Research interests

Macromolecular protein complexes exhibit highly dynamic structures and functions that depend on the physiological state of the cell. These complexes play fundamental roles in basic life processes including protein translation, cell division, cellular trafficking, and inflammation. The Zhu Lab at Case Western Reserve University is interested in the structure and function of these critical complexes. We utilize cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), an advancing imaging technique, to determine the three-dimensional structure of these complexes in the native cellular context. The in situ structure has proven challenging but promised to provide essential structural information of critical biological relevance.  

We have direct access to  cryo-FIB/SEM, Cryo-CLEM, and Titan Krios TEM to perform advancing cryo-electron tomography studies at CWRU.