Composite Map Deposition Guide
Introduction
The deposition of a composite map entry set follows the recommendations laid out by the community in 2020 (https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2311.17640). In accordance with these recommendations we require the composite map, all constituent maps (henceforth referred to as focused refinements), and the un-focused full structure (henceforth known as a consensus map) to be deposited as their own entries so that validation can be carried out for each of the deposited maps. In addition, the composite map entry must appropriately reference the focused refinements and consensus map. In this tutorial we will summarise the workflow to deposit a composite map set of entries in the most efficient manner possible.
In this tutorial we will use publicly available data EMDB: EMD-43299 and PDB: 8VK3.
Graphical Overview
To complete a deposition of a composite map set you will need several maps. These maps are described graphically below and EMD-IDs are included for an example composite map deposition set that can be found on the EMDB website.

Summary
Reminder: A composite map deposition must consist of separate depositions describing the composite map, consensus map, and focused map(s).
- Create a composite map deposition (Do not submit).
- Create focused refinement and consensus depositions (after completing composite map deposition). Pull the metadata from the composite map deposition.
- Associate the focused refinement and consensus depositions to the composite map deposition by filling the IDs in the “related entries” and submit.
Deposition Table
| Composite Map | Consensus Map | Focused Map(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Map |
Required |
Required |
Required |
| Half-maps |
Optional (If provided they must be composite half-maps)* |
Required |
Required |
| Entry Image |
Required |
Required |
Required |
| mmCIF file |
Optional (unless also depositing a model) |
Optional (unless also depositing a model) |
Optional (unless also depositing a model) |
| FSC Curve file |
Optional (If provided it should be calculated from the composite half-maps and described appropriately)** |
Optional |
Optional |
| Mask(s) |
Optional |
Optional |
Optional |
| Additional Map(s) |
Optional |
Optional |
Optional |
| Layer line file |
Not expected |
Not expected |
Not expected |
*If depositing half-maps as part of a composite-map deposition, only composite half-maps should be provided. Consensus and focused half-maps should be provided with the relevant, separate, depositions.
**EMDB recommends using the mean resolution of the focused maps as the resolution of the composite map
Step by Step
-
Start the composite map deposition
We recommend you start by creating the composite map deposition. This entry should contain all the metadata relevant to the other entries and we will be able to copy this across to those entries later. The deposition setup for this can be seen in Figure 1. Don’t forget to sign in with ORCID to enable easy access to all your depositions later on. In this example the model has been built into the composite map, therefore the composite map and model will be deposited together so that map-model validation can be carried out in this entry.

Figure 1: Setting up a composite map deposition.
Once the setup is complete and you have clicked ‘start deposition’ you should receive the details to login to the deposition via email and find it in your ORCID list of depositions if you were signed in with ORCID. The first step is to upload your files, an example of which can be seen in Figure 2, since this is a composite map deposition no half-maps are expected. Don’t forget that the mmCIF file format is also a metadata file format. All metadata provided in the uploaded mmCIF will automatically be used to fill the deposition interface. For users who wish to learn more about mmCIF files the mmCIF dictionary is available online (https://mmcif.wwpdb.org/) and example mmCIF files with EM metadata are available from the EMDB (e.g. https://www.ebi.ac.uk/emdb/EMD-43299?tab=links) under the Metadata section as a cif.gz download.

Figure 2: File upload page for a composite map entry.
After completing this section, the deposition interface will allow all metadata to be entered. Anything that was in the mmCIF file should already be in the deposition interface. Once all metadata sections are filled the entry should look similar to Figure 3.
DO NOT SUBMIT THE DEPOSITION YET!

Figure 3: a completed composite map deposition user-interface
We can now log out of this entry and start the deposition of the other entries.
2. Focused/Consensus map deposition
Now we are going to deposit the focused map(s) and consensus map. There should be one or more focused refinements and one consensus map deposited for every composite map deposited. In this example we will show you the deposition of a single focused refinement map, the method for depositing the others should be identical.
Once again we start by setting up the deposition (Figure 4). This time we will approach it as a regular map deposition (not composite). We have also already deposited coordinates with the composite map, as a result we will deposit the focused refinement(s) and consensus map without a coordinate model. If you have good reason to deposit portions of the model with the focused refinement(s) you are free to do so but where efficiency of deposition is concerned depositing the maps alone will be quicker.

