Department of Life Sciences
Faculty Research Prof iles
Beyond Future, Beyond Thinking
Reaching beyond the boundaries of natural science and opening a door to new possibilit ies for humanity.
Department of Life Sciences at POSTECH -
Beyond Future, Beyond Thinking
Research Areas
Structural and Molecular BiologyYunje ChoKwan Yong ChoiCheol-Sang HwangSanguk Kim
Molecular Medicine G-One AhnSin-Hyeog ImSung Key JangYou-Me KimSeung-Woo LeeYoontae LeeTae-Young RohSung Ho RyuYoung Chul SungCharles D. SurhJoo-Yeon Yoo
Cell and Developmental Biology Yong Song GhoJin-Kwan HanJoung-Hun KimKyong-Tai KimSeung-Jae LeeSang Ki Park
Plant SciencesIldoo HwangInhwan HwangYoungsook LeeKee Hoon Sohn
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CONTENTS
Research Areas
04 POSTECH
STRUCTURAL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Development of novel bio-molecules and the discovery of disease makers and drug target genes through structural biology,
biochemistry, and bioinformatics.
X-ray crystallography and molecular biology approaches to elucidate structural interactome including protein-protein interactions
and protein-ligand binding mechanisms.
Bioinformatics and systems biology approaches to discover protein localization, protein interaction and targeting mechanisms of
cell signaling molecules. Systemic and quantitative analysis of molecular evolution and biological network to study cancer drug
sensitivity and resistance mechanism to improve current drug developmental processes.
CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
Establishment of a complex organism from a single cell followed by growth and ageing is a major component in the life events
and understanding of underlying mechanism touches the fundamentals of biology. In the field of cell and developmental biology,
we investigate the various biological phenomena at multiple levels from cell to organism using cutting-edge experimental
techniques encompassing molecular, biochemical, genetic, and neurobiological approaches. Based on the outcome, we attempt to
provide useful information to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the diseases caused by malfunction of the
normal biological processes and to ultimately contribute to the advance of therapeutic approaches.
We investigate complex and elaborate regulatory processes underlying the development of an organism from a
single cell including cellular differentiation, morphogenesis, and organogenesis, which will lead us to the
advanced therapeutics as well as to biological understanding various diseases.
We attempt to genetically analyze major players associated with ageing, thereby understand the biological
program controlling organismal ageing at the molecular level. From this, we pursue novel mechanistic insights
into the pathogenesis of various age-related disorders.
We investigate the role of the intracellular communication molecules, including soluble factor and nanosome, and
membrane proteins in the signal transduction among cells, which will lead us to the mechanisms underlying
tumor growth, metastasis, and immune response and to the useful information for the development of novel
diagnostics and therapeutics.
We investigate the information transmission process in neural circuits from the various angles to understand
higher brain functions, to grasp pathological mechanisms underlying various neuropsychiatric disorders at the
molecular level, and ultimately to establish the system to identify novel therapeutics.
DEPARTMENT OF LIFE SCIENCES 05
MOLECULAR MEDICINE
New trends in life sciences are to improve the quality of life with conquering diseases based on basic science and interdisciplinary
research. The Molecular Medicine group of Department of Life Sciences, POSTECH leads various biological fields in the world from
identification of diseases, immunity, cell signaling, and gene transcription/translation mechanism at cellular and molecular levels
to development of diagnosis and therapeutics. Our group is focusing on development of novel regulatory molecules and
understanding of their function, development of vaccine and therapeutic agents for viral infection and inflammation by systematic
integration of gene transcription and translation, understanding of defense mechanism and its principle. And we eventually try to
apply these scientific achievement to clinical treatments for allergic disease, autoimmune disease, transplantation, and etc.
PLANT SCIENCES
The Plant Sciences Group is actively pursuing to understand fundamental biological processes involved in plant development and
growth from the stage of germination to that of senescence in model organisms. We also aim to translate the basic and
fundamental principles of plant systems into plant biotechnology for rebuilding crop traits and resolving environmental issues. The
major research topics are as follows.
Using Arabidopsis, we are investigating the mechanisms of how eukaryotic cells produce their cellular proteins, in particular
organellar proteins, and of how these cellular proteins are dynamically and spatially regulated at the molecular, biochemical,
cellular, genetic levels in order to elucidate the functions and operating principles of various organelles, and ultimately to
understand the operating principles of eukaryotic cells. In addition, we would like to develop cellular tools and methods to
reprogram plant cells to produce a large amount of valuable proteins and secondary metabolites.
With an aim to contribute to the production of Biofuel, we are also investigating basic mechanisms of lipid production in plants and
microalgae. We identified several genes that can increase lipid content of seed oil, and continue our search of genes that confer
heavy metal tolerance and oil accumulation in plant and microalgae. In addition, we are developing plants for phytoremediation,
which can clean up contaminated sites in an environmentally-friendly and economic manner.
As the form and function of plants is mainly determined by efficient communication among cells, tissues and organs, and cross-
talks with environmental stimuli, we aim to understand how plants integrate environmental cues into intrinsic developmental
programs such as phytohormone signaling networks. We are also investigating epigenetic regulations of the induced resistance
against various pathogens in genome level, prompting to understand symbiotic interactions between plants and bacteria, and
revealing how plants control cambial activities, vasculature development, and biomass production. To this end, we are taking
‘systems biology’ approaches with interdisciplinary researches, which provides a comprehensive research tool to understand these
complex interactions viewed as the keys to understanding life.
06 POSTECH
Faculty Research Profiles
Lab. of Structural Biology of Cancer
Prof. Yunje Cho
ContactPhone: +82-54-279-2288 Fax: +82-54-279-8111E-mail: [email protected] Homepage(lab): http://sbclab.postech.ac.kr/
EducationB.S., Seoul National Univ., Seoul, Korea (1986)M.S., Iowa State Univ., Ames, U.S.A (1989)Ph.D., Cornell Univ., Ithaca, U.S.A (1993)
| Research Introduction |
For normal cell proliferation and division, maintenance of genomic
stability is essential. To protect the DNA from genotoxic stresses and
repair their damages, it is crucial to understand the molecular network
and functions of the proteins inside the cell (ex; tumor suppressors,
cell cycle regulators, and DNA damage signaling proteins). We have
provided molecular insight in understanding the mechanism of
maintaining genomic stability through the structural and functional
studies of these proteins. We elucidated the mechanism by which
eukaryotic replication licensing occurs once per cell cycle through the
studies of the Geminin-Cdt1 complex (Nature, 2004), and provided the
basis for inactivation mechanism of the E2F transcriptiona factor by
Retinoblastoma to halt the cell cycle progression for DNA repair (Genes
Dev 2002). We also provided the mechanism by which eIF4A, a
translation initiation factor, is regulated bya tumor suppressor PDCD4
(PNAS USA, 2009). We also determine the DNA recognition mechanism
by the 9-1-1 complex (Genes Dev, 2007) and the Mre11-Rad50
complex (Genes Dev, 2011) and repair the damaged DNA by the
Mus81-Eme1 complex (Genes Dev, 2008). Understanding the basis of
the genomemaintenance mechanism would allow us to prevent
and/or cure the accumulation of DNA damage, and in practice, reduce
the side effect of Radiation or Chemotherapy in treatment of cancer.
| Career |
1989~1993: Ph. D., Protein Crystallography, Protein Engineering,
Cornell Univ. (Ithaca, USA)
1993~1995: Post-doc, Protein Crystallography, Cancer Biology,
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (N.Y. USA)
1995~2000: Senior Scientist, Korea Institute of Science and Technology
(Seoul) Structural Biology Center
2000~2004: Associate Professor, Department of Life Sciences, POSTECH
2005~Present: Professor, Department of Life Sciences, POSTECH
| Major Awards/Honors |
Queen Elizabeth II award, (British Government), Korea (1999)
2nd Young Scientist award (Presidential award), KAST, Korea (1999)
Director, National Creative Research Center (DNA damage signaling
center) (2001-2010)
A Rising Star Fellow (POSTECH) (2011)
Jongryeol Hong’s Chair Professor (2013-2015)
| Research Areas |
Structural Biology of Cancer; Tumor suppressors, DNA damage
signaling and repair, Cell cycle regulation
Nucleic acid biochemistry
Anti-cancer drug discovery
| Activities |
Editorial Board, KSBMB (2007-2009)
Senior member, KOSUA (2008-2012)
Selection committee, HFSP (Human Frontier Science Program,
France) (2009-2012)
Review committee, HFSP (Human Frontier Science Program, France)
(2009-2012)
| Major Publications |
1. Lim HS, et al. & Cho Y, (2011) Genes Dev. 25, 1091-1104
2. Chang JH, et al. Cho Y, (2009) PNAS USA 106, 3148-3153
3. Chang JH, et al. Cho Y, (2008) Genes Dev. 22, 1093-1106
4. Sohn SY, et al. Cho Y, (2007) Nat Struct Mol Biol. 14, 847-853
5. Lee C, et al. Cho Y, (2004) Nature 430, 913-917
DEPARTMENT OF LIFE SCIENCES 07
Faculty Research Profiles
Lab. of Systems Protein Biochemistry
| Research Introduction |
Proteins play central roles in biological systems. They are not
functioning as a single entity, but are frequently multifunctional while
interacting with other biomolecules like proteins, l ipids or
carbohydrates after various post-translational modifications. We are
focusing on the roles of proteins which are key effector molecules of
the signaling networks from the point of systems biology. Since
various biological phenomena like cancer, aging, metabolism etc. are
closely related to each other at the molecular level, we are
investigating mechanistic actions of key effector molecules based on
the structure-function relationship and their interactions with other
molecules in various mechanistic processes such as autophagy,
apoptosis, metastasis, etc. in the signaling networks under specific
conditions like hypoxia, starvation, or inhibition of target molecules.
