Academic Journal

Blender as a Tool for Visualization and Animation of the Trypanosome Flagellar Base Using Cryogenic Electron Tomography.

Λεπτομέρειες βιβλιογραφικής εγγραφής
Τίτλος: Blender as a Tool for Visualization and Animation of the Trypanosome Flagellar Base Using Cryogenic Electron Tomography.
Συγγραφείς: Hildebolt H; Department of Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor., Staggers SR; Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh., Sun SY; Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh; stellasun@pitt.edu.
Πηγή: Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE [J Vis Exp] 2026 Oct 09 (236). Date of Electronic Publication: 2026 Oct 09.
Τύπος έκδοσης: Journal Article; Video-Audio Media
Γλώσσα: English
Στοιχεία περιοδικού: Publisher: MYJoVE Corporation Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 101313252 Publication Model: Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1940-087X (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 1940087X NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Vis Exp Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s): Original Publication: [Boston, Mass. : MYJoVE Corporation, 2006]-
Ιατρικοί όροι (MeSH): Electron Microscope Tomography*/methods , Flagella*/ultrastructure , Cryoelectron Microscopy*/methods , Trypanosoma brucei brucei*/ultrastructure , Software*, Imaging, Three-Dimensional/methods
Περίληψη: Cryogenic electron tomography (cryo-ET) enables three-dimensional visualization of cellular structures and macromolecular assemblies in near-native states. However, tomographic reconstructions and segmented models can be difficult to interpret without effective visualization tools that place structural features within their broader cellular context. This protocol describes a workflow for integrating cryo-ET segmentations with illustrative three-dimensional models in Blender 5.2, a free and open-source platform for modeling, rendering, and animation. The workflow includes preparing segmented volumes, exporting, and importing models, organizing structural components, assigning materials and colors, adjusting lighting and camera settings, and generating keyframe-based animations. In addition to visualizing segmented tomographic data, this workflow also includes building illustrative cellular models that help contextualize structures of interest within the whole-cell architecture. This approach is particularly useful for communicating complex spatial relationships, organelle organization, and dynamic biological processes captured by cryo-ET. By combining experimentally derived segmentations with flexible three-dimensional modeling and animation tools, researchers can create high-quality scientific movies that enhance data interpretation, improve visual communication, and support presentation, publication, and educational applications.
Entry Date(s): Date Created: 20261010 Date Completed: 20261010 Latest Revision: 20261010
Update Code: 20261011
DOI: 10.3791/73590
PMID: 42858092
Βάση Δεδομένων: MEDLINE
Περιγραφή
ISSN:1940-087X
DOI:10.3791/73590