معرفی
Dr. Shujun Cai serves as an Assistant Professor and doctoral supervisor in the Department of Chemical Biology at Southern University of Science and Technology's School of Life Sciences, joining the institution in 2023 after completing postdoctoral training at Yale University. Her research program centers on in situ structural biology using cryo-electron tomography to investigate membrane remodeling mechanisms and develop advanced imaging methodologies.
Her educational background includes:
- Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from National University of Singapore (2013-2018) under Dr. Lu Gan
- Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Beijing Normal University (2009-2013)
Dr. Cai's research focuses on in situ structural mechanisms of protein-mediated membrane remodeling and cryo-ET method development. By leveraging cryo-Electron Tomography and cryo-FIB techniques, her lab visualizes high-resolution structures of biomacromolecules within native cellular environments, addressing fundamental questions in cellular organization and disease mechanisms. This work bridges structural biology, cell biology, and biophysics through innovative imaging approaches.
Her recent publications (2022-2023) demonstrate expertise in applying cryo-ET to membrane contact sites and chromatin organization, with significant contributions to understanding ER-lysosome contacts and nucleosome architecture. The research consistently emphasizes in situ structural analysis across disciplines including cell biology and biophysics, highlighting methodological advancements for cellular imaging.
Her scientific recognition includes:
- Parkinson’s Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowships for Basic Scientists (2020-2022)
As a doctoral supervisor at SUSTech, Dr. Cai mentors graduate students in structural biology techniques while leading research supported by institutional resources. She maintains active collaborations with Yale University and National University of Singapore, focusing on membrane biology and chromatin structure.
Dr. Cai's laboratory operates within SUSTech's Cryo-Electron Microscopy Center, where her team develops cutting-edge cryo-ET methodologies to investigate macromolecular complexes in native cellular contexts, particularly targeting membrane remodeling events and chromatin dynamics.
