation, microscope operation, and data processing pipelines. These merit badge resources are freely available online at cryoemcenters.org and provide users with procedures that are recognized across the national center network. In addition, immersive data visualization environments have proven effective for communicating complex structural concepts by creating engaging training experiences [4]. By enabling users to directly engage with complex macromolecular assemblies within tomographic volumes we have created a platform where researchers can build an environment that combines information from multiple experimental and computational sources. Researchers are able to incorporate and render macromolecular complexes at the atomic level in a virtual cellular environment with Unreal Engine [5,6]. This virtual environment allows scientists to not only explore their research systems at an atomic level, but inspire new research avenues. Taken together, the experiences of the national cryoEM centers demonstrate that visualization technologies are no longer ancillary tools, but can be part of the modern structural science toolkit. By making complex molecular data more intuitive, accessible, and compelling; advanced visualization approaches are helping to broaden engagement and scientific participation across the life science communities [7]. The cryoEM merit badge framework for cryoEM sample preparation instrument training found at cryoemcenters.org. A summer intern using VR to visualize and annotate cryoET data. (inset) An example of the syGlass VR interface. Unreal Engine 5 was used to create an interactive game to visualize macromolecules in a virtual cellular environment.