Prof. Tsai's research interests focus on the use of single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and computational image analysis to determine the structures of macromolecular complexes that carry out key biological functions, such as transcription, DNA replication, and gene regulation. In particular, He is interested in the functional relevance of large-scale conformational changes in macromolecular complexes, and he has significant expertise in specimen preparation and image analysis geared toward acquisition of 2- and 3-dimensional structural information that provide insight into physiologically significant quaternary structures. His research group utilizes advanced cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography and biochemical approaches to understand how dysfunction of specific macromolecular complexes drives cancer cell development. Dr. Tsai also successfully collaborated with several other laboratories studying different research projects, including ribonucleotide reductase, protein cage, and Augmin complex. Moreover, his expertise in single-particle cryo-EM and experience in structural biology provide strong support on structural studies of protein-lncRNA complexes and membrane proteins.