Synapses are the fundamental processing units of neural circuits. Synaptic transmission and plasticity, the biological substrates of learning and memory, depend on the precise spatial assembly and dynamic remodeling of macromolecular complexes within these sub-micron compartments.

The Tao Laboratory is dedicated to opening the molecular black box of the synapse. By developing and integrating cutting-edge in situ cryo-ET and super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, and combining these with electrophysiology, molecular genetics, and AI-driven data analysis, the laboratory reconstructs dynamic, three-dimensional molecular maps of synapses in their native cellular environments. The goals are to: 1. Decode the structural code of synaptic transmission, learning, and memory; 2. Elucidate the pathological mechanisms underlying neurological disorders. 3. Inspire new paradigms for brain-inspired computing and next-generation artificial intelligence architectures.

Extending beyond neuroscience, the laboratory also applies its high-resolution in situ imaging workflows to perform structural analyses of diverse macromolecular complexes and drive the molecular-level digital reconstruction of entire cells.

Research Interest

Methodology & Tool Development: Developing and integrating in situ cryo-ET, super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, and AI-based computation.

Synaptic Biology: Resolving the molecular and cellular mechanisms of synaptic transmission and plasticity.

Structural Cell Biology: Deciphering macromolecular structures in situ and building molecular-scale digital models of intact cells.