Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory - United States
Author Profile
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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Gang Ren's academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Lanzhou University, China (1986-1990), followed by a Master’s in Theoretical Physics (1990-1993) from the same institution. He then pursued his Ph.D. in Electron Microscopy at the University of Science and Technology, Beijing, China (1993-1997). During this time, he honed his skills in imaging technologies, laying a strong foundation for his future work in structural biology.
💼 Professional Endeavors
Dr. Ren’s career is marked by impactful postdoctoral training and academic appointments. From 1997 to 2004, he conducted postdoctoral research at The Scripps Research Institute, focusing on cell biology. This was followed by a research associate position at Baylor College of Medicine’s National Center for Macromolecular Imaging (2004-2006). In 2006, he joined the University of California, San Francisco, as an Assistant Research Biochemist, eventually moving to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where he has been a Career Staff Scientist since 2015. Throughout his career, his work has significantly advanced the field of structural biology.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Ren has made groundbreaking contributions to structural biology, including the near-atomic resolution determination of the Aquaporin 1 water channel via cryo-electron crystallography. His innovative Individual-Particle Electron Microscopy (IPET) method has revolutionized single-molecule 3D structure determination without averaging, enabling unprecedented insights into macromolecular dynamics. His research group also developed techniques like cryo-electron positive staining (cryo-PS) and optimized 3D reconstruction methods, attracting over 30 collaborative groups and securing over $30 million in funding.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Dr. Ren’s work has had a profound impact on the scientific community, particularly in structural biology. His pioneering techniques have opened new avenues for understanding molecular processes within cellular environments. His discoveries, including the channel mechanism of Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein (CETP), have informed cardiovascular drug development and enhanced our understanding of macromolecular dynamics.
🏆Academic Cites
Dr. Ren’s research is extensively cited in leading scientific journals, reflecting its importance in advancing structural biology. His contributions, such as the elastic and inelastic scattering factors collected in the International Tables of Crystallography, have become foundational resources for researchers worldwide. The high citation count of his work underscores its significance and widespread influence.
🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Ren's legacy lies in his ability to bridge theoretical principles with practical applications in structural biology. Looking forward, he aims to further refine cryo-electron tomography methods and enhance molecular dynamic simulations to unravel the complexities of macromolecular processes. His work will undoubtedly continue to inspire and guide future generations of researchers in this pivotal field.
📝Structural Biology
Dr. Gang Ren has revolutionized structural biology with his development of innovative imaging techniques, including IPET and cryo-electron tomography. His contributions to structural biology have provided deep insights into macromolecular dynamics, influencing drug development and molecular research. Through advancements in structural biology, Dr. Ren’s legacy continues to shape the future of scientific discovery.
Notable Publication
📝Lysosomal Enzyme Binding to the Cation-Independent Mannose 6-Phosphate Receptor Is Regulated Allosterically by Insulin-Like Growth Factor 2
Authors: Bohnsack, R.N., Misra, S.K., Liu, J., Sharp, J.S., Dahms, N.M.
Journal: Scientific Reports
Year: 2024
Citations: 0
📝Non-Averaged Single-Molecule Tertiary Structures Reveal RNA Self-Folding Through Individual-Particle Cryo-Electron Tomography
Authors: Liu, J., McRae, E.K.S., Zhang, M., Andersen, E.S., Ren, G.
Journal: Nature Communications
Year: 2024
Citations: 0
📝Angle Between DNA Linker and Nucleosome Core Particle Regulates Array Compaction Revealed by Individual-Particle Cryo-Electron Tomography
Authors: Zhang, M., Díaz-Celis, C., Liu, J., Bustamante, C., Ren, G.
Journal: Nature Communications
Year: 2024
Citations: 3
📝Molecular Mechanism of Contactin 2 Homophilic Interaction
Authors: Fan, S., Liu, J., Chofflet, N., Ren, G., Rudenko, G.
Journal: Structure
Year: 2024
Citations: 1
📝Foam Fractionation Studies of Recombinant Human Apolipoprotein A-I
Authors: Lethcoe, K., Fox, C.A., Hafiane, A., Ren, G., Ryan, R.O.
Journal: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Biomembranes
Year: 2024
Citations: 0
📝Direct In Situ Measurements of Electrical Properties of Solid–Electrolyte Interphase on Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Xu, Y., Jia, H., Gao, P., Xu, W., Wang, C.
Journal: Nature Energy
Year: 2023
Citations: 31