Recent advances in the field of electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM) have resulted in a rapidly increasing number of atomic models of biomacromolecules that have been solved using this technique and deposited in the Protein Data Bank and the Electron Microscopy Data Bank. Similar to macromolecular crystallography, validation tools for these models and maps are required. While some of these validation tools may be borrowed from crystallography, new methods specifically designed for cryo-EM validation are required. Here, new computational methods and tools implemented inPHENIXare discussed, includingd₉₉to estimate resolution,phenix.auto_sharpento improve maps andphenix.mtriageto analyze cryo-EM maps. It is suggested that cryo-EM half-maps and masks should be deposited to facilitate the evaluation and validation of cryo-EM-derived atomic models and maps. The application of these tools to deposited cryo-EM atomic models and maps is also presented.

The MODOMICS database was updated with recent data and now includes new data types related to RNA modifications. Changes to the database include an expanded modification catalog, encompassing both natural and synthetic residues identified in RNA structures. This addition aids in representing RNA sequences from the RCSB PDB database more effectively. To manage the increased number of modifications, adjustments to the nomenclature system were made. Updates in the RNA sequences section include the addition of new sequences and the reintroduction of sequence alignments for tRNAs and rRNAs. The protein section was updated and connected to structures from the RCSB PDB database and predictions by AlphaFold. MODOMICS now includes a data annotation system, with ‘Evidence’ and ‘Estimated Reliability’ features, offering clarity on data support and accuracy. This system is open to all MODOMICS entries, enhancing the accuracy of RNA modification data representation. MODOMICS is available at https://iimcb.genesilico.pl/modomics/.

Transcription regulation by steroid hormones and other metabolites is mediated by nuclear receptors (NRs) such as the vitamin D and retinoid X receptors (VDR and RXR). Here, we present the cryo electron microscopy (cryo‐EM) structure of the heterodimeric complex of the liganded human RXR and VDR bound to a consensus DNA response element forming a direct repeat (DR3). The cryo‐EM map of the 100‐kDa complex allows positioning the individual crystal structures of ligand‐ and DNA‐binding domains (LBDs and DBDs). The LBDs are arranged perpendicular to the DNA and are located asymmetrically at the DNA 5′‐end of the response element. The structure reveals that the VDR N‐terminal A/B domain is located close to the DNA. The hinges of both VDR and RXR are fully visible and hold the complex in an open conformation in which co‐regulators can bind. The asymmetric topology of the complex provides the structural basis for RXR being an adaptive partner within NR heterodimers, while the specific helical structure of VDR's hinge connects the 3′‐bound DBD with the 5′‐bound LBD and thereby serves as a conserved linker of defined length sensitive to mutational deletion. There is a [Have you seen?][1] (January 2012) associated with this Article. [1]: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/emboj.2011.475

Super-resolution microscopy (PALM, STORM etc.) provides a plethora of fluorescent signals in dense cellular environments which can be difficult to interpret. Here we describe ClusterViSu, a method for image reconstruction, visualization and quantification of labelled protein clusters, based on Voronoi tessellation of the individual fluorescence events. The general applicability of this clustering approach for the segmentation of super-resolution microscopy data, including for co-localization, is illustrated on a series of important biological objects such as chromatin complexes, RNA polymerase, nuclear pore complexes and microtubules.

Many antibiotics in clinical use target the bacterial ribosome by interfering with the protein synthesis machinery. However, targeting the human ribosome in the case of protein synthesis deregulations such as in highly proliferating cancer cells has not been investigated at the molecular level up to now. Here we report the structure of the human 80S ribosome with a eukaryote-specific antibiotic and show its anti-proliferative effect on several cancer cell lines. The structure provides insights into the detailed interactions in a ligand-binding pocket of the human ribosome that are required for structure-assisted drug design. Furthermore, anti-proliferative dose response in leukaemic cells and interference with synthesis of c-myc and mcl-1 short-lived protein markers reveals specificity of a series of eukaryote-specific antibiotics towards cytosolic rather than mitochondrial ribosomes, uncovering the human ribosome as a promising cancer target.