We also engineer protein and biofunctional nano molecules for
biomedical application.
| Career |
1970~1975: B.S. Seoul National University
1975~1977: M.S. KAIST
1982~1988: Ph. D. (Biochemistry) University of California, Davis
1988~1989: Postdoctoral Fellow University of California, Medical
School
1989~1990: NRC Research Associate, National Institutes of Health
1990~Present: Assistant, Associate, and Full Professor, POSTECH
| Research Areas |
Protein networks in the interactome of cancer, aging and metabolism
Roles and interactions of key effector molecules in autophagy,
apoptosis and metastasis in cancer, aging and metabolic diseases
Engineering of recombinant proteins and nano molecules for
biomedical application
| Activities |
Metabolic reprogramming and prognostic markers for cancers in
carcinogenesis
Metabolism, immunology, and aging associated with cancer
NAD metabolomics under hypoxia and starvation
Application of dendron-based nanotechnology
Protein engineering for biomedical application
| Major Publications |
1. Lee N et al., (2014) Proteomics, online published
2. Kim ES et al., (2013) Nanotechnology, 24(40):1-10
3. Kwon JH et al.,(2013) Plos One, 8(6):1-10.
4. Cha HJ et al., (2013), Mol Cells, 36(1):39-46.
5. Lee B. et al., (2013), Mol Cell Biol., 33(14):2650-2658
6. Yang SY et al.,(2013), Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl., 33(3): 1689-95
7. Park CW et al., (2013) Autophagy, 9(3):345-360
8. Kwon JH. et al., (2013) Int. J. Cancer, 132(4):832-842.
9. Hong SM. et al., (2013) Clin. & Exp. Met. 30(2):177-187
10. Kim ES. Et al., (2013) NANOSCALE, 33(25):4262-69
11. Cha HJ et al., (2012) Annals of Surgical Oncology, 19(3):404-11
12. Kim ES, et al., (2012) ACS Nano, 6 (7):6108- 6114
13. Kim ES. et al., (2012) Biomedical Engineering Letters 2(2):78-87
14. Yang JA. et al., (2012) Biomaterials, 33(25): 5847-54
15. Kim ES. et al., (2012) Analyst 137(10):2421-30
16. Kwon JH. et al., (2010) Clin. Cancer Res, 16(22) 5511-5521
Prof. Kwan Yong Choi
ContactPhone: +82-54-279-2295 Fax: +82-54-279-8290E-mail: [email protected] Homepage(lab): http://spblab.postech.ac.kr
EducationB.S., Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (1975)M.S., Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Korea (1977)Ph.D., University of California, Davis, CA, USA (1988)
08 POSTECH
Faculty Research Profiles
Lab. of Protein Dynamics and Signaling
Prof. Cheol-Sang Hwang
ContactPhone: +82-54-279-2352 Fax: +82-54-279-2199E-mail: [email protected] Homepage(lab): https://sites.google.com/site/mcbpostech/
EducationB.S., Seoul National Univ., Seoul, Korea (1994)M.S., Seoul National Univ., Seoul, Korea (1996)Ph.D., Seoul National Univ., Seoul, Korea (2000)
| Research Introduction |
Research in my laboratory focuses on protein dynamics and signaling
through post-translational protein modifications. N-terminal
acetylation is one of the most common protein modifications. For
example, more than 80% of soluble human proteins are N-terminally
acetylated. However, over the past half century, the physiological roles
of N-terminal acetylation largely remained a mystery. In 2010, we
discovered that N-terminal acetylation of cellular proteins creates
specific degradation signals for ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. While
we are interested in all aspect of protein modifications and signaling,
the work in my laboratory concentrates on the machinery and
functions of N-terminal acetylation-dependent proteolysis, cross-talks
between ubiquitin-mediated pathways, cotranslational protein
degradation, and protein quality control. We also have an interest in
the development of new drugs or targets that selectively inhibit the
activity of disease-specific components of N-terminal acetylation and
ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis.
| Career |
1996~1999: Research Associate, Seoul National University, Seoul,
Korea
2000~2003: Postdoctoral Fellow, Seoul, National University, Seoul,
Korea
2003~2009: Postdoctoral Scholar, Caltech, Pasadena, USA
2009~2011: Senior Staff Scientist, Caltech, Pasadena, USA
2011~Present: Assistant Professor, POSTECH, Pohang, Korea
| Research Areas |
Functions of N-terminal-acetylation protein degradation pathway
The ubiquitin-proteasome system in human diseases
The N-end rule pathway and Johanson-Blizzard syndrome (JBS)
Cotranslational protein degradation
| Activities |
Discovery of the major function of protein N-terminal acetylation
Discovery of proteolytic pathways of O6-methylguanine DNA
alkyltransferase
Establishment of a new N-end rule pathway
Elucidation of cross-talks between E3 ubiquitin ligases
| Major Publications |
1. Shemorry A, et al., (2013) Mol. Cell, in press
2. Hwang CS, et al., (2011) PLoS One 6:e24925
3. Hwang CS, et al., (2010) Nat. Cell Biol. 12:1177
4. Hwang CS, et al., (2010) Science 327:973
5. Hwang CS, et al., (2009) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 109:2142
6. Hwang CS and Varshavsky A, (2008) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA
49:19188
JBS patients
N-terminal acetylation N-end rule pathway
DEPARTMENT OF LIFE SCIENCES 09
Faculty Research Profiles
Lab. of Structural Bioinformatics
| Research Introduction |
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and protein subcellular localizations
are crucial for many biological functions. Although advances in high-
throughput proteomics enable us to construct many comprehensive
PPI networks providing holistic view of biological phenomena, there
are huge amount of unidentified PPIs. Furthermore, little attention is
paid for the network-level understanding of diverse characteristics of
PPI. We attempt to solve these problems by integrating various
approaches such as modeling physical property of PPI, subcellular
localization information, and high-throughput genomics data. We also
focused on evolution of protein structures and sequences. While the
number of sequenced genomes continues to increase, experimentally
verified functional annotations and structures of whole genomes
remains unknown. Because subsequence experimental investigation is
costly and time-consuming, accurate computational methods for
predicting protein functions and structures become attractive. We
develop various computational methods for identifying functionally
important residues and modeling structures by using evolutionary
information.
| Career |
2009~Present: Associate professor, Department of Life Science,
POSTECH, Pohang, Kyungbuk, Korea
2009~Present: KIAS Associate Member, School of computational
Science, Korea Institute for Advanced Study, Korea
2005~Present: Director, Biological Research Information Center (BRIC),
Korea
2005~Present: Adjunct professor, School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience
and Bioengineering (I-Bio), Postech, Korea
2005~2009: Assistant professor, Department of Life Sciences, POSTECH,
Pohang, Kyungbuk, Korea
2002~2005: Post doctoral fellow, UCLA-DOE Center for Genomics and
Proteomics, Los Angeles, CA
| Research Areas |
Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
- Structural and functional characterization of membrane proteins
- Development of prediction methods for protein structure and protein-
protein interaction
- Systematic & quantitative analyses of molecular evolution and
biodiversity
- Mathematical & statistical approaches to find bio-patterns from
sequence and structural information
| Major Publications |
1. Kim J, et al., (2012) PLoS Genetics 8(2):e1002510
2. Cho N, et al., (2011) Nature Nanotech. 6(10):675
3. Jeon J, et al., (2011) PLoS Comput Biol. 7(6), e1002093
4. Park S, et al., (2011) Nature Mol. Syst. Biol. 7, 494
5. Jeon J, et al., (2011) Mol. Biol. Evol. 28(9), 2675-2685
Prof. Sanguk Kim
ContactPhone: +82-54-279-2348 Fax: +82-54-279-2199E-mail: [email protected] Homepage(lab): http://sbi.postech.ac.kr/
EducationB.S., Genetic Engineering, Korea Univ., Seoul, Korea (1992)M.S., Molecular Biology, Korea Univ., Seoul, Korea (1996)Ph.D., Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA (2002)
Identification of protein interactome Evulution of protein structures and sequences
10 POSTECH
Faculty Research Profiles
Lab. of Cancer & Vascular Biology
Prof. G-One Ahn
ContactPhone: +82-54-279-2353 Fax: +82-54-279-8379E-mail: [email protected] Homepage(lab): http://cvbl.postech.ac.kr/
EducationB.S., University of Auckland, New Zealand (1998)M.S., University of Auckland, New Zealand (2000)Ph.D., University of Auckland, New Zealand (2004)
| Research Introduction |
We aim to understand the role of myeloid cells (monocytes and
macrophages) in the progression of hypoxic (low oxygen tension)
inflammatory diseases including cancer and cardiovascular diseases. In
particular, we are interested in determining the function of hypoxia-
inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) in myeloid cells during the disease
progression. Myeloid cells play a critical role in initiation, progression,
and exacerbation of the diseases. Furthermore, hypoxic sensing by
these cells is known to be essential for mediating inflammatory
responses (such as in bacterial infection). However, it is currently
unknown how HIF-1, the major transcription factor stabilized under
hypoxic conditions, in myeloid cells may modulate the disease
progression, in which chronic accumulation of subtle changes in
hypoxia and inflammatory microenvironment may overall govern the
disease progression. Hence, by using the genetically manipulated
mouse model we seek to understand how myeloid cells under the
control of HIF-1 may modulate the disease process. With our research,
we hope to identify novel therapeutic targets to combat these
diseases more effectively in patients.
| Career |
2003~2008: Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Radiation Oncology,
Stanford University School of Medicine
2008~2011: Research Associate, Department of Radiation Oncology,
Stanford University School of Medicine
| Research Areas |
Radiation and Cancer Biology
Role of HIF-1 myeloid cells affecting tumor response to radiotherapy
and chemotherapy
Investigation of mechanisms for tumor recurrence after radiotherapy
Role of HIF-1 in myeloid cells in establishing pre-metastatic niche for
tumor metastasis
Developing strategies for overcoming normal tissue damage
(including lung fibrosis, brain damage, esophagitis) induced by
radiotherapy
Mouse models of human inflammatory diseases
Cancer (various orthotopic models such as brain tumors, lung
tumors, various metastasis models)
Inflammation-associated cancer models
Spontaneous cancer models (colon and liver cancers)
Stroke (middle cerebral artery ligation through microsurgery)
Hindlimb ischemia (femoral artery ligation through microsurgery)
Hepatosteatosis
Obesity and parabiosis
Window chamber models (dorsal window and intracranial window
chamber techniques) for real-time in vivo imaging
| Major Publications |
1. Ahn, G.O., Seita, J., Hong, B.J., Kim, Y.E., Bok, S., Lee, C.J., Kim, K.S.,
Lee, J.C., Leeper, N.J., Cooke, J.P., Kim, H.J., Kim, I.H., Weissman, I.L.,
Brown, J.M. (2014) Transcriptional activation of hypoxia-inducible
factor-1 (HIF-1) in myeloid cells promotes angiogenesis through
VEGF and S100A8. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 111, 2698-2703
2. Lartey, F.M., Ahn, G.O., Shen, B., Cord, K.T., Smith, T., Chua, J.Y., Rosenblum,
S., Liu, H., James, M.L., Chernikova, S., Lee, S.W., Pisani, L.J., Tirouvanziam,
R., Chen, J.W., Palmer, T.D., Chin, F.T., Guzman, R., Graves, E.E., Loo, B.W. Jr.
(2014) PET imaging of stroke-induced neuroinflammation in mice using
[18F]PBR06. Mol Imaging Biol 16, 109-117
3. Ahn, G.O., Tseng, D. Liao, C.H., Dorie, M.J., Czechowicz, A., and
Brown, J.M. (2010) Inhibition of Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) enhances
tumor response to radiation by reducing myeloid cell recruitment.
