? Macromolecular structure determination using electron microscopy has become a useful research tool aimed at understanding biological processes, identifying conformational changes, and characterizing components in cellular pathways. Our long-term goal is to broaden the group of people able to determine macromolecular structures by providing integrated, easy to use, and efficient software for routine determination of three-dimensional macromolecular structures using electron microscopy. To accomplish these goals, we will develop an add-on package, Single Particle Tumbleweed, to our existing Tumbleweed electron microscopy software suite. Novel aspects of this software include a system to guide users through the reconstruction process, multiple efficiently coded algorithms for macromolecular structure determination, and integrated data analysis and visualization tools. The software will provide a consistent, easy to use graphical user interface; data management, analysis, and logging tools; and extensive user help including tutorials. During this development work we will also enhance Tumbleweed with additional structural analysis capabilities, increased I/O performance, more robust data management, and the ability to run on commodity hardware. The result of this Phase II SBIR will be a complete design and implementation of this software package allowing easy, efficient, and routine determination of macromolecular structures by biomedical research scientists and structural biologists. ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
5R44GM064897-03
Application #
6693830
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-SSS-9 (11))
Program Officer
Chin, Jean
Project Start
2002-02-01
Project End
2006-01-31
Budget Start
2004-02-01
Budget End
2005-01-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$399,074
Indirect Cost
Name
Qed Labs
Department
Type
DUNS #
046579988
City
San Jose
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
95126