Wang, Liguo

We are interested in probing the structures of membrane proteins and their complexes, and understanding the molecular basis of their biological functions. We have developed a novel and general method, called "random spherically constrained" (RSC) single-particle electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM), to study membrane protein structures in membrane environments. This method does not rely on crystallization, and it can be, in principle, applied to any membrane protein. This method not only preserves the membrane protein’s integrity and native conformation, but also enables access to biologically interesting states. The technique opens up a new way to study many important molecular machines of cellular membranes. It allows researchers to choose their targets based on the biological importance, not the possibility of forming crystals.