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 107, 8363-8368 Highlighted in: Qualls J.E.
and Murray P.J. (2010) A double agent in cancer: Stopping
macrophages wounds tumors. Nat. Med. 16, 863-864
4. Ahn, G.O., and Brown, J.M. (2008) Matrix metalloproteinase-9 is
required for tumor vasculogenesis but not for angiogenesis: role of
bone marrow-derived myelomonocytic cells. Cancer Cell, 13, 193-205
DEPARTMENT OF LIFE SCIENCES 11
Faculty Research Profiles
| Career |
1991~1996: Senior Research Scientist, Research Center of Chong Kun
Dang Pharmaceutical Company, Seoul, Korea.
2001~2003: Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Pathology, Harvard
Medical School
2004~2008: Assistant Professor, School of Life Sciences, Gwangju
Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)
2008~2012: Associate Professor, School of Life Sciences, Gwangju
Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)
2012~2013: Professor, School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of
Science and Technology (GIST)
2014~Present: Professor, Division of Integrative Biosciences and
Biotechnology, POSTECH
| Major Awards/Honors |
Cancer Research Institute Fellowship (USA, 2001-2004).
Young Investigator Award by the Society of Biomedical Research,
(USA, 2003)
Top 100 Achievements of National R&D (Korean government, 2011)
| Research Area |
Immune regulation and tolerance at the cellular and molecular level
Role of transcription factors (Ets1 and NFAT1) in immune regulation and tolerance
Role of transcription factors (Ets1 and NFAT1) in immune regulation
and Tolerance
Molecular mechanism of IL-10 gene regulation in lymphocytes and
antigen presenting cells (DCs and macrophages)
Elucidation of the signaling pathways and underlying mechanism for
IL-10 generation by probiotics.
Characterization of regulatory DCs and iTreg cells induced by probiotics
Development of antigen-specific immunotherapy for autoimmune
disorders (Myasthenia gravis and rheumatoid arthritis)
| Major Research Achievements |
Studies on the role of transcription factors in cytokine gene regulation
Discovery of the key cis- and trans-acting regulatory elements
involved in IL-10 gene regulation
Development and elucidation of probiotics-mediated immune
modulation for hyper-immune disorders (autoimmunity and allergic
disorders)
Development of oral tolerogen for autoimmune disorder
(myasthenia gravis as a model)
| Major Publications |
1. Ryu JH, Chae CS, Kwak JS, Oh H, Shin Y, Huh YH, Lee CG, Park YW,
Chun CH, Kim YM, Im SH* and Chun JS*. *Corresponding author. Hif-2
Is an Essential Catabolic Regulator of Inflammatory Rheumatoid
Arthritis Plos Biology. 2014: 12(6)21001881.
2. So JS, Kim GC, Song MK, Lee CG, Kim JH, Kim YS, Jun CD, Surh C and
Im SH. 6-Methoxyflavone suppresses T cell activation by inhibiting
NFAT1 translocation into the nucleus. J Immunol, 2014. doi:10.4049/
jimmunol.14002
3. Kwon HK, Kim GC, Kim Y, Hwang W, Jash A, Sahoo A Nam JH, and Im
SH. Amelioration of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by
probiotics mixture is mediated by a shift in T helper cell immune
response. Clinical Immunology. 2013;146(3):217-227.
4. Chae CS, Kwon HK, Hwang JS, Im SH. Prophylactic effect of probiotics
on the development of experimental autoimmune myasthenia
gravis. PLoS One. 2012;7(12):e52119.
5. Jash A, Sahoo A, Kim GC, Chae CS, Hwang JS, Kim JE, ImSH. NFAT
induced permissive chromatin modification facilitates NF•ÍB
mediated IL-9 transactivation. J Biol Chem. 2012;287(19):15445-57.
6. Lee CG, Kwon HK, Sahoo A, Won H, So JS, Hwang JS, Chae CS, Kim
GC, So HS, Hwang ES, Grenningloh R, Ho IC and ImSH. Interaction of
Ets-1 with HDAC1 represses IL-10 expression in T helper 1 cells. J
Immunol. 2012;188(5):2244-253
7. Son JS, Chae CS, Hwang JS, Park ZY, Im SH. Enhanced chromatin
accessibility and recruitment of JUNB mediate the sustained IL-4
expression in NFAT1 deficient T helper 2 cells. PLoS One. 2011. 6(7):e22042.
8. Sahoo A, Lee CG, Jash A, Son JS, Kim G, Kwon HK, So JS, Im SH. Stat6
and c-Jun Mediate Th2 Cell-Specific IL-24 Gene Expression. J
Immunol. 2011;186(7):4098-109
9. Kwon HK, Lee CG, Jae-Seon Soa, Chae CS, Hwang JS, Sahoo A, Nam
JH, Rhee JH, Hwang KC, and Im SH Generation of regulatory dendritic
cells and CD4+Foxp3+ T cells by probiotics administration suppresses
immune disorders; Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010 ;107(5):2159-64
10. Yun KS, So JS, Jash A and Im SH Lef1 regulates transcription through
gene looping. J Immunol 2009 ;183(8):5129-37
Prof. Sin-Hyeog Im
ContactPhone: +82-54-279-2356 Fax: +82-54-279-8768E-mail: [email protected] Homepage(lab): http://irt.postech.ac.kr
EducationB.S., Korea University, Seoul, Korea (1987)M.S., Korea University, Seoul, Korea (1989)Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel (2001)
Lab. of Immune Regulation andTolerance (IRT)
12 POSTECH
Faculty Research Profiles
Lab. of Molecular Virology
Prof. Sung Key Jang
ContactPhone: +82-54-279-2298 Fax: +82-54-279-8009E-mail: [email protected] Homepage(lab): http://mv.postech.ac.kr/
EducationB.S., Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (1982)M.S., Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (1984)Ph.D., University of New York, Stony Brook, USA (1989)
| Research Introduction |
HCV is a pathogenic virus causing hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and
hepatocellular carcinoma. More than 170 million people are suffering
from this virus infection worldwide. We are investigating the
molecular basis of the pathogenic processes of HCV. We showed that a
human protein GRP94 is required for viral proliferation and that GRP94
is involved in persistent production of HCV in the presence of a
cytokine (TRAIL) triggering host cell death. Currently we are
developing a cure for HCV infection based on the inhibitors of NS5A
that is a viral protein essential for RNA replication.
Cap-independent translation of eukaryotic mRNAs requires a specific
RNA structure, named internal ribosomal entry site (IRES), and IRES-
specific cellular factors along with basic translational machinery. We
are investigating the molecular mechanism of translation via IRESs by
revealing the roles of cis-acting elements in various IRES [viral
(encephalomyocarditis virus, poliovirus and hepatitis C virus) and
cellular (BiP and c-myc) IRESs] and cellular factors (ITAFs) specifically
enhancing the IRES function.
We are trying to reveal the molecular details of translational regulation
of gene expression at various physiological conditions such as
inflammation, heat stress, and viral infection. We also study the
molecular mechanism of persistent translation of stress-resistant
mRNAs such as hepatitis c virus (HCV) mRNA at stress conditions when
translation of most mRNAs is repressed.
| Career |
1989~1991: Postdoctoral associate, University of New York at Stony
Brook
1991~2003: Assistant and associate professor, POSTECH
2001~2003: CEO, Panbionet Inc.
2003~Present: Professor, POSTECH
2009~Present: Academic editor, PLoS ONE
2009~Present: CSO, Aptamer Sciences Inc.
2013~2014: Head, Department of Life Sciences
2014~Present: Director, POSTECH Biotech Center
| Major Awards/Honors |
Sigma Xi award
| Research Areas |
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
Development of anti-HCV drugs
Translation Initiation
Translation initiation mechanisms through cap and IRES elements
Aptamer Technology
Utilization of aptamers in diagnostics and therapeutics
| Activities |
Development of anti-HCV agents
Development of rapid diagnostic tests for influenza using aptamers
Discovery of translation through IRES element and RNA looping
| Major Publications |
1. Lee SH, et al., (2014) Nucleic Acids Res. 42, 2697-707
2. Seo K, et al., (2013) Aging Cell 12, 1073-81.
3. Paek KY, et al., (2012) Nucleic Acids Res. 40, 7541-51.
4. Kim JH, et al., (2011) EMBO J. 30, 2454-64.
5. Park SM, et al., (2011) Nucleic Acids Res. 39, 7791-802.
eIF2A facilitates stress-resistant translation of HCV mRNA (Kim et al., 2011). Predictedpositions of eIF5B, tRNAi, and eIF2A on the 40S ribosomal subunit.
DEPARTMENT OF LIFE SCIENCES 13
Faculty Research Profiles
| Research Introduction |
The current research in the lab focuses on the study of innate immunity
and inflammation which provide the human body with the first line of
defense mechanisms against invading pathogens. While well-
orchestrated innate immune responses are essential for human health,
unregulated and overactivated immune responses may cause acute or
chronic inflammatory diseases as well as autoimmune diseases. The goal
of our research is to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of
the innate immune responses and to provide the framework for
therapeutic intervention of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
| Career |
1994~1995: Researcher, Korean Ministry of Environment
2002~2007: Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard Medical School and Whitehead
Institute for Biomedical Research
2008~2009: Visiting Scholar, Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research
2008~2009: Research Investigator, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical
Research
2009~Present: Assistant Professor, Department of Life Sciences,
Pohang University of Science and Technology
| Major Awards/Honors |
American Heart Association Fellowship
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Career Development Grant
NIAID Scholar, Keystone Symposia
| Research Areas |
Innate Immunity
Immune Receptor Regulation
Immune Cell Biology and Live Cell Microscopy
Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases
Drug Target Identification
| Recent Projects |
Regulatory mechanisms of innate immune receptor signaling
Immune receptor trafficking
Antigen receptor activation pathway
Pathogenesis of lupus
Regulation of interferon signaling
| Major Publications |
1. Huh JW, Shibata T, Hwang M, Kwon EH, Jang MS, Fukui R, Kanno A,
Jung DJ, Jang MH, Miyake K, Kim YM (2014) UNC93B1 is essential for
the plasma membrane localization and signaling of Toll-like receptor
5 Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 111, 7072-7
2. Kim J, Huh J, Hwang M, Kwon EH, Jung DJ, Brinkmann MM, Jang MH,
Ploegh HL, Kim YM (2013) Acidic amino acid residues in the
juxtamembrane region of the nucleotide-sensing toll-like receptors
are important for UNC93B1 binding and signaling J Immunol 190,
5287
3. Kim YM, Brinkmann MM, Paquet ME, Ploegh HL (2008) UNC93B
delivers intracellular nucleotide-sensing TLRs to endolysosomes
Nature 452, 234
4. Kim YM, Brinkmann MM, Ploegh HL (2007) TLRs bent into shape
NatImmunol 8, 675
5. Brinkmann MM, Spooner E, Hoebe K, Beutler B, Ploegh HL, Kim YM
(2007) The interaction between the ER membrane protein UNC93B
and TLRs 3,7, and 9 is crucial for TLR signaling J Cell Biol 177, 265
6. Kim YM, Pan JY, Korbel GA, Peperzak V, Boes M, Ploegh HL (2006)
Monovalent ligation of the B cell receptor induces receptor
activation but fails to promote antigen presentation. Proc Natl Acad
Sci USA 103, 3327
Prof. You-Me Kim
ContactPhone: +82-54-279-0689 Fax: +82-54-279-0898E-mail: [email protected] Homepage(lab): http://www.postech.ac.kr/department/life/
EducationB.S., Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (1992)M.S., Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (1994)Ph.D., Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA (2003)
Lab. of Immune Cell Biology
14 POSTECH
Faculty Research Profiles
Lab. of Immune Regulation &Immunotherapy
Prof. Seung-Woo Lee
ContactPhone: +82-54-279-2355 Fax: +82-54-279-5544E-mail: [email protected] Homepage(lab): http://ibb.postech.ac.kr/
EducationB.S., POSTECH, Korea (1994)M.S., POSTECH, Korea (1996)Ph.D., POSTECH, Korea (1999)
| Research Introduction |
Since the mammalian host has evolved to accommodate colonizationby symbiotic bacteria communities (the microbiota), host immunesystem must have adapted to maintain the homeostasis of themicrobiota while retaining the integrity of our body. In fact, there aresome connections between the microbiota and the development ofour immune system, particularly the gut-associated lymphoid tissues(GALT). Furthermore, some components of gut microbiota can becirculated systemically and modulate the activities of immune cells.Our Lab is primarily investigating the immune regulation achieved bythe interplay between host immune system and the microbiota inmultiple immune cells, including T cells, antigen-presenting cells(APC), and hematopoietic stem & progenitor cells (HSPC). We are alsostudying the role of tumornecrosis factor (TNF)/TNF receptor familymolecules in modulating the activities of immune cells. In particular,our Lab has an interest in exploring whether TNF/TNFR familymolecules can regulate the biology of HSPC in the chronic inflammation.
