The Shangguo Hou Lab focuses on the development of high-spatiotemporal-resolution optical microscopy and its application to complex biological processes, with the goal of establishing a new generation of intelligent single-molecule imaging platforms. The lab has developed a range of advanced imaging technologies, including real-time three-dimensional active single-molecule tracking (See an introduction of real-time single particle/molecule tracking for details), multidimensional fluorescence spectral and lifetime imaging, target-locked volumetric imaging, and content-adaptive and event-triggered imaging. These approaches enable long-term, low-photodamage, quantitative, and simultaneous measurements of the three-dimensional trajectories, diffusive states, local microenvironments, and molecular interactions of moving biomolecules. They are applied to important biological questions involving biomolecular condensates, virus–receptor interactions, mitophagy and mitochondrial fission, lipid-droplet metabolism, membrane remodeling, and the dynamics of disease-associated proteins.

We use innovations in imaging technology to address important biological questions, while allowing biological needs to guide the continued development of imaging methods, thereby creating a mutually reinforcing cycle between technological innovation and scientific discovery. Through their research, lab members experience the hands-on creativity of building with LEGO, the visual excitement of professional photography, and the intellectual satisfaction of exploring the fundamental principles underlying life.

Research Directions

1.     Development of advanced multidimensional and multiscale optical microscopy technologies;

2.     Single-molecule dynamics and regulatory mechanisms in biomolecular condensates;

3.     Artificial intelligence–driven smart microscopy and adaptive measurement technologies;

4.     Quantitative characterization and mechanistic analysis of pathogen–host interactions.

侯尚国课题组聚焦于高时空分辨光学显微成像技术的开发及其在复杂生命过程中的应用，致力于建立的新一代智能单分子显微成像平台。课题组建立了实时三维单分子主动追踪、多维荧光光谱与寿命成像、目标锁定体积成像、内容自适应与事件触发成像等多种成像技术，以实现对运动生物分子的三维轨迹、扩散状态、局部微环境和分子相互作用的长时间、低光损、定量化同步测量，并将这些方法应用于生物分子凝聚体、病毒—受体相互作用、线粒体自噬与分裂、脂滴代谢、膜结构重塑及疾病相关蛋白动态等重要生命科学问题。

我们以成像技术创新推动重要生物学问题的解决，同时以生物学需求牵引成像方法的进一步发展，形成技术与科学问题相互促进的良性循环。组员在科研过程中获得了搭建乐高积木和专业摄影般的快乐，并满足探究生命活动运行奥秘的好奇心。

研究方向：

1.     多维度、多尺度先进光学显微成像技术开发；

2.     生物分子凝聚体中单分子动力学及调控机制的解析；

3.     人工智能驱动的智能显微成像与自适应测量技术；

4.     病原体与宿主互作过程定量及机制解析。