Welcome to
SuLab!
My research focus is using cryogenic-electron microscopy to provide structural and mechanistic insights of (1) functional non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) including ribozymes, riboswitches and other bacterial and viral ncRNAs, and (2) pathogenic ribonucleoprotein complexes such as viral nucleocapsid assembly and bacterial sRNAs in complex with their protein partners. With the structural information in hand, we have developed HitSTARS strategy to discover hit small molecules targeting RNA structures. This strategy is empowered by a molecular representation learning (MRL) framework that curates a library of commercial small molecules targeting RNA (CSTAR). The evergrowing RNA structure repertoire will eventually enable accurate predictions of complexed RNA structures, which will make HitSTARS more scalable, advancing our knowledge of RNA-small molecule recognition patterns and accelerating drug discovery against pathogenic RNA targets.
Research
Our lab thrives to use cryo-EM single particle analysis (SPA) to study high resolution structures and functions of RNAs and RNPs when their bound protein partners are involved. We are particular interested in pathogenic non-coding RNAs in bacteria, virus and mammalian systems.
Our lab uses cryo-EM helical reconstruction to understand RNA-binding protein assembly mechanisms of single-stranded RNA virus, which will facilitate development of novel antiviral therapy.
Our lab focuses on understanding RNA structures and developing small-molecule therapeutics targeting RNA. We combine advanced molecular representation learning, virtual screening, and cryo-EM structural analysis to identify and characterize RNA-binding small molecules. Using strategies like HitSTARS, we have built a curated RNA-targeted chemical library (CSTAR) and discovered novel compounds that allosterically regulate RNA function.
Address：138 2nd Tianfu Street, Chengdu, 610096, China