| Career |
2003~2008: Postdoctoral Fellow, La Jolla Institute for Allergy andImmunology, San Diego, USA.
2009~2011: Research Scientist, La Jolla Institute for Allergy andImmunology, San Diego, USA.
| Major Awards/Honors |
Fellowship from the Diabetes and Immune Disease NationalResearch Institute (DIDNRI) (2008)
| Research Areas |
Immune regulation between the host immune system and the gut“microbiota”Regulation of hematopoietic stem & progenitor cells and the cancerstem cellsDevelopment of mucosal antigen presenting cells and CD4 T helper subsets
| Activities |
Regulation of CD4 T helper differentiation and mucosal antigenpresenting cellsIdentification of the role of TNF/TNFR family molecules inhematopoiesis and development of dendritic cellsStudies about TNFR family molecules in modulating T cell responses
| Major Publications |
1. Shravan, M., S.Y. Eun, S.W. Lee, I. Nemcovicova, A.K. Mehta, D.M.
Zajonc, N. Nishi, T. Niki, M. Hirashima, and M. Croft. 2014. Galectin-9controls the therapeutic activity of 4-1BB-targeting antibodies. J ExpMed 211:1433-48
2. Seo, Y.B., S.J. Im, H. Namkoong, S.W. Kim, Y.W. Choi, M.C. Kang, H.S.Lim, H.T. Jin, S.H. Yang, M.L. Cho, Y.M. Kim, S.W. Lee, Y.K. Choi, C.D.Surh, and Y.C. Sung. 2014. Crucial role of IL-7 in the development ofT follicular helper cells as well as the induction of humoralimmunity. J Virol 88:8998-9009
3. Song, M.Y., C.P. Hong, S.J. Park, J.H. Kim, B.G. Yang, S.W. Kim, K.S.Kim, J.Y. Lee, S.W. Lee, M.H. Jang, and Y.C. Sung 2014. Protectiveeffects of Fc-fused PD-L1 on two different animal models of colitis.Gut gutjnl-2014-307311Published Online First: 5 June 2014doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2014-307311
4. Kim, S.W., H.G. Yang, M.C. Kang, S. Lee, H. Namkoong, S.W. Lee*,and Y.C. Sung*. 2014 (*co-correspondence) KIAA1114, a full-lengthprotein encoded by the trophinin gene, is a novel surface marker forisolating tumor-initiating cells of multiple hepatocellular carcinomasubtypes. Oncotarget 15:1226-40
5. Lee, S.W., Y. Park, S.Y. Eun, M. Shravan, H. Cheroutre, and M. Croft.2012. 4-1BB Cutting Edge: Controls Regulatory Activity in DendriticCells through Promoting Optimal Expression of RetinalDehydrogenase. J Immunol 189, 2687-2701.
6. Lee, S.W., H. Choi, S.Y. Eun, and M. Croft. 2011. Nitric OxideModulates TGF- -directive Signals to Suppress Foxp3+ Regulatory Tcell Differentiation and Potentiate Th1 Development. J Immunol 186,6972-6980.
7. Lee, S.W., Y. Park, T. So, H. Cheroutre, B.S. Kwon, R.S. Mittler, and M.Croft. 2008. Identification of regulatory functions for 4-1BB and 4-1BBL in myelopoiesis and the development of dendritic cells. NatImmunol 9:917-26.
8. So, T., S.W.Lee, and M.Croft. 2008. Immune Regulation and Controlof Regulatory T cells by OX40 and 4-1BB. Cyto Grow Fact Rev19:253-62.
Cytokinin-induced immune response Plant developmental network analysis
DEPARTMENT OF LIFE SCIENCES 15
Faculty Research Profiles
| Research Introduction |
We are currently investigating the roles of ATXN1 protein family and
CIC transcription repressor complexes in cancer progression and
metabolism using mice as a model organism. By generating tissue
specific either Cic or ATXN1 protein family knock-out mice, we are
investigating roles of CIC and ATXN1 protein family in cancer
progression and metabolism in particular tissues. We are also
interested in molecular functions of this transcription repressor
complex. We are trying to identify novel CIC target genes including
non-coding RNA genes and regulators for the activity of the ATXN1
protein family and CIC transcription repressor complexes. In summary,
a better understanding of functions of the ATXN1 protein family and
CIC transcription repressor complexes is a primary research goal in our
lab.
| Career |
2007~2011: Postdoctoral Fellow, HHMI at Baylor College of Medicine,
Houston, USA.
2011~Present: Assistant professor, Department of Life Sciences,
POSTECH
| Major Awards/Honors |
Knowledge creation award (Korean Ministry of Science, ICT and Future
Planning, 2013)
BK21 distinguished studentship, President award (Korean Ministry of
Science and Technology, 2006)
Weintraub graduate student award (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research
Center at Seattle, 2006)
Best thesis award (Korean Society for Molecular and Cellular Biology,
2006)
| Research Areas |
1. Role of Capicua-Atxn1/Atxn1L transcriptional repressor complexes in
tumorigenesis and cancer metastasis.
2. Role of Capicua-Atxn1/Atxn1L transcriptional repressor complexes in
metabolism.
3. Identification of regulators for the activity of Capicua-Atxn1/Atxn1L
transcriptional repressor complexes.
4. In vivo study on microRNA functions.
| Activities |
Identification of microRNA biogenesis pathway and key players in this
pathway
Elucidation of critical roles of ATXN1 protein family and CIC
transcription repressor complexes in extracellular matrix remodeling
during development
| Major Publications |
1. Lee, Y. et al., (2011) Dev Cell. 21, 746-757
2. Lee, Y. et al., (2008) Nat. Neurosci. 11, 1137-1139
3. Lee, Y. et al., (2004) EMBO 23, 4051-4060
4. Lee, Y. et al., (2003) Nature 425, 415-419
5. Lee, Y. et al., (2002) EMBO 21, 4663-4670
Prof. Yoontae Lee
ContactPhone: +82-54-279-2354 Fax: +82-54-279-0659E-mail: [email protected] Homepage(lab): http://sites.google.com/site/postechleelab/
EducationB.S., Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (2001)M.S., Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (2003)Ph.D., Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (2006)
Lab. of Mouse Molecular Genetics
16 POSTECH
Faculty Research Profiles
Lab. of System Genomics
Prof. Tae-Young Roh
ContactPhone: +82-54-279-2350 Fax: +82-54-279-8179E-mail: [email protected] Homepage(lab): http://sysgen.postech.ac.kr/
EducationB.S., Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea (1996)M.S., Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (1998)Ph.D., Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (2002)
| Research Introduction |
Dr. Roh and his group are interested in genome-wide cellular events.
Using experimental and computational tools, we are seeking the
basics of cell growth, differentiation, senescence, and disease as well
as technical application to develop diagnostic and preventive
biomarkers using stem cell and cancer models.
| Career |
2002~2007: Visiting Fellow, NIH
2007~2008: Research Fellow, NIH
2008~Present: POSTECH, Assistant Professor
| Major Awards/Honors |
Fellows Award For Research Excellence, NIH, USA (2004, 2005)
Lenfant Biomedical Fellowship Award, NHLBI, NIH, USA (2005)
Young Scientist Award, Society for Biomedical Research, USA (2007)
Excellent Scientist who has brightened Korea, MEST, Korea (2007)
Excellent Research Award, The Korean Society for AIDS (2014)
| Research Areas |
Epigenetic modification
Comparative genomic/epigenetic information of normal/cancer
cells or stem cells/differentiated cells could provide a valuable clue
to identify targets for disease diagnosis and treatment.
Genome function
Transcriptional regulation occurs via interactions between proteins
and functional elements on DNA. Novel functional elements could
be found by intensive analysis of genomic data.
Construction of database for genome and development of data
analysis tool Databases for high resolution and high throughput data
generated from next generation sequencing will be constructed and
applied to understand the molecular basis of individual gene
transcription.
| Major Research Achievements |
Functional regulation during cancer development
Epigenetics on genome replication
Epigenetics of Stem cell
| Major Publications |
1. Khan A.A. et al., (2015) Epigenomics, 7, 75-84
2. Park J. et al., (2014) AIDS, 28, 1719-1728
3. Lee K.W. et al., (2014) Cancer Letters, 343, 62-73
4. Yang J. et al., (2013) Nature Commun. 4, 1413
5. Hong C.P. et al., (2011) Epigenomics, 3, 73-81
6. Cho H.J. et al., (2010) Blood, 116, 386-395
DEPARTMENT OF LIFE SCIENCES 17
Faculty Research Profiles
| Research Introduction |
We are working on the machinery and principles of cell signaling from
receptor to cell growth and metabolism to understand the processes of
diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Signaling proteomics, ligand
discovery, aptamer development and disease mouse models are the
major strategy for the research in the lab. Molecular imaging, network
modeling and discovery of drug and diagnostics are also included in
the interdisciplinary collaborative projects. EGF Receptor and Insulin
Receptor signalings are major targets in current projects.
