Gonen Lab

Laboratory of molecular electron microscopy

Our laboratory is multidisciplinary. 

Over the last decade we have employed structural biology techniques such as electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM), X-ray crystallography, NMR, molecular dynamics simulations, and used membrane biochemistry and biophysics to understand the function of the proteins of interest. Within electron microscopy we have published papers using electron tomography, single particle reconstructions, and electron crystallography. However, our specialty lies in electron diffraction.

Part of our laboratory is also devoted to method development in cryo-EM. 

In recent years we have developed two important methods in electron diffraction, namely fragment-based phase extension and MicroED.

Our laboratory studies the structures of membrane proteins. 

Based on structure we try to understand function and what goes wrong in disease. We focus primarily on proteins in the blood-brain barrier. The long-standing question in our laboratory is how the thousands of membrane channels and transporters that exist in the cell membrane work together to help cells maintain homeostasis. With that question in mind, we study membrane proteins that are involved in nutrient, ion, and water uptake, waste removal, signaling, and communication.

Lead Investigator

News

Tamir Gonen elected as an ACA fellow in the class of 2025

July 16, 2025

An ACA fellowship is a distinction that recognizes exceptional contributions to the field of crystallography or its applications. Election as an ACA fellow is a selective honor that reflects not only a sustained record of scientific achievement but also meaningful impact on the broader structural biology community. It is a strong endorsement of Tamir’s pioneering work in MicroED, and the influence it has had on the field.

University of Auckland awards Tamir Gonen a higher doctorate (DSc)

July, 2025

A Doctor of Science (DSc) degree signifies advanced expertise and significant contributions to a scientific or technical field. It is often seen as a more practice-oriented counterpart to the PhD, emphasizing applied research, innovation, and practical impact.

Chemistry World highlights MicroED

November 13, 2024

British news magazine Chemistry World traces the history of MicroED from its beginnings with aquaporin to its promising future, where dedicated instruments streamline the method even further.