[Biochemistry Laboratory]
Director: Professor Tae-Ryong Hahn (trhahn@khu.ac.kr)
Research Overview
Our research laboratory focuses on plant carbon metabolism
to maximize crop productivity which is determined by the source(leaf)
to sink(seed) interactions. Core regulation enzymes involved
in carbon metabolism in chloroplasts and cytosol are overexpressed
or knock-outed to investigate the role of those enzymes in
sugar metabolism. Besides photosynthetic energy source, light
acts as a signal for the development of higher plants. To
elucidate light signal transduction mechanism, proteomics
and molecular genetics approaches are employed. Novel light
signal components are determined and the genes of the components
are introduced into Arabidopsis with sense or antisense orientations.
Transformants are investigated with various light and environmental
conditions.
Ongoing Projects
Carbon metabolism of photosynthesis using biochemical and
transgenic plant systems
Plant light signal transduction mechanism employing proteomics
and molecular genetics approaches
Sugar signal transduction in higher plants
Pathways and enzymes involved in safflower pigments biosynthesis
[Molecular Biology Laboratory]
Director: Professor Jiyoung Kim (jkim@khu.ac.kr)
Research Overview
Our research group is working on the regulation of chemokine
genes in monocytic cell lines in response to various agonists
in order to understand regulatory roles of chemokine during
inflammation. We have been studying functional roles of chemokines
in angiogenesis by analyzing endothelial cell migration and
in vivo agiogenic activities. We are currently working on
migration and invasion of hepatoma cells which are induced
by CCR1 ligands. In addition, we are also interested in plant-derived
natural products which could be utilized for prevention and
treatment of inflammatory diseases and osteoporosis.
Ongoing Projects
Function and signaling pathways of CC-chemokines in monocytes
and endothelia cells
Roles of chemokine, CCL23 (CKß8) in CCR1-expressing hepatoma
cells.
Functional analysis of Lactoferrin on cell growth and angiogenesis
through receptor-medialted signaling.
Screening and analysis of plant-derived natural products for
immuno-modulation and osteoporosis therapy.
[Biotechnology Laboratory]
Director: Professor In Sik Chung (ischung@khu.ac.kr)
Research Overview
Our laboratory conducts research on medical biotechnology
for the production of vaccines and therapeutic proteins. The
research is also geared towards plant genetic engineering
and biotechnology to introduce value-added traits into the
plants.
Ongoing Projects
Development and application of novel viral expression systems
Medical biotechnology for the efficient production of therapeutic
proteins
Plant metabolic engineering-related research
Plant genetic engineering for the production of edible vaccines
and therapeutic proteins in transgenic plants
[Laboratory for Molecular Genetics]
http://web.Kyung
Hee.ac.kr/~bio21/
Director: Professor Kwanghee Baek (khbaek@khu.ac.kr)
Research Overview
Our research focuses on the development of protein expression
in mammalian cell culture. For our research, we developed
the unique expression vector containing MAR element in CHO
cell, which can promote the easy selection of the protein-expressing
cell line and increase the level of protein expression. We
continue to characterize several MAR elements from various
sources and analyze their functions in the promotion of protein
expression. Using the expression vector, we are developing
many cell lines expressing various proteins such as growth
factors, cytokines, and GPCRs. On the other hand, we also
focus on the research to identify the functional role of the
DJ1, whose mutation can promote Parkinson's disease.
Ongoing Projects
Development of GPCR-expressing CHO cell lines and screening
of effective molecules from natural resources to promote the
signal transduction through the GPCRs
Study on the cloning and functional identification of eye-specific
genes in Drosophila
Development of cell lines expressing growth factors
Characterization of DJ1 function in vivo.
[Cell Biology Laboratory]
Director: Professor Jaeseung Yoon (jsyoon@khu.ac.kr)
Research Overview
Many human diseases of the nervous system are caused by degeneration
of nerve cells due to mutational changes in the proteins underlying
their functions. We use the fruitfly Drosophila to investigate
how the retinal neurons are excited by light, a process called
phototransduction. Drosophila allows us to systematically
generate mutants that are defective in the process and utilize
these mutants to identify the molecules involved in it. We
introduced this approach to the field of visual functions,
and it has led to the identification of many of the molecules
required in phototransduction. We also investigate the possibilities
for enhancing the protein expression in mammalian cells. We
continuously improve the expression vectors which can be used
for CHO cells that are widely used as host for biopharmaceutical
production.
Ongoing Projects
Regulation of TRP channels
Mechanism of retinal degeneration
Development of the 3'rd generation HBV vaccine
Improved expression systems for CHO cells
[Functional Biomaterial Engineering
Laboratory]
Director : Professor Dae Kyun Chung (dkchung@khu.ac.kr)
Research Overview
Our research focuses on the production of functional biomaterial
with biotechnology. We have several screening techniques using
recombinant DNA technology for the isolation of new functional
bio-material. There are many ongoing research projects such
as development of new material for atopy dermatitis, whitening
and wrinkle free skin, and osteoporosis. In addition, for
the basic research, we have studied the relationship between
microorganism and the innate immunity, especially the mechanism
of toll-like receptors.