Phospholipase D, C1-Ten and mTOR are core signaling hub we have
been working on. Tens of modulators including peptides, chemicals
and aptamers are now in the process of development as candidates
for drugs. Members of Signal Transduction Lab have been contributed
in cell signaling area as experts for the discovery of new signaling
machineries and pathways in cancer, diabetes, stem cells and
inflammations.
| Career |
1985~1988: Postdoctoral Fellow, Lab. Biochem. National Institutes of
Health, Bethesda, USA.
1994~1995: Visiting Professor, Emory Univ. School of Medicine,
Atlanta, USA.
2005~2009: Director, POSTECH Biotech Center.
2009~2010: Visiting Scientist, Somalogic Inc., Boulder, USA
2001~Present: Member, Korean Academy of Science and Technology
| Major Awards/Honors |Dongheun Award, Korean Society of Biochemistry and Molecular
Biology (2002)
First Life Science Award, Korean Society of Molecular and Cell Biology
(2002)
| Research Areas |
Signal transduction for cell growth and metabolism
Proteomics and system biology
Aptamer technology for detection and modulation of diseases
Principles of signaling networks in cancer and diabetes
| Activities |
Signaling proteome for phospholipase mediated network
Peptide ligands for control immune responses, sepsis and cancer
Process in mTOR signaling station in metabolic diseases
Aptamer platform technology
| Major Publications |
1. Kim, DY, et al., (2014) Diabetolgia, 57, 1456
2. Koh, A. et al., (2013) Mol. Cell. Biol., 33, 1608
3. Park, JB et al (2012) Nat. Rev. Cancer 12, 782
4. Lee, DN, et al., (2011) Nature Chem. 3, 154
5. Lee, CS, et al (2006) Nat. Cell Biol. 8, 477
Prof. Sung Ho Ryu
ContactPhone: +82-54-279-2292 Fax: +82-54-279-0645E-mail: [email protected] Homepage(lab): http://www.postech.ac.kr/life/st
EducationB.S., Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (1979)Ph.D., Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Korea (1985)
Lab. of Signal Transduction
18 POSTECH
Faculty Research Profiles
Lab. of Cellular Immunology
Prof. Young Chul Sung
ContactPhone: +82-54-279-2294 Fax: +82-54-279-5544E-mail: [email protected] Homepage(lab): www.postech.ac.kr/department/life
EducationB.S., Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea (1981)Ph.D., University of Minnesota, Minnesota, USA (1988)
| Research Introduction |
Since 1989, Prof. Sung has conducted extensive research in the field of
vaccine and immunotherapy. His specialty has been developing
therapeutic DNA vaccines for treating incurable diseases, including
chronic hepatitis B, CIN/VIN, and tuberculosis, and he managed to
expand his vaccine research from mouse model to non-primate, and
ultimately to human patients (from bench to clinic). Many of these
vaccines are currently being evaluated in clinical trials in collaboration
with various pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Recently, he has
been focusing on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based gene therapies
and antibody-fusion proteins. Based on the positive results obtained
from preclinical studies, he plans to apply genetically engineered MSCs
for cancer therapy and utilize hyFc-fusion technology for treating
various types of infectious diseases as well as non-infectious diseases
in clinic. Through many years of experiences in academia and industry,
he has been establishing a global collaboration network among
universities, institutions, hospitals, and companies to build a
foundation for improving biotechnology in Korea and pioneering next
generation therapeutics to save the lives of patients.
| Career |
1988~1989: Postdoctoral fellow, Harvard Medical School
1989~Present: Professor, Dept. of Life Sciences, POSTECH
2005~2011: Director, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Institute
2005~Present: CEO, Genexine, Ltd
2006~2008: President/vice-president, Korean Association of
Immunologist
2009~2013: Director, POSTECH Biotech Center
2010~2012: Chairman, Dept. of Life Sciences, POSTECH
| Major Awards/Honors |
7th Hantaan Prize from Hantaan Life Science Foundation (2003)
The 2nd Mystery of life award (2008)
| Research Areas |
Vaccine & Immunotherapy
Stem cell-based cancer gene therapy
| Activities |
Development of naked DNA immunetherpeutics for chronic hepatitis
B & tuberculosis
Evaluation of therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell based
cancer gene therapy.
Clinical trials and commercialization of various hyFc-fused long-
acting protein/peptide drugs
| Major Publications |
1. Protective effects of Fc-fused PD-L1 on two different animal models
of colitis. Mi-young Song, Chun-Pyo Hong, Seong Jeong Park, Jung-
Hwan Kim, Bo-Gie Yang, Yunji Park, Sae won Kim, Kwang Soon Kim,
Ji Yeung Lee, Seung-Woo Lee, Myoung Ho Jang, and Young Chul
Sung. Gut. 2014 Jun doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2014-307311 [Epub ahead
of print]
2. Negative role of inducible PD-1 on survival of activated dendritic
cells. Seong Jeong Park, Hong Namkoong, Junsang Doh, Jong-Cheol
Choi, Bo-Gie Yang, Yunji Park and Young Chul Sung, The journal of
Leukocyte Biology. J Leukoc Biol. 2014 Apr;95(4):621-9.
3. KIAA1114, a full-length protein encoded by the trophinin gene, is a
novel surface marker for isolating tumor-initiating cells of multiple
hepatocellular carcinoma subtypes. Kim SW, Yang HG, Kang MC, Lee
S, Namkoong H, Lee SW, Sung YC. Oncotarget. 2014 Mar
15;5(5):1226-40.
4. Enhancement of antigen-specific CD8 T cell responses by co-delivery
of Fc-fused CXCL11. Namkoong H, Song MY, Seo YB, Choi DH, Kim
SW, Im SJ, Sung YC, Park Y. Vaccine. 2014 Feb 26;32(10):1205-12.
5. Nonlytic Fc-fused IL-7 synergizes with Mtb32 DNA vaccine to
enhance antigen-specific T cell responses in a therapeutic model of
tuberculosis. So-Shin Ahn,1Bo-Young Jeon, Seong-Jeong Park, Dong-
Hoon Choi, Sun-Hwa Ku, and Sang-Nae Cho, Young Chul Sung.
Vaccine. 2013 Jun 12;13(27) 2884-90
DEPARTMENT OF LIFE SCIENCES 19
Faculty Research Profiles
| Career |
1989~1993: Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Immunology, The
Scripps Research Institute
1993~1998: Assistant Professor, Department of Immunology, The
Scripps Research Institute
1998~2005: Associate Professor, Department of Immunology, The
Scripps Research Institute
2005~2008: Associate Professor with Tenure, Department of
Immunology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla,
California
2008~2012: Professor, Department of Immunology, The Scripps
Research Institute, La Jolla, California
2009~2012: WCU Professor, Division of Integrative Bioscience and
Biotechnology, POSTECH
2012~Present: Adjunct Professor, Department of Immunology, The
Scripps Research Institute
2012~Present: Adjunct Professor, Division of Development
Immunology La Jolla Institute of Allergy and
Immunology
2012~Present: Professor, Division of Integrative Bioscience and
Biotechnology POSTECH
2012~Present: Director, Academy of Immunology and Microbiology
(AIM), Institute for Basic Science (IBS)
| Major Awards/Honors |
Special Fellow, Leukemia Society of America, July 1993 - June 1996
Scholar, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, July 1999 - June
2004
Ho-Am Prize in Medicine, 2007
100 Distinguished minds who will shine Korea in 2020, 2010
| Research Areas |
Development, homeostasis and function of naïve and memory T
cells
Modulating T cells populations for treatment of cancer and
autoimmune diseases
Regulation of homeostasis between the immune system and the
commensal microbiota
| Major Research Achievements |
Studies on mechanisms of T cell selection in the thymus
Discovery of the factors that regulate homeostasis of naive and
memory T cells
Study on how mature T cells can be manipulated with cytokines
| Major Publications |
1. Martin CE, van Leeuwen EM, Im SJ, Roopenian DC, Sung YC, and Surh
CD. IL-7/anti-IL-7 mAb complexes augment cytokine potency in
mice through association with IgG-Fc and by competition with IL-7R.
Blood 2013 May 30;121(22):4484-92. doi: 10.1182/blood-2012-08-
449215. Epub 2013 Apr 22.
2. Surh CD, Sprent J. TGF- ‚ puts the brakes on homeostatic
proliferation. Nat Immunol. 2012 Jun 19;13(7):628-30.
3. Sprent J, Surh CD. Normal T cell homeostasis: the conversion of naive
cells into memory-phenotype cells. Nat Immunol. 2011
Jun;131(6):478-84.
4. Martin CE, Kim, DM, Sprent J, Surh CD. Is IL-7 from dendritic cells
essential for the homeostasis of CD4+ T cells. Nat Immunol. 2010
Jul;11(7):547-8; author reply 548.
5. Letourneau S, van Leeuwen EMM, Krieg C, Martin C, Pantaleo G,
Sprent J, Surh CD, Boyman O. IL-2/anti- IL-2 antibody complexes
show strong biological activity by avoiding interaction with IL-2
receptorsubunit CD25. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010 Feb 2;107(5):
2171-6. Epub 2010 Jan 19.
6. Cho JH, Kim HO, Surh CD, Sprent J. TCR-dependent regulation of lipid
rafts controls naive CD8+ T cell homeostasis. Immunity. 2010 Feb
26;32(2):214-26. Epub 2010 Feb 4.
7. Webster KE, Walters S, Kohler RE, Mrkvan T, Boyman O, Surh CD,
Grey ST, Sprent J. In vivo expansion of T reg cells with IL-2-mAb
complexes: induction of resistance to EAE and long-term acceptance
of islet allografts without immunosuppression. J Exp Med. 2009 Apr
13;206(4):751-60. Epub 2009 Mar 30.
8. Surh CD, Sprent J. Homeostasis of naive and memory T cells.
Immunity 29:848-862 (2008).
Prof. Charles D. Surh
ContactPhone: +82-54-279-0650E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]
EducationB.A., University of California at San Diego, USA (1983)Ph.D., University of California at Davis, USA (1989)
Lab. of T Cell Biology and Homeostasis
20 POSTECH
Faculty Research Profiles
Lab. of Molecular Genomics and Immunology
Prof. Joo-Yeon Yoo
ContactPhone: +82-54-279-2346 Fax: +82-54-279-2199E-mail: [email protected] Homepage(lab): http://mgi.postech.ac.kr
EducationB.S., Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (1989)M.S., Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (1991)Ph.D., University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA (1997)
| Research Introduction |
Our research aims on the characterization, utilization, and engineering
of defense signaling machinery against pathogenic infection, and to
contribute humankind by discovery of therapeutic targets in the area
of biomedical research on infectious diseases. In particular, research
goal lies in the discovery of fundamentals that govern the recognition
of non-self and interplay between the host and the pathogen, utilizing
the strategic cope planning against pathogen that Metazoans have
developed, and to provide innovative ways to treat and cure disease
related to infection.
| Career |
1997~2002: Postdoctoral Fellow, Howard Hughes Medical Institute,
The Johns Hopkins Univ., Baltimore, USA
2003~2004: Research Associate, The Johns Hopkins Univ., Baltimore,
USA
2004~2010: Assistant professor, Dept. of life sciences, POSTECH,
Pohang, Korea.
