The application of CorrSight™ in correlative light and electron microscopy of vitrified biological specimens

Abstract

Correlative light and electron microscopy is a powerful technique for identification and determination of the structures of interested macromolecules in situ. Combined with sample vitrification, it would be much easier to preserve the native state of macromolecule complexes and distinguish them from the crowded structure environment. In this article, we present a detailed process for the application of the CorrSight system, a light microscope equipped with a cryo module, in combination with a cryo-electron microscope. A relatively long course of up to 7-8 h for cryo module preparation and multichannel light microscopy imaging of vitrified specimen can be sustained. Correlation of light and electron microscopy images at both grid levels to locate squares and square level to locate target particles, and verification of target particles can be performed with the help of AutoEMation software. Cryo-electron tomography is used for obtaining the three-dimensional structure information.