In Situ Structural Biology.
Biological function emerges from the spatial organization of molecules within cells. We develop and apply cryo-ET, cryogenic correlative microscopy, and subtomogram averaging approaches to visualize macromolecular assemblies directly within native cellular environments.
By preserving biological specimens in a near-native state, these approaches provide access to structural information inaccessible to traditional biochemical and structural methods.
Current areas include:
- Cellular organization
- Cytoskeletal architecture
- Membrane remodeling
- Host-pathogen interactions
- Molecular assemblies in tissues
Structural Virology.
Viruses remain among the most sophisticated biological machines. Our laboratory investigates the structural basis of viral replication, assembly, maturation, and transmission through integrated cryo-EM and cryo-ET approaches.
Systems studied include:
- Respiratory syncytial virus
- Human metapneumovirus
- HIV-1
- Measles virus
- Emerging viral pathogens
Neurodegeneration.
Protein aggregation underlies numerous neurodegenerative disorders, yet the molecular architecture of disease-associated assemblies within cells and tissues remains poorly understood.
We combine cryo-ET, cryo-CLEM, advanced specimen preparation, and complementary biochemical approaches to investigate:
- α-synucleinopathies
- Tauopathies
- Cellular responses to aggregation
- Mechanisms of aggregate propagation
Technology Development.
Many biological questions remain inaccessible because current imaging technologies cannot efficiently identify, preserve, and visualize rare molecular events.
The Wright Laboratory develops new methodologies spanning specimen preparation, correlative microscopy, tomography acquisition, image processing, and quantitative analysis.
National Cryo-EM Infrastructure.
The Wright Laboratory provides leadership for major cryo-EM and cryo-ET infrastructure efforts serving investigators throughout the United States and globally.
These programs support:
- Technology access
- User training
- Data collection
- Workflow development
- Community dissemination