Ziao Fu, PhD

Ziao Fu, PhD

Assistant Professor

The Fu Lab specializes in understanding protein structures in their native environments using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). By leveraging advanced structural and biochemical tools, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms underlying cellular membrane organization, with a focus on SPFH family proteins, including Stomatin, Prohibitin, and Flotillin. These proteins form membrane microdomains that influence key cellular processes. Current projects explore their roles in membrane organization, trafficking, and responses to mechanical forces, with a particular emphasis on their involvement in pediatric kidney diseases and neurological disorders.

 

 

 

The Fu Lab specializes in understanding protein structures in their native environments using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). By leveraging advanced structural and biochemical tools, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms underlying cellular membrane organization, with a focus on SPFH family proteins, including Stomatin, Prohibitin, and Flotillin. These proteins form membrane microdomains that influence key cellular processes. Current projects explore their roles in membrane organization, trafficking, and responses to mechanical forces, with a particular emphasis on their involvement in pediatric kidney diseases and neurological disorders.

Research Interests

Dr. Fu’s research focuses on the structural and functional analysis of SPFH family proteins. Using cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography, the Fu Lab studies membrane proteins in their native environments to explore their role in cellular signaling and disease mechanisms.

Key areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Mechanisms of membrane curvature and domain formation by flotillin complexes.

Professional Education

PhD: Columbia University in New York, 2019, Biology

Graduate & Fellowship Program Affiliations

Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences

Fu Lab

BJC Institute of Health (MS: 8228-0004-09)
ziao@wustl.edu

Dr. Fu’s research focuses on the structural and functional analysis of SPFH family proteins. Using cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography, the Fu Lab studies membrane proteins in their native environments to explore their role in cellular signaling and disease