Ming-Feng Tsai

Ming-Feng Tsai is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, where his research focuses on mitochondrial calcium transport mechanisms and their physiological implications.

Education:

• B.S., National Yang-Ming University, Taiwan
• Ph.D., University of Missouri

Research Focus: Dr. Tsai's laboratory investigates membrane-transport physiology and biophysics, specifically the molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial calcium signaling. Using integrated approaches including cryo-electron microscopy, electrophysiology, membrane biochemistry, and animal models, his team studies how mitochondrial calcium transport contributes to cardiovascular and neuronal physiology and related diseases. A parallel research thrust identifies pharmacological compounds targeting mitochondrial proteins for therapeutic development.

Publication Trends: His recent work (2013-2025) centers on the mitochondrial calcium uniporter complex, elucidating structures and functions of key components like MCU, MICU1, EMRE, and TMEM65. Research spans from fundamental biophysical mechanisms to tissue-specific regulation in cardiac and neuronal contexts, with direct implications for cardiovascular diseases and neurological disorders. The publication record demonstrates consistent innovation in both structural biology and physiological applications.

Research Infrastructure: The Tsai Laboratory (tsaislab.org) operates from Room 253 of the Snyder Translational Research Building, utilizing advanced techniques to investigate mitochondrial transport mechanisms and their disease connections through collaborative research networks.