Erhu Cao

Erhu Cao is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Utah, specializing in the structural and functional analysis of membrane proteins, particularly ion channels and transporters. His work focuses on elucidating atomic-scale mechanisms under normal and diseased states using multidisciplinary approaches.

Research Interests:

• Understanding ion channel and transporter dynamics in physiological processes
• Investigating structural bases for drug interactions and channel inhibition
• Studying polycystin complexes in renal disease
• Advancing cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography techniques
• Exploring lipid regulation of membrane protein function
• Decoding molecular mechanisms of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels

Publications reveal a focus on cryo-EM structures of ion channels and transporters (TRPV1, PKD2, NKCC1, KCC1), diuretic drug mechanisms, polycystin activation by oxysterols, and conformational changes in channel gating. His work bridges structural biology with pharmacological targeting of membrane proteins.

Laboratory: Dr. Cao leads a multidisciplinary lab employing molecular biology, protein biochemistry, electrophysiology, and advanced imaging techniques to study membrane protein function. His research has implications for drug development in renal disease and ion channelopathies.