Qiangjun Zhou

Vanderbilt Brain Institute (VBI)
Department of Cell and Developmental Biology
Center for Structural Biology (CSB)

Cell-to-cell communication is crucial for multicellular organisms because it allows organisms to coordinate the activity of their cells. Using structural biology techniques including cellular cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) combined with optical imaging and electrophysiological methods, we are investigating the molecular mechanisms of vesicle-mediated cell-to-cell communication in the central nervous system. A broad long-term goal is to apply knowledge gained from above mechanistic studies to investigate how dysfunction in certain aspects of neurotransmitter release and neuronal development contributes to brain disorders.

Keywords: Cell communication , Structural biology , Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) , Neurotransmitter release , Neuronal development , Correlative light-electron microscopy (CLEM)

Research Area: Biophysics , Developmental Neuroscience , Imaging , Neurodegeneration and Neuroinflammation , Structural Biology , Synaptic Function & Neuroendocrinology