Yongli Zhang

This study uses optical tweezers to measure SNARE complex intermediates and energetics during membrane fusion, revealing how membrane forces, lipids, and regulatory proteins control the process.

This paper introduces genetically encoded mechano-sensors using coiled coils to measure mechanical forces in vivo with diverse readouts and compact design.

This study shows tomosyns inhibit synaptic depression by binding to VAMP2-containing template complexes and preventing SNAP-25 association, rather than competing with VAMP2 for SNARE complex assembly.

This study shows that polybasic patches in both C2A and C2B domains of Synaptotagmin-1 are required for evoked neurotransmitter release, but not for spontaneous release or the readily releasable vesicle pool.

The paper shows Munc13-1 directly binds SNAP25 to initiate SNARE complex assembly, using FRET and optical tweezer techniques.