Xiaokun Shu

Research

We are interested in applying Principles of Physics and Chemistry to develop technologies for Biology. With the completion of human genome project, the next step in understanding biology and disease is to identify protein interactome. Hence, we aim to develop new technologies for: 1) identifying weak or transient protein interactions; 2) imaging protein-protein interactions with spatiotemporal resolution. To understand mechanisms of biological processes and disease, we are also interested in developing technologies for: 3) imaging spatiotemporal dynamics of cell signaling including kinase activities in whole-animals; 4) imaging neuronal activities in the brain by recording calcium and membrane potential. With these technologies, our ultimate goal is to understand molecular mechanisms of animal development and disease.