A single cryo-EM grid may contain multiple molecular species, distinct conformational states, interaction partners, or oligomeric assemblies. When properly characterized, this heterogeneity can provide far more biological insight than a single consensus reconstruction.
In this latest case study, depending on the processing strategy, the same dataset can reveal active and deactive conformational states of complex I, as well as additional respiratory-chain complexes that co-purified with the target protein.
Combined with biochemical and in vivo studies, the work identifies promising antibody candidates with both prophylactic and therapeutic potential, opening new avenues for combating measles after exposure.