Figure 4: Setting up a deposition for a focused/consensus map
As before, once the deposition is started you will get to the file upload screen. This time you can use the ‘based on a previous wwPDB deposition’ (Figure 5) option during the file upload process. This allows you to copy across various metadata from a previous deposition. Once the file upload is complete you should now see that, where possible, metadata has been transferred to the new deposition (Figure 6). This deposition can now be completed and submitted. Once submitted you will receive an EMD accession code which is needed for the next step.

Figure 5: Copying metadata from the composite map deposition

Figure 6: Metadata pulled from a previous deposition automatically fills relevant pages, in some cases already providing all required information (green tick).
3. Complete the composite map deposition
Now that you have completed all your focused refinement and consensus map depositions we can return to the composite map deposition and associate the new depositions to them. To do this we are going to go to the ‘Related entries’ page and fill the table out. The ‘content type’ drop-down menu will allow you to define the maps as focused or consensus. An example of this can be seen, including how it will be displayed on the EMDB website, in Figure 7. Once this is complete you are ready to submit the composite map deposition. If the composite map is accidentally submitted prematurely, or more entries are generated that you wish to be associated with the composite map after its submission, this can be corrected by contacting a wwPDB biocurator through the communication tab in OneDep.

Figure 7: Filling in the related entries for the composite map deposition.
Recommendation from EMDB: It is advised to use correlated yet distinct titles for entries related to a composite map.
Quick links
Recent Entries
(Show all)Subtomogram averaged porcine UOX assembly map with helical symmetry applied
Subtomogram averaged mouse UOX assembly map with helical symmetry applied
Subtomogram averaged rat UOX assembly map with helical symmetry applied
15-subunit assembly of cyanide dihydratase from Stutzerimonas stutzeri (Pseudomonas stutzeri AK1)
Dark-state structure of human medium-wavelength cone opsin (OPN1MW)
Assembly intermediate of human mitochondrial ribosome small subunit in complex with NOA1, ERAL1, METTL17, MCAT and TFB1M (state N1)
Structure of the O-oligosaccharyl transferase PglL from Neisseria meningitidis in complex with a nanobody
Cryo-ET structure of N-terminally truncated membrane-bound EHD2 complex
Cryo-EM structure of the SbmA V102G mutant variant in an expanded outward-open conformation
Structure of the SARS-CoV spike glycoprotein in complex with a homotrimeric Bicycle molecule - state with one RBD-up
Cryo-EM structure of the human potassium chloride cotransporter T906A/T1007A phospho-knockout mutants KCC2b bound ATP in LMNG (outward-facing state, dimer)
CryoEM structure of WIV1 spike monomer in complex with neutralizing antibody V1WT_41
CryoEM structure of WIV1 spike monomer in complex with neutralizing antibody V1WT_06
CryoEM structure of WIV1 spike monomer in complex with neutralizing antibody VA14_26
GT-C O-Mannosyltransferase TMEM260 co-purified with natural donor and in complex with acceptor peptide
Structure of a stalled E. coli 70S RNC-NuoK-70 in complex with SecYEG-YidC (Focused Refinement)
Structure of a stalled E. coli 70S RNC-NuoK-70 in complex with SecYEG-YidC (Consensus Refinement)
Structure of a stalled E. coli 70S RNC-NuoK-86 in complex with SecYEG (Consensus Refinement)
Extended tail of C. difficile phage phiCD508 subjected to 3D variability analysis
