Research Interests

Ion channels and ion transporters mediate the ion transport across membrane, which couples matter exchange, energy transfer and signal transduction. Ion channels and ion transporters play important roles in various physiological processes, such as nutrient absorption and transport, external stimuli sensation, electric signal transduction, muscle contraction, and homeostasis maintenance and so on. The dysfunction of ion channels and ion transporters often induces cardiovascular, nervous and metabolism diseases. Using biophysical approaches, including single-particle cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography, electrophysiology and transport assay, we are working on structures and mechanisms of ion channels and ion transporters, aimed at providing support for relevant disease treatment in clinical practice.

Research projects

1. Ion channel structural biology. We are focusing on the TRPM channels and studying their molecular mechanisms in temperature sensation, taste sensation and homeostasis maintenance.

2. Ion transporter structural biology. We are working on the co-transporter CCCs and studying their molecular mechanisms in homeostasis maintenance and GABA-mediated post-synaptic inhibition.

3. Structure-based drug development targeting to ion channels and ion transporters. Based on the structures of TRPM and CCC, we are developing new generation drugs to treat pain, hypertension, epilepsy and other relevant diseases.