Welcome to the Zhu Lab!

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.  

Aquilos 2 Cryo FIB/SEM

It is dedicated to the preparation of thin lamellae for high-resolution in situ cryo-electron tomography.

Integrated Cryo-CLEM

In situ cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy identifying the ROI before and after cryo-FIB milling.

Titan Krois cryo-TEM

A state-of-the-art (300kV) cryogenic TEM for high-resolution structure visualization through cryo-ET.

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

Contact

Shiwei Zhu, Ph.D.


Department of Physiology and Biophysics

Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, 


2109 Adelbert Rd, Robbins E621, Cleveland, OH, 44106


Email:  shiwei.zhu@case.edu