Xiaodan Li

Xiaodan Li is a Senior Scientist at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Switzerland, affiliated with the Laboratory of Biomolecular Research. Her work focuses on structural biology, particularly 2D membrane protein crystallography using advanced techniques like cryo-EM and X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL). She leads a research group studying dynamic conformations of membrane proteins in lipid bilayers and collaborates with academic and industrial partners globally.

• Key Research Areas: Structural dynamics of membrane proteins, XFEL technology, lipid bilayer interactions, and neurotoxin-receptor complexes.
• Collaborations: National and international partnerships in academia and industry.
• Technologies: Serial femtosecond crystallography, 2D/3D crystal diffraction, and microfabricated sample holders.

Xiaodan Li’s recent publications highlight her contributions to understanding membrane protein conformations, neurotoxin interactions, and XFEL applications. Her work emphasizes biological relevance by preserving lipid environments and enabling real-time structural studies.

Students:

• Jan Rheinberger (Ph.D. Student)
• Martin Schärer (Ph.D. Student)

Selected Publications: Over 15 articles in journals like Advanced Synthesis and Catalysis, Journal of Biological Chemistry, and Structural Dynamics, focusing on structural biology, neurotoxins, and XFEL methodologies.