At the core of our laboratory’s work is the pioneering field of protein engineering, aimed at developing functional proteins with exceptional properties. A key focus is the creation of fluorescent biosensors, which are crafted by intricately fusing fluorescent proteins with target-binding proteins. This fusion results in protein-based fluorescent biosensors that can reversibly alter their fluorescence intensity in response to specific targets.
These biosensors are not only innovative but also genetically encodable, allowing precise spatial and temporal control over their expression within living model organisms such as flies, fish, and mice. This capability has transformed a broad spectrum of biological research. For instance, the GCaMP biosensor, which monitors calcium ion (Ca2+) levels, has become indispensable for studying neural activity. Another breakthrough from our lab is the LACCO biosensor for lactate, which provides unprecedented insights into cellular metabolism in live cells, tissues, and whole organisms.
The objective of our lab is to harness our cutting-edge protein engineering techniques and state-of-the-art facilities to develop such highly functional proteins. These protein-based tools are invaluable in helping researchers unravel complex biological phenomena, thereby advancing scientific knowledge across multiple domains.
To further our research goals, we collaborate with a global network of experts in AI, bioengineering, neuroscience, cancer biology, immunology, and epigenetics. Through these partnerships, we aim to accelerate scientific discovery and enhance our understanding of critical biological processes.
