Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health crisis, rendering many antibiotics ineffective and threatening modern medicine. Our research lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, with a particular emphasis on the bacterial ribosome—a prime target for antibiotics. By employing cutting-edge techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), biophysical assays, and biochemical experiments, we aim to uncover novel strategies to overcome resistance and develop next-generation therapeutics. 

Cryo-EM Structure Determination Pipeline:

1. Sample Preparation – Purify the macromolecular complex and optimize buffer conditions for stability.

2. Vitrification – Flash-freeze sample in liquid ethane to preserve its native structure in a thin ice layer.

3. Data Collection – Acquire thousands of high-resolution micrographs using DED camera in a 200kV or 300kV cryo-microscope.

4. Particle Picking – Automatically or manually select particles of interest from micrographs.

5. 2D Classification – Group similar particle images to select good ones and remove junk/contaminants.

6. 3D Reconstruction – Generate an initial 3D density map using reference-based or ab-initio methods.

7. Refinement & Post-processing – Improve map resolution through iterative alignment and sharpening.

8. Model Building & Validation – Build, fit and refine atomic models into the density map using computational tools.

9. Deposition & Analysis – Submit structures to public databases (EMDB, PDB) and interpret biological insights.

Learn more about Cryo-EM