faculty research profiles - postech 2021. 2. 28. · faculty research profiles beyond future, beyond...

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



Lab. of Systems Protein Biochemistry


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


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


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 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


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



Lab. of Structural Bioinformatics


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


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


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)


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


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



| 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


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)


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


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)


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


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


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.




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


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


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


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)


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.


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


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




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


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


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


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)


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


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.


Functional regulation during cancer development

Epigenetics on genome replication

Epigenetics of Stem cell


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




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


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


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)


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


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


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



| Career |

1989~1993: Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Immunology, The

Scripps Research Institute

1993~1998: Assistant Professor, Department of Immunology, The


1998~2005: Associate Professor, Department of Immunology, The


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


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)


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


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


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


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)


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


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



| 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


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


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)


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


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




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


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


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)


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)


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


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




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


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


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


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)


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


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


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.




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


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


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


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)


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


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)


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




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


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


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


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)


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.


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.


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

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