Research Interests and Directions
We are a technology-driven laboratory focused on the development of cutting-edge single-molecule fluorescence imaging techniques, while also using these technologies to address a series of fundamental scientific questions in the field of neurobiology. Our main research directions are as follows:
1. Investigating the fundamental structural mechanisms of neural synapses using the highest resolution super-resolution microscopy techniques: Synaptic transmission is the foundation of all neural functions. Neural activity can lead to changes in synaptic strength, known as synaptic plasticity, which is the cellular basis for learning and memory. These unique functions of synapses depend on their precisely specialized structures, and even minor changes in synaptic structure caused by genetic mutations or environmental factors can lead to a range of neurological disorders and functional disruptions. We utilize various super-resolution imaging methods, combined with electrophysiology, molecular biology, and numerical simulations, to study the relationship between the nanoscale structure and physiological functions of neural synapses, thereby revealing the mechanisms underlying related diseases, with the aim of providing new strategies and insights for their treatment.
2. Development and application of imaging-based spatial multi-omics technologies: Spatial omics technologies surpass traditional gene sequencing methods by capturing not only the genetic information within cells but also their spatial location within tissues. This revolutionary approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of cellular functions and interactions within biological tissues. Based on single-molecule imaging principles, we develop high-resolution imaging methods for spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, and more, utilizing these technologies to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms underlying processes such as neural aging and degenerative diseases.
Education and Positions
- Professor, Ph.D. Supervisor
- Graduated from Peking University School of Life Sciences with a B.Sc. in 2002
- Received a Ph.D. in Biophysics from Peking University in 2007
- Worked as a postdoc, Research Associate, and Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine
- Conducted in-depth research on synaptic transmission and plasticity, and their roles in pathology
- Made significant discoveries such as synaptic nanocolumn structures
- Research published in high impact journals including Nature, Nature Methods, and PNAS
Representative Papers
1. Xu N*, Cao R*, Chen SY, Gou XZ, Wang B, Luo HM, Gao F, Tang AH# (2024) Structural and functional reorganization of inhibitory synapses by activity-dependent cleavage of neuroligin-2. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 121(18):e2314541121.
2. Chen JH*#, Xu N*, Qi L, Yan HH, Wan FY, Gao, F, Fu C, Cang C, Lu B, Bi GQ, Tang AH# (2023) Reduced lysosomal density in neuronal dendrites mediates deficits in synaptic plasticity in Huntington’s disease. Cell Reports, 42(12): 113573.
3. He J, Liu K, Wu Y, Zhao C, Yan S, Chen JH, Hu L, Wang D, Zheng F, Wei W, Xu C, Huang C, Liu X, Yao X, Ding L, Fang Z#, Tang AH#, Fu C# (2023) The AAA-ATPase Yta4/ATAD1 interacts with Dnm1 and Fis1 to inhibit mitochondrial fission. Plos Bio., 21(8):e3002247.
4. Li J*, Shang Z*, Chen JH* , Gu W*, Yao L*, Yang X, Sun X, Wang L, Wang T, Liu S, Li J, Hou T, Xing D, Gill DL, Li J, Wang SQ, Hou L, Zhou Y#, Tang AH#, Zhang X#, Wang Y# (2023) Engineering of NEMO as calcium indicators with large dynamics and high sensitivity. Nat Methods, 20: 918–924.
5. Han Y*, Cao R*, Qin L, Chen LY, Tang AH#, Südhof TC#, Zhang B# (2022) Neuroligin3 confines AMPA receptors in nanoclusters and controls synaptic strength at the calyx of Held. Sci Adv., 8(24): eabo4173.
6. Gou XZ*, Ramsey AM*#, Tang AH#(2022) Re-examination of the determinants of synaptic strength from the perspective of superresolution imaging. Curr Opin Neurobiol, 74:102540.
7. TangAH*#, Chen H*, Li TP, Metzbower SR, Mac Gillavry HD and Blanpied TA# (2016) A transsynaptic nanocolumn aligns neurotransmitter release to receptors. Nature. 536: 210–214.
Recruitment
The lab is recruiting postdoctoral researchers and special (associate) researchers with backgrounds in neurobiology, molecular, and cellular biology. Undergraduate students interested in the lab's research areas are welcome to pursue Ph.D. studies or conduct undergraduate thesis research.
Contact Information
Email: tangah@ustc.edu.cn