Lab

Solve & See: Solving the Complex Puzzles of Life and Visualizing Pathways to Future Therapies

1. Our Mission and Vision

Our laboratory seeks to uncover the fundamental principles of life by understanding how protein structure determines biological function. Guided by our motto, “Solve & See,” we integrate computational biology with biophysical experiments to investigate how living systems regulate molecular networks and adapt to changing environments.

We address major challenges facing modern society—including metabolic disorders, nutrition-related diseases, and infectious diseases—through the lens of the physical and chemical principles that govern cellular behavior. By “solving” protein structures, we can “see” molecular mechanisms in action, providing new insights into therapeutic targets, molecular engineering, and biomedical innovation.

2. Research Focus: From Molecular Principles to Systems Biology

A defining strength of our laboratory is developing simple, testable hypotheses and validating them through rigorous, systematic experimentation.

2a. Structural Dynamics of GABA Receptors

We investigate the structure and dynamics of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors in the nervous system, with a particular focus on their allosteric regulatory mechanisms (a regulatory mechanism in which the binding of a molecule to a site other than the target site alters protein function).

Our current research examines the conformational dynamics (the structural changes and movements proteins undergo over time) of insect GABA receptor binding sites to reveal the molecular principles underlying neural inhibition and signal regulation. These studies provide a foundation for understanding neurological disorders and may contribute to the development of improved therapeutics and strategies for stress-related conditions.

2b. Evolution and Engineering of Enzymes

We study evolutionarily conserved proteins, including dUTPase, an enzyme essential for DNA synthesis, and hemoglobin, a oxygen transporter, to understand how their highly stable oligomeric architectures enables functional flexibility. We are also exploring ways to repurpose these structural features for protein engineering applications, including the design and assembly of virus-like capsids and other nanobiological systems.

2c. Environmental Simulation Platform (2026–2027 Project)

We are developing an experimental platform capable of precisely controlling environmental variables—including molecular concentration, pressure, and temperature—to faithfully reproduce natural environments under laboratory conditions.

This system will enable high-resolution, dynamic physiological studies of aquatic organisms and gut microbiota, providing experimental precision that has previously been difficult to achieve.

3. Education and Outreach

Education is central to our mission. Through courses such as BIOS 337 and BIOS 998-05 (graduate-level course), we provide students with practical training in bioinformatics, structural biology, and computational approaches to modern biological research.

3a. Science You Can See and Explore

Using interactive three-dimensional molecular visualization tools, students gain hands-on experience manipulating protein and viral structures, transforming abstract molecular concepts into intuitive understanding.

3b. Commitment to STEM Education

We are committed to fostering curiosity and excitement for science among students at every stage of their education. We actively welcome student participation through programs such as INBRE ((IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence), STEM-Power and UCARE (Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experiences Program), providing opportunities for independent research and scientific discovery.

The STEM-POWER Research Program brings incoming first-year students from underrepresented backgrounds to campus for a summer of research, community building, and mentorship from faculty members and peers.

4. Collaboration and Support

Our research thrives through interdisciplinary collaboration across biology, chemistry, physics, computational science, and engineering. We welcome partnerships with scientists who share our interest in advancing structural biology and molecular biophysics. We also appreciate the support of foundations and funding agencies whose investment enables innovative, high-impact research.

Together, guided by the philosophy of "Solve & See," we seek to reveal the molecular truths of life and translate fundamental discoveries into scientific and medical advances that benefit society.