Local computational methods to improve the interpretability and analysis of cryo-EM maps

Abstract

Here, the authors present two local methods for analyzing cryo-EM maps: LocSpiral and LocBSharpen that enhance high-resolution features of cryoEM maps, while preventing map distortions. They also introduce LocBFactor and LocOccupancy, which allow obtaining local B-factors and electron density occupancy maps from cryo-EM reconstructions and the authors demonstrate that these methods improve the interpretability and analysis of cryo-EM maps using different test cases among them recent SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein structures.