Welcome to Zou Lab
Welcome to our lab at College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University!
We aim to invent chemical and biophysical tools to map neuronal activities at high spatiotemporal resolution. We apply these tools to investigate the underlying biological macromolecules, physical forces, and chemical signaling that give rise to neuronal functions. Examples are engineered enzymes, fluorescent indicators, custom-built microscopes and software, etc.
Our methods are drawing from a wide range of techniques, including protein engineering, chemical synthesis, molecular and cellular biology, fluorescence microscopy, high-throughput sequencing, mass spectrometry-based proteomics, and quantitative modeling.
Current research projects include:
- Optical mapping of action potential waveforms with genetically-encoded voltage indicators
- Free radical-based chemical probes for spatiotemporally resolved mapping of proteins and RNAs in neurons
- Directed evolution platforms that drive technological advancements in the above two fronts
Selected Publications
More
Bioluminescence-activated proximity labeling for spatial multi-omics
Wang, R.#, Fang, Y.# et al. Chem, 2025
Immunoproximity biotinylation reveals the axon initial segment proteome
Zhang, W. et al. Nat. Commun., 2023
Han, Y.#, Yang, J.#, Li, Y.#, Chen, Y.# et al. Sci. Adv., 2023
Profiling stress-triggered RNA condensation with photocatalytic proximity labeling
Ren, Z.#, Tang, W.# et al. Nat. Commun., 2023
Zheng, F. et al. Nat. Commun., 2023
Liu, S.#, Ling, J.# et al. PNAS, 2023
Mapping spatial transcriptome with light-activated proximity-dependent RNA labeling
Wang, P.#, Tang, W.#, Li, Z.# et al. Nat. Chem. Biol., 2019
A far-red hybrid voltage indicator enabled by bioorthogonal engineering of rhodopsin on live neurons
Liu, S.#, Lin, C.#, Xu, Y.# et al. Nat. Chem., 2021
Recent News
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Bioluminescence lights up subcellular maps
May 26, 2025Check out our recent work on photocatalytic proximity labeling.
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Moving into New Lab Building!
Dec 12, 2023We are thrilled to move into our new lab building!
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A Protein Map for the Axon Initial Segment
Dec 11, 2023Our fascination with the AIS has extended to its proteome. If exogenous expression of an enzyme for proximity labeling is not feasible, consider immuno-proximity labeling as an alternative!
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Red Indicators for Voltage Imaging in Tissues
Nov 22, 2023Redder is better, particularly when it comes to voltage imaging in the tissue. Check out our new strategy of creating red voltage indicators.
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Mapping RNAs in Stressed Cells
Nov 15, 2023Ever wonder what happens when cells are under stress? Now CAP-seq provides insight into their inner workings during these challenging times.
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Adding Spatial Dimensions to Protein Turnover
Nov 08, 2023We have combined two previous innovations into a new one: Proximity labeling + Metabolic tagging = Subcellular protein turnover.
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Super-Temporal Resolution Voltage Imaging
Aug 27, 2023Our stroboscopic voltage imaging paper has been selected as ACS Editor's Choice. Congratulations to Luxin!
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More Stable Hybrid Voltage Indicators
Aug 20, 2023Our hybrid voltage indicators are upgraded with the development of more photostable dyes.
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Imaging-Guided Cell Selection
July 27, 2023Check out our new microscope for selecting cells from a functionally heterogeneous population.
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Congratulations to Our Graduates!
June 29, 2023Six PhD students and four undergraduates have defended their thesis during the past academic year. Congratulations to all of you!
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Peng Receives CCS Life Chemistry Award
June 18, 2023Peng is humbled and honored to receive the Life Chemistry Award from Chinese Chemical Society.
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Are there RNAs in the ER?
May 30, 2023Click here to find out the answer ...
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Photocatalytic Protein Labeling
May 23, 2023Check out our recent addition to the toolbox of genetically encoded photocatalytic proximity labeling.
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Lab Stars!
Mar 30, 2023We proudly present Lab Stars 2022!
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Bioconjugate Chemistry Editor
Feb 15, 2023Peng joins Bioconjugate Chemistry as a Topic Editor.
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Happy 2023!
Jan 12, 2023We are looking forward to a healthy and happy post-COVID 2023!
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Watching Action Potentials in Action!
Aug 19, 2022Check out our movies recording the dynamics of action potentials during its initiation at the AIS and its back-propagation to somatodendrites.
Links
About Us
Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
Tel: +86-10-62745395
Email: zoupeng_at_pku.edu.cn
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