C. difficile phage phiCD508 tail tube in spontaneously contracted state
C. difficile phage phiCD508 tail sheath in spontaneously contracted state
Amyloid beta oligomer Interactions with Extracellular Vesicles by Cryo-ET
AMG986-bound APLNR dimer in active state 2b in complex with Gi-protein
AMG986-bound APLNR dimer in active state 2a in complex with Gi-protein
Cryo-EM structure of drosophila TRPgamma determined in GDN, state 1
Cryo-EM structure of drosophila TRPgamma determined in GDN, state 2
Cryo-EM structure of two abaucin-bound LolDF in Acinetobacter baumannii
Cryo-EM structure of nucleotide-free LolDF in Acinetobacter baumannii
Cryo-EM structure of four abaucin-bound LolDF in Acinetobacter baumannii
Cryo-EM structure of Medicago truncatula GA3-GID1b-DELLA1 ternary complex
Cryo-EM structure of quinary complex GA3-MtGID1b-MtDELLA1-SLY1-ASK1
Cryo-EM structure of Leu-enkephalin-BMS-986187-bound DOR-Gi2 complex
The receptor local map of asimadoline-BMS-986187-bound KOR-Gi1 complex
The receptor local map of Leu-enkephalin-BMS-986187-bound DOR-Gi complex
The Gi protein local map of Leu-enkephalin-BMS-986187-bound DOR-Gi complex
Cryo-EM Structure of YfdQ Reveals a Widespread Novel Family of Bacteriophage-Associated Proteins with Shell-Like Assemblies
Structure of the human astrovirus VA1 capsid spike bound to antibody 7C8
Structure of the human astrovirus VA1 capsid spike bound to antibody 2A2
Structure of the Bombyx mori bmCENP-HIKM-LN-T-OP complex without the CS module
The dimeric KICSTOR-GATOR1 supercomplex (constitutive GATOR1 dimer, SZT2 fragment)
Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2-B (eIF2B) bound to phosphorylated eIF2alpha (NTD)
eIF2B lacking the latch helix bound to ISRACT-01 (Inactive state)
eIF2B lacking the latch helix bound to ISRACT-02 (Inactive state)
BG505 MD39.3 Env gp151 MPER nanodisc in complex with DH511.2, BG18, and VRC01 Fabs
Nipah virus fusion protein ectodomain in complex with 8C7 antibody fab
Hendra virus fusion protein ectodomain in complex with 9A9 antibody fab
Structure of human TRPV3-Q580P Olmsted syndrome mutant in the closed state
Light chain amyloidosis double protofilament amyloid fibril - IGLV6-57
Refined plasminogen binding group A streptococcus M-like protein isolate from AP53 bound to human plasminogen
CryoEM structure of WNV (Kunjin strain) with the Fab of WNV-86 antibody
Cryo-EM structure of HAdV-C6 hexon trimer in complex with human coagulation factor X (FX)
Cryo-EM structure of HAdV-C5 hexon trimer in complex with human coagulation factor X (FX)
Cryo-EM structure of HAdV-C6 hexon trimer in complex with prothrombin (FII)
RRr20_wk72_07 Fab in complex with BG505 MD39 SOSIP and RM20A3 Fab
RQd20_wk56_28 Fab in complex with V703-0537_L14 SOSIP and 3BNC117 Fab
RVz20_wk72_08 Fab in complex with BG505 MD39 SOSIP and RM20A3 Fab
Hedgehog coronavirus ErinCoV-12-19 spike receptor binding domain in complex with hedgehog APN (locally refined)
Hedgehog coronavirus ErinCoV-Ger12 spike receptor binding domain in complex with hedgehog APN (locally refined)
Hedgehog coronavirus ErinCoV-Ger12 spike receptor binding domain in complex with hedgehog APN
Hedgehog coronavirus ErinCoV-12-19 spike receptor binding domain in complex with hedgehog APN
CryoEM map of Yeast RNA polymerase II elongation complex apo-state-I-A
CryoEM map of Yeast RNA polymerase II elongation complex apo-state-I-B
Structure of Yeast RNA polymerase II elongation complex apo-state-I
Structure of Yeast RNA polymerase II elongation complex with NTP-state-VII-A
Structure of Yeast RNA polymerase II elongation complex with NTP-state-VII-C
Characterization standard for in-situ cryo-electron tomography: structure of PP7 virus-like-particle in E. coli from plunge freezing by single particle analysis
