Our Research
Our research program focuses on the structural biology and biophysics underlying microtubule-based intracellular transport through the use of cryo-electron microscopy, single molecule TIRF, and biochemistry.
Overarching questions of the lab:
- How is specificity determined between motor proteins and cargo?
- How are the activities of multi-motor complexes regulated?
- What are the molecular consequences of neurodegenerative disease-causing mutations?
Along the way, we are also developing cloud computing tools for cryo-electron microscopy to facilitate its adoption and to remove barriers for new users.
Michael Cianfrocco, Ph.D.
News
New podcast explores the past, present and future of this Nobel Prize-winning technique
A new podcast and video series hosted by three faculty members from the University of Michigan, Cornell University and Columbia University explores what the future of cryo-EM will look like, while highlighting the career development and experiences of a wide range of experts in the field
Research Highlight: New study clarifies how one protein helps maintain a healthy cellular supply chain
A new study has uncovered unexpected details about a key regulator kinesins, the molecular 'delivery trucks' that are essential for maintaining a healthy cellular supply chain.
Automated ‘pipeline’ improves access to advanced microscopy data
A new data-processing approach offers a simpler, faster path to data generated by cryo-electron microscopy instruments, removing a barrier to wider adoption of this powerful technique.
Publication Highlights
Li Y*, Fan Q*, Cohn J, Demers V, Lee JY, Yip L, Cianfrocco MA#, Vos S#. bioRxiv (2022)
Li Y, Cianfrocco MA#. Trends Biochem Sci (2022)
* Equal contributions
# Corresponding author