Michael Rudolph

Special Projects Group Lab

The SPG Laboratory conducts collaborative and investigator-driven research aimed at understanding biological mechanisms at the molecular level. The laboratory combines structural, biochemical, and biophysical approaches to investigate protein structure and function.Research projects frequently integrate multiple technologies, allowing investigators to move from protein production and characterization through high-resolution structure determination and functional validation. This comprehensive workflow provides a powerful platform for both fundamental biological discovery and translational research applications.The laboratory maintains expertise across a broad range of structural biology methodologies and works closely with NYSBC core facilities to provide access to advanced instrumentation and specialized technical capabilities.Methods and CapabilitiesStructural BiologyX-ray crystallographySingle-particle cryo-electron microscopyStructural analysis of protein complexesProtein ScienceRecombinant protein expressionProtein purificationComplex assembly and characterizationProtein engineeringBiophysical CharacterizationMicroscale thermophoresis (MST)Protein–protein and protein–ligand interaction analysisLabel-free and fluorescence-based binding studiesProtein stability and thermal unfolding analysisResearch AreasStructural immunologyStructure-guided drug discoveryInfectious disease and biodefense researchMembrane protein structural biology

NMR Research

NMR research at NYSBC sits at the intersection of methods development and biological discovery. Staff scientists are active contributors to CoMD/NMR (the NIH-funded Center on Macromolecular Dynamics by NMR Spectroscopy), which develops, validates, and disseminates NMR methods for studying biomolecular dynamics and structure. This dual focus—developing new experimental and analytical tools while applying them to fundamental biological questions—allows NYSBC to identify bottlenecks, test innovations, and share advances with the broader research community.Research themes span solution-state and solid-state NMR, dynamic nuclear polarization, high-resolution relaxometry, and the development of new probe technologies and pulse sequences. Recent capabilities include North America’s only 800 MHz MAS cryoprobe and the Bruker Fast Shuttle system (to be installed in 2026), both of which expand the range of experiments that examine conformational dynamics, protein folding, enzyme catalysis, and molecular recognition. Staff scientists work directly with users on experimental design and analysis, co-authoring publications and serving as active collaborators on projects from member institutions and national users.

Special Projects Group

A full gene-to-structure pipeline, delivering protein production and structural biology expertise to outside investigators.

Cryo-FIB (Focused Ion Beam)

Cryo-focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) milling enables researchers to prepare thin, electron-transparent lamellae directly from whole cells, tissues, or larger specimens while preserving native structure. By removing excess material while keeping the region of interest intact, cryo-FIB transforms thick biological samples into tractable imaging experiments for high-resolution tomography.NYSBC operates complementary FIB instruments: the Aquilos2 for high-precision conventional FIB milling and the Hydra and Arctis plasma-FIB systems for faster throughput and advanced workflows. Both platforms support iterative workflows that pair light microscopy targeting with cryo-FIB milling, enabling researchers to locate specific cellular features and prepare them for tomographic imaging. Staff-supported service, hands-on training, and collaborative projects are all available as needed.