Laboratory of Nanoscale Biology (LNB)

Welcome to LNB
Structure based fusion protein engineering
Structure based fusion protein engineering to a) generate crystal lattices with large cavities for the study of protein dynamics; b) display epitopes on multimeric scaffolds for vaccinology; c, d) improve crystallization; e) enable cryo-EM studies.
mechano-genomics
Artists impression showing the growth of spheroids from a somatic cells on a patterned substrate. Fibroblast cells confined on rectangular areas form spherical cell clusters within 10 days.
Immunostained HMF3a Cells
Immunofluorescence-stained HMF3a cells.
In presence of TNFa, translocation of p65 from the cytolsol to the nucleus is observed.
Microtubule and GEFH1 association in cells
In cells of different shape, GEFH1 (green) and microtubules (red) associate differently.
(Fluorescence microscopy of immuno-stained cells)

The Laboratory of Nanoscale Biology (LNB) investigates the molecular structure and dynamics of complex molecular machines and cascades in the context of the living cell. Current strengths of LNB include technology innovation and the uncovering of structure-function relationships in specific biological contexts. Using our distinct expertise, we engage in the development and improvement of novel methods for electron microscopy and diffraction. In addition, we have unique capabilities in protein bioengineering, (bio-)microfabrication and correlative imaging methods. LNB’s scientific strengths are to link structural information to functional contexts at length scales ranging from proteins to single cells to tissue. Typical examples include it situ studies on eukaryotic cilia proteins in their natural context, studies of protein aggregation or chromatin structure in the context of cell function as well as computation of connectome maps of the brain based on bio-imaging data to reveal new insights into brain function.

>>> LNB Mission and Organization
>>> Research and Technology Innovation

>>> LNB Research and Technology Innovation

Contact

G.V. Shivashankar
Professor of Mechano-Genomics
Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich
& Paul Scherrer Institute, Switzerland

Head of the Laboratory
of Nanoscale Biology

Paul Scherrer Institute
Laboratory of Nanoscale Biology
OFLC/107
Forschungsstrasse 111
CH-5232 Villigen PSI
Switzerland

gshivasha@ethz.ch
gv.shivashankar@psi.ch

Secretariat

Anita Strittmatter
Secretary

Paul Scherrer Institut
Division of Biology and Chemistry
OFLC/108
Forschungsstrasse 111
CH-5232 Villigen PSI
Switzerland

Phone: +41 56 310 20 35
Fax: +41 56 310 21 99
anita.strittmatter@psi.ch

BIO Open positions

Current openings in the Division of Biology and Chemistry

Directions to PSI

How to get to the Paul Scherrer Institute (description and map)