Laboratory of Nanoscale Biology (LNB)
The Laboratory of Nanoscale Biology (LNB) investigates the molecular structure and dynamics of complex molecular machines and cascades within the context of the living cell. Technological developments at the PSI provide novel approaches for studying fundamental, molecular processes of life within their physiological context. Electron diffraction and cryo-electron microscopy of bio-molecular complexes form the technological basis of the LNB, together with electron tomography and X-ray diffractive imaging of larger, nanoscopic structures. We develop these technologies in studies of fundamental, molecular aspects of neuro-degeneration and cell motility, and investigate other fundamental processes of life in collaboration. Intellectual property on novel technologies developed at the LNB may lead to commercial spin-outs. As per January 1st, 2021, the Mechano-Genomics Group of Prof. G.V. Shivashankar has been integrated into the Lab. of Nanoscale Biology.
Online Symposium on Cellular Structural Biology & Bioimaging
October 26 - 27, 2021
Hosted by the Laboratory of Nanoscale Biology, the Cellular Structural Biology & Bioimaging online symposium brings together top experts in structural biology of dynamic biomolecular complexes, in-situ structural biology, integrative structural and cell biology across scales, and cutting-edge methods development.
Confirmed Speakers:
John Briggs, Petr Chlanda, Ben Engel, Kay Gruenewald, Dorit Hanein, Takashi Ishikawa, Volodymyr Korkhov, Wanda Kukulski, Ohad Medalia, Adrian Wanner, Benoit Zuber
LNB News and Scientific Highlights
SGS award for Pooja Thakkar
Pooja Thakkar received the Shoulders-Gray-Spindt award at the 34th Vacuum Nanoelectronics Conference for her paper "Voltage-controlled three-electron-beam interference by a three-element Boersch phase shifter with top and bottom shielding electrodes"
On-demand sample delivery article highlighted in "Applied Physics Letters"
An article on the on-demand sample delivery and protein crystallography using acoustic levitation has been selected in an Applied Physics Letters collection of papers on technology and application of acoustic tweezers.
Catching Alzheimer's Toxin
Single-particle cryo-electron microscopy of a functional Aβ42 pore equivalent, created by fusing Aβ42 to the oligomerizing, soluble domain of the α-hemolysin toxin, offers new insights into structure and function of proteins forming amyloid aggregates in Alzheimer’s disease.
LNB research topics and support activities
Nanodiffraction
Novel technologies for visualising the atomic structures within the cell.
Cellular Structure Imaging
Cryo-EM and electron/X-ray tomography of cellular structure
Structural Biology of Neuronal Systems
Molecular neurobiology of fundamental responses to protein misfolding
Mechano-Genomics
Investigating mesoscale functional links between cell mechanics, genome organization and gene expression during cellular ageing, rejuvenation and tissue homeostasis.