2011~present: Associate professor, Dept. of life sciences, POSTECH,
Pohang, Korea.
| Research Areas |
Host defense against intracellular virus or bacteria
Mitochondria in the regulation of infection
Cellular signaling network of innate immune response
Transcriptional control of inflammation and cancer
| Activities |
Identify host factors with anti-HCV activity
Understand genetic & epigenetic regulation of inflammation by PAF
complex
Development of the RIG-I aptamer with anti-viral therapeutic
potential
Construction of the computational framework for investigation of
the transcriptional regulatory network of inflammation
| Major Publications |
1. Jo JH, et al., (2014) Nature Communications 5:5433
2. Yoo HS et al., (2014) Journal of Immunology 192:1440
3. Kim et al., (2013) Nucleic Acids Research 41(8):4495
4. Hwang SY, et al., (2012) Nucleic Acids Research 40(6):2724
5. Oh YM, et al., (2012) Nucleic Acids Research 40:e38
DEPARTMENT OF LIFE SCIENCES 21
Faculty Research Profiles
| Research Introduction |In multicellular organisms, including humans and bacteria, intercellular
communication is an essential process. Cells release a variety of
intercellular communication molecules into their surroundings that
execute intracellular and intercellular communication via binding to
their cognate receptors.
To communicate with each other, cells secrete not only variable kinds
of soluble intercellular communication molecules, such as growth
factors and cytokines, but also extracellular vesicles (EVs), composed
of various kinds of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials. EVs are
extracellular organelles that modulate immune response as well as
promote tumor invasion. These observations suggest that EVs could be
regulators of intercellular communication, playing diverse roles
compared with those of soluble intercellular communication
molecules. However, the biological functions of EVs are generally
unclear. We discovered that EVs from tumor cells promote
angiogenesis via sphingomyelin and modulate VEGF action on
endothelial cells. We will demonstrate that EVs act as multifunctional
intercellular communicators through systemic research on the diversity
and multiple roles of EVs as well as on the mechanisms of EV
biogenesis. Furthermore, our researches will help us to develop novel
cancer diagnostics and to identify novel targets that are involved in
pathogenesis of diseases.
Aged humans experience higher rated of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease
and atherosclerosis. The pathogenesis of these diseases is not known
at the molecular level. Because disregulation in the biogenesis of
intercellular communication molecules and/or dysfunction in the
intercellular/intracellular communication networks could lead to
progression of several diseases, many groups have studied this field.
However, worldwide studies have only focused on soluble intercellular
communication molecules and intracellular communication. Therefore,
the systemic studies on EVs are critical for understanding the
intercellular communication network that is essential for decoding the
secrets of life and elucidating the exact causes of many diseases.
| Career |
1997~1998: Post-Doc. Dept. of Life Science, POSTECH, Pohang, Korea
1998~2000: Visiting Fellow CDBRB, NIDCR, National Institutes of
Health, USA
2000~2004: Assistant Professor, Kyunghee University, Yongin, Korea
2004~2008: Assistant Professor, Dept. of Life Sciences, POSTECH,
Pohang, Korea
2008~2013: Associate Professor, Dept. of Life Sciences, POSTECH,
Pohang, Korea
2014~Present: Professor, Dept. of Life Sciences, POSTECH, Pohang, Korea
2012~2014: Director, Pohang Center for Evaluation of Biomaterials,
Pohang, Republic of Korea
2012~Present: Editors-in-Chief, Journal of Extracellular Vesicles
2012~2014: Executive Board, International Society for Extracellular Vesicles
2014~Present: Executive Chair of Education, International Society for
Extracellular Vesicles
| Research Areas |
Host-and bacteria-derived extracellular vesicles: Exosomes,
microvesicles, and outer membrane vesicles
Host-pathogen interaction
Drug delivery system
Vaccine
| Major Publications |
1. Choi DS, et al., (2014) Mass Spectrom. Rev., doi:10.1002/mas. 21420, Epub
2. Jang SC, et al., (2013) ACS Nano, 24, 7698-7710
3. Lee J, et al., (2013) Antimicrob. Agents Chemother., 57, 2589-2595
4. Choi DS, et al., (2011) Proteomics, 11, 2745-2751
5. Yoon CM, et al., (2008) Blood, 112, 1129-1138
Prof. Yong Song Gho
ContactPhone: +82-54-279-2345 Fax: +82-54-279-8609E-mail: [email protected] Homepage(lab): http://icn.postech.ac.kr
EducationB.S., Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (1987)M.S., Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (1989)Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA (1997)
Lab. of Intercellular Communication Network
22 POSTECH
Faculty Research Profiles
Lab. of Developmental Biology
Prof. Jin-Kwan Han
ContactPhone: +82-54-279-2126(office), +82-54-279-5542 (lab.)E-mail: [email protected] Homepage(lab): http://dev.postech.ac.kr/
EducationB.S., Yeungnam University, Daegu, Korea (1982)Ph.D., University of California, Davis, CA, USA (1991)
| Research Introduction |
Our lab focuses on the understanding of various signaling pathways
during vertebrate development. Specifically, we are trying to elucidate
molecular mechanisms of signaling pathways important for early
embryogenesis, including pattern formation and germ layer
differentiation using Xenopus model system.
Wnt, FGF, BMP and TGF- ‚ pathways are key signaling govern various
developmental process and serious human diseases. Wnt signaling
serves as core signal for proper body axis formation and
morphogenesis and related with cancer. FGF and BMP signaling is
important for brain development and TGF- ‚ pathway is crucial for
germ layer formation and tumor progression. Our aim is to reveal the
details of those pathways in the molecular level by vertebrate model
and cell-line based approach.
| Career |1991~1992: Post-Doctor, Program in Developmental Biology,
University of California-San Francisco, School of Medicine
2002~2003: Visiting professor, University of California-Irvine,
Department of Developmental and Cell Biology
2004~Present: Editorial Board of Developmental Dynamics
2010~2011: Visiting professor, University of California-Irvine,
Department of Developmental and Cell Biology
| Research Areas |
Wnt/ -catenin signaling pathway in vertebrate axis formation
Wnt/PCP signaling pathway for regulation of cell morphogenesis
during gastrulation
BMP and FGF signaling for proper neural development
TGF- signaling pathway and mesoderm formation
| Activities |
Finding mechanisms of Dishevelled regulation via ubiquitination,
deubiquitination and dephosphorylation in Wnt/ -catenin signaling
pathway
Elucidation of regulating mechanisms of cell polarity, cell shape and
cell adhesion during gastrulation
Functional analysis of various Wnt-related genes during vertebrate
development
FGF and BMP signaling crosstalk for brain formation
| Major Publications |
1. Kim W, et al., (2012) The EMBO Journal, 31(16), 3384-3397
2. Cho GS, et al., (2011) Development, 138(3), 465-474
3. Kim H, et al., (2009) Molecular and Cellular Biology, 29(8), 2118-
2128
4. Choi SC, et al., (2008) Developmental Cell, 15(1), 49-61
5. Kim GH, et al., (2008) Journal of Cell Biology, 182(6), 1073-1082
6. Kim GH, et al., (2007) The EMBO Journal, 26(10), 2513-2526
DEPARTMENT OF LIFE SCIENCES 23
Faculty Research Profiles
| Research Introduction |
We are interested in elucidating how neurons are interconnected and
affect each other, and how synapses are modified at the cellular and
molecular level. Synapses, the points of contact and communication
between neurons, can vary in their size, strength, and the number.
These differences contribute to learning and memory, beyond the
plasticity of neural networks and synapses.
First, we study synaptic plasticity and alteration by means of changes
in the level of gene expression using viral vectors and transgenic
animals. Using genetically modified materials, we can reveal
mechanism of spike time dependent plasticity (STDP), dopamine’s role
in synaptic plasticity or involvement of cell adhesion molecules such as
Neuroligin-1. Whole-cell recording is a critical method for observing
neural activity in living neurons, and we also use this technique to
observe changes of synaptic plasticity. Moreover we apply behavior
experiment using rodents, to find the physiological meaning of
alteration in synaptic plasticity caused by genetic modification.
Second, early symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases appear
apparent with failures in synaptic functions. So we pursue the
pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s
disease (AD). Toward this end, we employ variety methodologies,
inducing LTP in vivo or acute slice, time-lapse imaging of synaptic
structures, and optical determination of bimolecular interaction as well
as standard biochemical assays.
We collect evidences about the regulating machinery of Abeta
oligomer by naturally-secreted extracellular vesicles and find out their
effects on AD model using in vivo electrophysiology or AFM methods
Third, chronic exposure to drugs of abuse (e.g. cocaine) makes long-
lasting addictive memory. We investigate electro-physiological,
structural and behavioral changes to study long-term changes of
reward circuit. Because dopamine D1 and D2 receptor show opposite
direction of response in the nucleus accumbens, and they are
separately expressed in specific cell type, we are eager to distinguish
the functional properties of each type of neurons. BAC transgenic mice
(Drd1a-EGFP, Drd2-EGFP) enable us to study drug addiction in a cell-
type specific manner.
Finally, we also conduct systemic approach to study neuronal circuits
for functional understanding of various brain areas. For this, we
employ a cutting-edge method, optogenetics, which enables us to
control the activity of distinct type or group of neurons by optical
stimuli. Thus, we can accurately see the role of only optically
stimulated neural population in vivo or in vitro. Currently we are
applying this technique on drug addiction and fear memory research.
| Career |2000~2005: Postdoctoral Fellow, Columbia Univ., NY, USA.
2001~2004: Research associate, HHMI, NY, USA.
2005~2009: Assistant Professor, POSTECH
2010~Present: Associate professor, POSTECH
| Research Areas |
Molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity
Mechanistic study of cell adhesion molecules
Pathophysiology of neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases
Cell-type specific alteration of neuronal circuitry occurred by drug
addiction
| Activities |
Functional roles of Neuroligin-1 in mature neural circuits
Elucidation of small GTPase mechanism to long-term memory
Structural changes of individual synapses in synaptic plasticity
Identification of pathway-specific alteration of synaptic plasticity
Drug addiction mechanism in the basal ganglia circuit
| Major Publications |
1. Budreck EC, et al., (2013) Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 110(2):725-.
2. Choi YB, et al., (2011) Neuron 12; 70(3):468-.
3. Kim J, et al., (2011) Biol Psychiatry. 69(11):1026-.
4. Jung SY, et al., (2010) Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 107(10):4710-.
5. Kim J, et al., (2008) Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 105(26):9087-.
Prof. Joung-Hun Kim
ContactPhone: +82-54-279-2347 Fax: +82-54-279-2199E-mail: [email protected] Homepage(lab): http://www.postech.ac.kr/life/mns/
EducationB.S., Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (1992)M.S., Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (1996)Ph.D., Imperial College, University of London (2000)
Lab. of Molecular Neuroscience
24 POSTECH
Faculty Research Profiles
Lab. of Molecular Neurophysiology
Prof. Kyong-Tai Kim
ContactPhone: +82-54-279-2297 Fax: +82-54-279-2199E-mail: [email protected] Homepage(lab): http://http://mnp.postech.ac.kr
EducationB.S., Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (1980)M.S., Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Korea (1982)Ph.D., University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA (1989)
| Research Introduction |
Molecular Neurophysiology (MNP) is currently interested in molecular
and cellular signaling mechanism in neuronal system. We are
particularly focusing on novel protein kinase network, dendritic
mRNAs, biological clock genes, cell cycle and cell apoptosis. We are
currently studying functional roles of vaccinia related kinases (VRKs)
family involved in cell cycle progression and neurodegenerative
diseases mediated by protein aggregation. The molecular mechanisms
of mRNA oscillation controlled by regulated transcription and mRNA
decay are also main topics in my laboratory. In addition, transport,
translational control and decay process of mRNAs in the dendritic
spines of neuronal cells are also investigated to reveal the mechanism
of dynamic synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity. For more
comprehensive research, we are conducting interdiciplinary research
with other expertise including X-ray microscopy, computational
modeling and drug delivery system. We are elucidating the images of
brain and other organs which have defects during development. In
addition, cell death process induced by VRK inhibitors is being
investigated to possibly apply the technology to treat tumors or
neurodegenerative diseases.
Members of MNP have been successfully developing scientific careers
in molecular neurophysiology field since 1991.
| Career |
1989~1991: Postdoctoral Fellow, Lab. Mol. Neurobiol. Cornell Univ.,
Medical College, New York, USA.
1997~1998: Visiting Scientist, Dept. of Physiology and Biophysics,
Univ. of Washington, Seattle, USA.
2001~Present: Professor, Dept. of Life Sciences, Div. of Integrative
Biosciences & Biotechnology (IBB), Pohang Univ. of
Science and Technology (POSTECH)
2006~2007: Visiting Professor, Nanyang Technological Univ.,
Singapore
2006~Present: Advisory Member-Reviews and handling editor, J.
Neurochem.
2013-Present: Editorial member, Scientific Reports
2007~Present: Fellow, Korean Academy of Science and Technology
2010~2012: Director, Pohang Center for Evaluation of Biomaterials
(POCEB)
2013~Present: Head, Div. of Integrative Biosciences & Biotechnology
(IBB), Pohang Univ. of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
| Major Awards/Honors |
Seoam Fellowship, Seoam Scholarship Foundation (1996)
Choongwae Science Award, Korean Society of Pharmacology (1998)
Grand Prix of Science & Technology, Province of Gyeongsangbuk-do
(2007)
One of 50 outstanding R&D achievements in Korea (2008)
| Research Areas |
Molecular & cellular physiology of Vaccinia Related Kinases (VRKs)
Regulatory mechanism of bioclock gene expression
Development of drug targets for neurodegenerative diseases
Synaptic plasticity mediated by translational control of mRNAs in
dendritic spines
| Activities |
Posttranscriptional regulation and mathematical modeling in
expressions of bioclock genes and dendritic mRNAs of neuron
Functional analyses of VRK3 in autism spectrum disorders
Elucidation of VRK2 function in neuronal cell death by misfolded
protein aggregation
Development of anticancer or neurodegenerative diseases drugs by
regulating VRK1 and 2
| Major Publications |
1. Lee KH et al., (2014) Nucl. Acid. Res. 42, 3590-3606
2. Kim S et al., (2014) Mol. Cell. Biol. 34, 643-652
3. Lee KH et al., (2013) Mol. Biol. Cell. 24, 2248-2255
4. Jeong MW et al., (2013) Mol. Biol. Cell. 24, 373-384
5. Lee KH, et al., (2012) Mol. Cell. Biol. 32, 717-7
6. Park CH, et al., (2011) Mol. Biol. Cell. 22, 1398-1408
7. Woo KC, et al., (2011) FASEB J. 25.2757-2769.
8. Kim DY, et al., (2010) Nucl. Acid. Res. 38, 7068-7078
DEPARTMENT OF LIFE SCIENCES 25
Faculty Research Profiles
| Research Introduction |
Aging is a fundamental mystery in biology. Although a number of
genetic and environmental factors that affect aging have been
discovered, the mechanisms by which these factors influence aging
are poorly understood. This is mainly due to the difficulty in studying
complex aging processes at the organismal level. The roundworm C.
elegans is an excellent model animal to overcome these complications
because of its genetic tractability, ease of culture in controlled
environments and very short lifespan. In our laboratory we plan to
elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these genetic and
environmental factors regulate lifespan using C.elegans as a main
model organism. Since many findings on the regulation of aging in
C.elegans have already been shown to be amazingly well conserved
during evolution, we believe our research may eventually help us
understand the secrets of human aging and improve the quality of old
age.
| Career |
2003~2004: Postdoctoral Fellow, The Johns Hopkins University, School
of Medicine
2004~2008: Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California, San Francisco
2009~2013: Assistant Professor, POSTECH
2013~Present: Associate Professor, POSTECH
| Major Awards/Honors |
Cheongam Fellowship, TJ Park Foundation (2010-2012)
Postdoctoral fellowship, Life Sciences Research Foundation (2005-
2008)
Mette Strand Award, Johns Hopkins University Young Investigators'
Day (2003)
| Research Areas |
Genetic dissection of aging using C. elegans as a model organism
Identification and characterization of genes those are important for
glucose metabolism
| Activities |
Course lecturer for: Biology of Aging, Advanced Developmental
Biology, Advanced Molecular Genetics, Undergraduate Genetics
| Major Publications |
1. Kwon et al., (2013) PLoS One 8(2), e57484
2. Gaglia et al., (2012) PLoS Genetics 8(12), e1003133
3. Hwang and Lee, (2011) Aging 3, 304-310
4. Lee, et al., (2010) Curr. Biol. 20, 2131-2136
5. Lee et al., (2009) Cell Metab. 10, 379-391
6. Lee and Kenyon (2009) Curr. Biol. 19, 715-722
Prof. Seung-Jae Lee
ContactPhone: +82-54-279-2351 Fax: +82-54-279-2199E-mail: [email protected] Homepage(lab): http://mga.postech.ac.kr/
EducationB.S., Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (1995)M.S., Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (1997)Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA (2003)
Lab. of Molecular Genetics of Aging
26 POSTECH
Faculty Research Profiles
Lab. of Molecular NeuroPsychiatry
Prof. Sang Ki Park
ContactPhone: +82-54-279-2349 Fax: +82-54-279-2199E-mail: [email protected] Homepage(lab): http://mnpsy.postech.ac.kr/
EducationB.S., Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (1991)M.S., Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (1993)Ph.D., University of Virginia, USA (2001)
| Research Introduction |
Mental illness such as mood disorders, schizophrenia and drug
addiction is one of the most prevalent diseases in modern human
society. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenesis
of those diseases are largely unknown. Recently, the Molecular
Psychiatry - molecular neurobiological study of psychiatric disorders -
has emerged as a promising research domain of the modern
neuroscience, rendering a unique approach to understanding the
pathogenesis of various psychiatric disorders. To this end, we pursue in
depth understanding of the molecular basis of major psychiatric
disorders, utilizing contemporary biochemical, molecular biological, cell
biological, pharmacological, genetic and behavioral biological
techniques. We believe that the research will not only unravel novel
molecular targets for therapies for major psychiatric disorders but also
expand our knowledge on higher brain functions.
| Career |
2001~2006: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Harvard Medical
School/Howard Hughes Medical Institute
2006~2006: Postdoctoral Associate, MIT/Picower Institute of Learning
and Memory
2004~2008: NARSAD Young Investigator
2006~2012: Assistant Professor, Dept. of Life Sciences, POSTECH
2013~Present: Associate professor, Dept. of Life Sciences, POSTECH
| Major Awards/Honors |
2004 & 2006: National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and
Depression (NARSAD, USA) Young Investigator Awards
2011: Selected, 2011 MEST Excellent Research Achievements 50 and
National R&D Achievements 100
| Research Areas |
Modulation of dopamine receptor-mediated signaling
Dopamine is one of the most functionally prevalent neurotransmitters
in the vertebrate brain. Its role in higher brain functions is mediated by
five subtypes of dopamine receptors. Among them, dopamine D2
receptor (D2DR) has been implicated in major psychiatric diseases
including mood disorders, schizophrenia and drug addiction. We are
attempting to identify modulatory components in D2DR-mediated
signaling in the context of higher brain functions and the pathogenesis
of associated disorders.
Molecular modeling of schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder that is thought to have
both neurochemical and neurodevelopmental causes in its
pathogenesis. The complexity of the pathogenesis has been interfering
establishment of the genuine molecular model. Recent advances in
human genetics provided reliable candidategenes causative in the
expression of schizophrenia. We attempt to understand their
physiological function to elucidate the molecular basis of
schizophrenia.
| Activities |
Elucidation of modulatory pathways for dopamine receptor signaling
Understanding of the cellular function of schizophrenia susceptibility
factors
Analysis of functional relationships among the risk components of
psychiatric diseases
| Major Publications |
1. Lee S. et al., (2012) PLoS One 7(9): e45618
2. Channard M. et al., (2011) Cytoskeleton 68:540-54
3. Park Y.U. et al., (2010) PNAS 107:17785~17790
4. Park S.K. et al., (2006) J Neurobiol 66:452-62
5. Park S.K. et al., (2005) Cell 122:275-287
Figure 1. Examples of psychiatricdisease-related behavioral tests.Clockwise from the top left panel,forced swim test, novelty suppressedfeeding test, tail suspension test,elevated plus maze test.
Figure 2. The time-lapse calciumimaging showing that the deficiency ofDISC1 causes mitochondrial calciumdynamics in the cell.
