Dynamic behavior of biomaterials uncovered by cryo-electron microscopy

Structural biology develops rapidly with time. The static structure analysis of biomaterials is not enough to satisfy the studies of their functional mechanisms, with a huge obstacle for the dynamic process of biological complexes. The rapid development of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) technology makes it possible to observe the near-atomic resolution structures and dynamic nature of biological macromolecules, in the fields of dynamic characteristics of proteins, protein-protein interactions, molecular recognition, and structure-based design. In this review, we systematically elaborate the contribution of cryo-EM technology in the field of biomaterials such as ribosome motion, membrane protein structure and conformational space, dynamic transmission within the plasma membrane and clinical applications. We also put forward a new standpoint in the development of cryo-EM technology.