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Mechanics of Biomolecular Assemblies
– where Chemistry meets Physics and Biology!
Welcome!
The Shi lab combines biophysical, chemical, and optogenetic tools to study the properties of biomolecular assemblies such as protein condensates and cell membranes. We aim to understand the material and mechanical properties of biomolecular assemblies. Our research will shed light on the physical chemistry mechanisms that underlie cell biological phenomena.
We are currently looking for motivated students and postdocs: 1) to study the material properties biomolecular condensates that are relevant to neurodegeneration; 2) to investigate how local mechanical and geometrical cues on the cell membrane affect the activation and sorting of membrane proteins; 3) to understand how interactions with cytoskeleton affect the dynamics of cell membranes.
Postdoc candidates (preferably with a background in electrophysiology or neuroscience) please apply here).
News
Welcome new lab members!
Welcome to Dr. Mengying Deng, Shengrui Shao, Nisrine Tabnaoui, and Elton Maloku as our newest lab members! Mengying joined as a postdoc to explore the quantifications of cellular condensates. Shengrui … Read More
Quantifying cell membrane protrusions
Shilong and Zheng wrote a book chapter, detailing the steps to quantify cell membrane protrusions (and the sorting of proteins on them) using simple widefield fluorescence images. Read it here!
New model for aspirating condensates
In collaboration with Howard Stone’s lab, we developed and tested a calibration-free model to analyze the micropipette aspiration of liquid condensates!
Welcome new lab members!
Welcome four undergraduate researchers Sahar Saiyed, Juan Acosta, Amber Nepravishta, and Mariam Haroun to join as our newest group members! Sahar and Juan are getting ready to apply for graduate … Read More
Looking for a postdoc
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to conduct cutting-edge research in the field of biophysical chemistry and cell biology. We are currently offering two exciting research topics: 1. … Read More
Lab at BPS2023
Huan and Shilong presented at the 2023 biophysical society meeting in San Diego. Look who they met!
Welcome new lab members!
Welcome Sri Vidya Tallavajhula, Yiling Wang, Megha Patel, and Navya Korala to join as our newest group members!
Reid Award
Congratulations to Shilong for winning the Reid Award, which recognizes Rutgers Chemistry students with the highest honors for exceptional performance in research! Shilong gave a beautiful presentation about his research … Read More
Curvature and Mechanosensing
Shilong found that the shape of cell membrane directly regulates the distribution of Piezo1, a widely expressed mechanosensitive ion channel, within a cell. Piezo1 may flatten upon activation and can … Read More
Huan and James presented at Princeton
Huan did a joint presentation with James (from Howard Stone’s lab) at Princeton Phase Group Seminar. Nice talk and lots of interesting discussions! Thanks Anita from the Brangwynne lab for … Read More
We are grateful for funding supports from:
