Research Projects

Our Current Focus

Biosensors that reveal protein conformations

March 12, 2022

Cell behaviors are driven by both protein localization as well as its conformation. We design biosensors to reveal protein conformational changes in living cells. The readout is based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), Fluorescence-lifetime imaging (FLIM), and/or direct single particle tracking.

Control protein functions with optogenetics

March 12, 2022

Optogenetics provides a non-invasive, reversible means to regulate protein function with high spatio-temporal resolution. We harness the LOV domain to engineer optogenetic tools for machineries that involves in metastasis, mechanobiology and immunological synapse formation. Combining with biosensors, we are able to control one protein while watching the activity changes of others.

Artificial intelligence driven microscopy

April 12, 2022

We have applied deep neural networks to augment state-of-the-art superesolution microscopies, including structured illumination microscopy (SIM) and Super-resolution radial fluctuations (SRRF). Now, we are exploring integrating deep-learning algorithms with online super-res and high-throughput imaging.

Novel microscopy development

April 12, 2022

We synergistically develop advanced imaging techniques to release the full potential of our tools. These include, but not limit to, total internal reflection microscopy (TIRF), PALM/STORM, light-sheet microscopy, etc. We also collaborate closely with many labs across China and in the US.