Jingshi Shen, Ph.D.

Research

We are interested in how membrane proteins form molecular machines to maintain cellular homeostasis. My research is specifically focused on understanding exocytosis; how cells direct the contents of vesicles out of the cell membrane. Regulated exocytosis is responsible for maintaining the proper cellular balance of many molecules including the insulin controlled trafficking of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4). We are addressing this problem from a novel angle by reconstituting GLUT4 exocytosis in vitro with purified components. We also aim to directly visualize the exocytic complex by electron microscopic tomography. Our long-term vision is to understand a) how protein-protein networks control membrane trafficking and b) how imbalances cause disease.