Our Research
Cells rely on metabolism to generate the energy and molecular building blocks required for growth, differentiation, and survival. Metabolism is often taught as a series of biochemical reactions driven by random diffusion, yet it remains unclear how such seemingly stochastic processes can efficiently support complex cellular demands.
Our lab is interested in how cells actively organize metabolic pathways in space and time to meet changing physiological needs. We study how metabolic reactions are compartmentalized—from the level of enzymes to entire organelles—to regulate metabolic flux and cellular behavior.
Many metabolic pathways contain branch points where metabolites can be directed into competing reactions, but how cells control flux through these branch points is poorly understood. We investigate how metabolic enzymes are spatially organized within cells through higher-order assemblies and dynamic associations. By studying how enzyme organization influences pathway choice and metabolic efficiency, we aim to uncover fundamental mechanisms that allow cells to adapt metabolism to demand.
Organelles were traditionally viewed as isolated and static units, but growing evidence shows that they are highly dynamic and engage in constant communication with one another. We are interested in how organelle dynamics and inter-organelle interactions shape cellular metabolism. In particular, we ask whether all organelles are metabolically equivalent, whether distinct subpopulations exist, and how organelle heterogeneity influences metabolic pathway regulation and cellular function.
Our lab integrates techniques from cell biology, biochemistry, and metabolism, including:
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Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy and live-cell imaging
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Advanced electron microscopy (FIB-SEM and CLEM)
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Metabolomics and isotope tracing
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Biochemical reconstitution and enzyme assays
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Genomic and CRISPR-based perturbations
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Contact Us
UT Southwestern Medical Center
6000 Harry Hines Blvd
Ryu Lab — NL7.110G
Dallas, Texas 75390-9039