Protocol for estimating the contrast transfer function and absolute tilt angle offset for cryo-electron tomography using CTFMeasure.

Abstract

Contrast transfer function (CTF) estimation is essential to the data processing workflow of cryo-electron tomography (cryoET). Here, we present a protocol for CTF estimation of the cryoET tilt series with CTFMeasure. CTFMeasure can estimate the CTF parameters together with the absolute tilt angle offset of the sample. We describe steps for configuring the input files and estimating the CTF parameters and the absolute tilt angle offset of the input tilt series. We then detail procedures for visualizing the power spectra and analyzing the output files. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Zhang et al.¹.