DEPARTMENT OF LIFE SCIENCES 27
Faculty Research Profiles
| Research Introduction |
The form and function of plants is mainly determined by efficient
communication among cells, tissues and organs, and cross-talks with
environmental stimuli. In higher plants, regulation and coordination of
growth and morphogenesis utilizes phytohormone signals for efficient
distribution of carbon source. We are interested in elucidating signaling
networks of various phytohormones such as cytokinin, auxin,
brassinosteroid, abscisic acid, and salicylic acid. We have constructed
our own °Æinteractome°Ø database and molecular networks as a
platform to explore the cross-talks among different phytohormones
and environmental conditions. We are also investigating epigenetic
regulations of the induced resistance (e.g. priming) against various
pathogen attacks in genome level. In addition, we are prompting to
understand how legume plants develop the nodules for nitrogen
fixation. Recently, we have extended our research areas to address
fundamental questions on how plants control cambial activities,
vasculature development, and biomass production. To this end, we are
taking ‘systems biology’ approaches with interdisciplinary researches,
which provides a comprehensive research tool to elucidate these
complex interactions viewed as the keys to understanding life.
| Career |
1999~2002: Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard Medical Institute,
Massachusetts General Hospital
2002~Present: Faculty, Pohang University of Science and Technology
| Major Awards/Honors |
2012, Minister’s award, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
2012, Selected as Top 100 national R&D performances, KISTEP
2013, Macrogen Scientist Award, KSMCB(Korean Society for
Molecular and Cellular Biology)
| Activities |
2007~Present: Editorial Board, Journal of Plant Biology
2009~Present: Editorial Board, Journal of Integrative Plant Biology
2012~Present: Delegate, Global Plant Council
| Major Publications |
1. Ryu et al., 2014, Nature Communications 5, Article number 4138
2. Cho and Ryu et al., 2014, Nature Cell Biology16:66-76
3. Choi et al., Molecular Plant 7 : 792-813
4. Kim and Cho et al., 2013, The Plant Journal 75:755-766
5. Choi et al., 2013, The Plant Journal 73:380-391
6. Hwang, Sheen, Muller, 2012, Ann. Rev. Plant Biol. 63:353-380
Prof. lldoo Hwang
ContactPhone: +82-54-279-2291 Fax: +82-54-279-0629E-mail: [email protected] Homepage(lab): http://dsn.postech.ac.kr
EducationB.S., Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (1989)M.S., Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (1991)Ph.D., University of Maryland, College Park, USA (1999)
Lab. of Developmental Signaling Network
Cytokinin-induced immune response TDIF-TDR-BIN2-mediated regulatorymodule of auxin siganl transduction
28 POSTECH
Faculty Research Profiles
Lab. of Cellular Systems Biology
Prof. Inhwan Hwang
ContactPhone: +82-54-279-2128 Fax: +82-54-279-8159E-mail: [email protected] Homepage(lab): http://www.postech.ac.kr/center/cpit/
EducationB.S., Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (1981)M.S., Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (1983)Ph.D., University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (1988)
| Research Introduction |
The plant cell is composed of various subcellular compartments. To
coordinate and regulate all these subcellular compartments to function
as a single unit, a large number of molecules must be involved in
these complex processes. Therefore, we are trying to isolate and
characterize important molecular players of these processes by
molecular, biochemical, and cellular approaches. We have discovered
and characterized many important proteins in various steps of
intracellular trafficking pathways and elucidated the molecular
mechanisms of protein trafficking. Endocytosis is another important
area of our research. Now, we are trying to understand how abiotic
and biotic stress responses are regulated by protein trafficking and
endocytosis. In addition, we are also actively studying molecular
mechanisms of protein targeting to chloroplasts and mitochondria. We
started to elucidate the cytosolic events involved in protein targeting
to chloroplasts and mitochondria. Furthermore, by deciphering the
protein targeting mechanisms to these endosymbiotic organelles, we
are trying to understand the evolution of these organelles. Another
important research topic is to develop molecular and cellular tools to
develop the plant cells as a protein production system for valuable
proteins.
| Career |
1988~1993: Harvard Medical School, Postdoctoral fellow
1993~1999: Professor at Gyeongsang National University
1998~2007: Head of the center for protein intracellular trafficking
1999~present: Professor at POSTECH
2008~2010: Chairman of Life Science
2008~2013: Chairman of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology
| Major Awards/Honors |
Ilmac award (Science area) (2005)
Postechian award (research area) (2007)
Inchon award (Science area) (2008)
Postech fellow (2011)
| Research Areas |
Protein translation mechanism and protein biogenesis
Protein targeting and trafficking mechanisms
Organelle biogenesis and evolution
Abiotic stress responses and its application in biomass production
Reprogramming of plant cells as a protein production system
| Activities |
Editorial board members: Plant Cell, Plant & Cell Physiology, J. Plant
Biology, Frontiers in Plant Cell Biology, Frontiers in Plant Traffic and
Transport
Organizer of ICAR-2016 (Korea)
Plenary lecture at ICAR in Japan (2010)
Keynote speaker at ENPER in Germany (2010)
| Major Publications |
1. Kim et al., (2014) Dev Cell 30, 598-609
2. Kang et al., (2012) Plant Cell 24, 5058-5073
3. Lee et al., (2012) Plant Cell 24:5037-5057
4. Xu et al., (2012) Plant Cell 24:2184-2199
5. Bae et al., (2008) Nat Cell Biol. 10, 220-227
5. Lee et al., (2006) Cell 126,1109-1120
DEPARTMENT OF LIFE SCIENCES 29
Faculty Research Profiles
| Research Introduction |
We have three major goals. First is to identify genes for bioenergy
production. Second is to develop trees for phytoremediation, a
technique to clean up environment using plants. Our third goal is to
understand functions and regulations of ABC transporters of plant.
To achieve these goals, we 1) investigate which genes increase oil
accumulation and biomass increase in plants and algae, 2) identify
which genes can contribute to plants’ resistance to heavy metals,
environmental pollutants, and other stresses, and 3) identify the
substrates and physiological roles of the many ABC transporters of
plants. For the candidate genes, we investigate their action
mechanisms, using many state of the art technologies. Then we
generate transgenic poplar trees and algae by expressing the
candidate genes, and finally, test whether these transgenic plants
effectively remediate the pollutants, or produce bio-energy materials,
in green house and in the field.
| Career |
2001~Present: Professor/Department of Life Sciences/POSTECH
2005~2006: Chair/Department of Life Sciences/POSTECH
| Major Awards/Honors |
Outstanding Woman Scientist Award, Korea Science and Engineering
Foundation (2003)
L’Oreal-UNESCO Awards for Women in Science (2008)
Macrogen Woman Scientist Award, Korean Society for Biochemistry
and Molecular Biology (2009)
The Proud POSTECHIANs award, POSTECH (2011)
Cozzarelli Prize for publishing an exceptional paper in PNAS, USA (2011)
Corresponding member award, American Society of Plant Biologists
(2013)
Corresponding member award, American society of Plant Biologists,
USA (2013)
| Research Areas |
ABC transporters of plants and phytoremediation
Plant and algal-based bio-energy production
| Activities |
To contribute to bio-energy production, we screen genes that can
increase oil accumulation and biomass in Arabidopsis and
chlamydomonas
To find genes that can increase heavy metal Tolerance and drought
resistance, and to identify genes with physiologically important
functions, we screen ABC transporter mutants and transcription factors
| Major Publications |
1. S. Kim, H. Kim, D. Ko, Y. Yamaoka, M. Otsuru, M. Kawai-Yamada, T.
Ishikawa, H-M Oh, I. Nishida, Y. Li-Beisson, Y. Lee. 2013 Rapid
Induction of Lipid Droplets in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and
Chlorella vulgaris by Brefeldin A. Plos One, 8:e81978
2. H. Choi, Y.-Y. Kim, K. Ohyama, S.- B. Lee, T. Muranaka, M.- C. Suh, S.
Fujioka and Y. Lee, 2014 Two Arabidopsis ATP-binding cassette
transporters that deposit steryl glycoside on the pollen coat are
important for pollen fitness. The Plant Cell, 26: 310-324
3. D.H. Ko, J.Y. Kang, T. Kiba, J. Y. Park, M. Kojima, J. Do, K. Y. Kim, M.
Kwon, A. Endler, W.Y. Song, E. Martinoia, H. Sakakibara and Y. Lee*
2014 Arabidopsis ABCG14 is essential for the root-to-shoot
translocation of cytokinin. PNAS USA, 111: 7150-5
4. W.-Y. Song, T. Yamaki, N. Yamaji, D.H. Ko, K.-H. Jung, M. Fujii, G.H.
An, E. Martinoia, Y. Lee *, and J. F. Ma* 2014 A rice ABC transporter,
OsABCC1, reduces arsenic accumulation in the grain. PNAS USA,
111:15699-704
5. Transgenic poplar trees expressing yeast cadmium factor 1 exhibit
the characteristics necessary for the phytoremediation of mine
tailing soil. Chemosphere, 90; 1478-1486 (2013)
Prof. Youngsook Lee
ContactPhone: +82-54-279-2296 Fax: +82-54-279-2199E-mail: [email protected] Homepage(lab): http://pcb.postech.ac.kr/
EducationB.S., Seoul National University/Botany, Seoul, Korea (1978)M.S., Seoul National University/Botany, Seoul, Korea (1980)Ph.D., The University of Connecticut/Biology, Storrs, USA (1988)
Postdoctoral training. Harvard University, USA (1988-1990)
Lab. of Plant Cell Biology
WT: wild type13-3, 20-5: Seeds of plants that overexpress a lipid transporter gene are largerand contain more lipids than WT.
30 POSTECH
Faculty Research Profiles
Lab. of Plant-Microbe Interactions
Prof. Kee Hoon Sohn
ContactPhone: +82-54-279-2357 Fax: +82-54-279-2199E-mail: [email protected] Homepage(lab): http://pmi.postech.ac.kr/
EducationB.S., Korea University, Seoul, Korea (2001)M.S., Korea University, Seoul, Korea (2003)Ph.D., University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom (2009)
| Research Introduction |
Plants and microbial pathogens co-evolve their mechanisms of
detection and evasion, respectively. Pathogen effectors attenuate
plant immunity by interfering with the function of their host target
proteins. In turn, plants evolved disease resistance (R) proteins, often
carry NB-LRR domains that are also found in mammalian immune
receptors, that can recognize corresponding effectors and activate a
strong defence system known as effector-triggered immunity. Our
research focus is to identify effectors from economically important
pathogens and their corresponding R genes in order to investigate
their functions in detail. In addition, we aim to use these resources to
develop future crop breeding strategies for enhanced disease
resistance and biomass production.
| Career |
2013~2015: Research Fellow, Bio-protection Research Centre, Institute
of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, New
Zealand.
2009~2012: Postdoctoral Fellow, The Sainsbury Laboratory, United
Kingdom.
| Major Awards/Honors |
Massey University College Research Award (2015)
| Research Areas |
Molecular basis of intracellular immune receptor functions in plants
Role of pathogen effectors in plant disease susceptibility
Developing strategies for disease resistant crop breeding
| Activities |
Paired immune receptor function in Arabidopsis thaliana
Functional investigation of the nuclear-localized pathogen effectors
in transcriptional regulation of defence genes in plants
Identification of disease resistance resources to control important
pathogens in
Brassica, Capsicum and Solanum species.
| Major Publications |
1. Sarris PF, et al., (2015) Cell in press
2. Williams SJ, et al., (2014) Science 344, 299-303
3. Sohn KH, et al., (2014) Plos Genetics 10, e1004655
4. Sohn KH, et al., (2011) PNAS 109, 16371-16376
5. Sohn KH, et al., (2007) Plant Cell 19, 4077-4090