The data discussed in this publication tries to answer one of the most important questions in ryanodine receptor gating: what motions does the channel undergoe and how does the allosteric coupling between the cytoplasmic domains and the transmembrane region work?
In this respect, it is very disappointing to see that the corresponding data (the cryoEM maps of RyR1 in the open and closed states) have been 'on hold' for more than a year in the EMDB. Not releasing these data is obstructing scientific progress in the field, delaying new insights that can be gained, and thus delaying new future therapies that would benefit from an increased understanding of RyR function.
On behalf of many people in the RyR community, I urge the authors to set the right example in the cryoEM community: release the corresponding maps and let science progress.
Sincerely,
Filip Van Petegem