Ongoing Projects
Research about human immune response, especially innate immunity
including toll-like receptor.
Development of new functional biomaterial for atopy dermatitis
from microorganisms
Development of new functional biomaterial for osteoporosis
from natural sources
Development of new functional biomaterial for whitening and
wrinkle free skin from natural sources
Development of cell line producing peptides having anti-cancer,
anti-hypertension and anti-thrombosis activity.
[Immunology Laboratory]
Director: Professor Chang-Joong Kang (cjkang@khu.ac.kr)
Research Overview
Our immunology lab is working to elucidate the regulation
of gene expression during B cell development. As a model system,
IgJ chain gene and its neighboring Crlz1 gene are our immediate
targets for the study. IgJ chain gene is only expressed after
a primary immune response. Crlz1 gene is almost unknown in
terms of gene expression regulation and its function. We are
currently studying the Crlz1 gene. The starting point of the
research is the enhancer element positioned between the two
neighboring genes.
Ongoing Projects
Study on the chromatin structure of immunoglobulin J chain
gene locus.
Identification and its functional analysis of transcriptional
regulatory proteins binding to the STAT5-overlapping site
of the J chain gene enhancer in the antibody-secreting plasma
cells.
Study on the regulation of Crlz1 gene expression and its function.
[Plant Functional Genomics Laboratory]
Director: Professor Jong-Seong Jeon (jjeon@khu.ac.kr)
Research Overview
Our research at the Plant Functional Genomics Laboratory focuses
on both signal transduction of rice blast resistance and regulation
of rice carbon metabolism that facilitate the improvement
of rice disease resistance and rice carbon metabolism.
Ongoing Projects
Characterization of transcription factors regulating rice
blast resistance
Regulatory mechanism of rice blast resistance
Enhancing sink strength
Development of a novel rice variety with enhanced nutritional
value
[Plant Biochemistry Laboratory]
Director: Professor Seong Hee Bhoo (shbhoo@khu.ac.kr)
Research Overview
Our laboratory focuses on the carbon metabolism and light
signal transduction in plant Arabidopsis. Several enzymes
involved in the plant carbon metabolism are regulated up or
down to see changes in carbon metabolism and ultimately plant
growth and productivity. Plant light signal transduction is
being investigated. Red light specific Phytochrome A degradation
is a sub research topic. Determination of Phytochrome A degradation
domain and ubiquitination site is another research interest.
Our laboratory also focuses on the determination of blue light
signal intermediates using several mutants responding to specific
blue light. Proteomics and molecular genetics are being employed
to screen light signal components and genes involved in many
different stimuli in Arabidopsis.
Ongoing Projects
Carbon metabolism research with up or down regulated transgenic
Arabidopsis
Determination of phytochrome A degradation domain and ubiquitination
site
Screening of light signal components using proteomics approaches
Screening of phosphorylated and ubiquitinated proteins using
proteomics approaches
Determination of blue light signal components using molecular
genetic approaches
[Food Engineering Laboratory]
Director: Professor Byung Y. Kim (bykim@khu.ac.kr)
Research Overview
Research interests include food rheology, food texture and
optimization of the food formulation. Recent studies have
involved fish protein gelation, and optimization of by-products
for the food formulation. Methods of processing, storage,
and packaging have received attention along with characterization
of new products. Ideas for food equipment have been studied
and laboratory prototypes developed.
Ongoing Projects
Utilization of the enzyme hydrolysate for functional foods
and optimization of formulation.
Data base of the amount of ethyl carbamate in traditional
Korean liquors.
Quality mapping and searching the indicated proteins of optimized
Chungkukjang production by using the proteomics.
[Food and Flavor Chemistry Laboratory]
Director: Professor Seung Kook Park (skpark@khu.ac.kr)
Research Overview
Our research is focused on two major areas: the development
and application of analytical chemistry techniques to study
food chemistry, particularly in wine, coffee, tea, and beer
and the elucidation of the chemical mechanisms for the formation
of desirable and undesirable flavor compounds during processing.
Ongoing Projects
Our current research projects involve changes in volatile
compounds of green tea during growing season, and off-flavor
development from wine and beer fermentation.
[Food Biochemistry Laboratory]
Director: Professor Hae-Yeong Kim (hykim@khu.ac.kr)
Research Overview
In the food Biochemistry Lab, we carry out research on the
identification and optimization of functional, nutritional,
and health-related properties of foods using the recent recombinant
technologies. Through our research, we identify the function
and mechanism of food in human beings.
Ongoing Projects
Microarray sensor for rapid detection of foodborne pathogens
Isolation of iron and copper-storage elevated yeast and its
characterization using proteomics
Identification of allergy diagnostic markers by functional
proteomics
Safety assessment of genetically modified foods
[Food Microbiology & Biotechnology
(FMB) Laboratory]
Director: Professor Cheon-Seok Park (cspark@khu.ac.kr)
Research Overview
Our research laboratory mainly focuses on applied microbial
engineering related to food microorganisms which produce many
interesting functional bio-materials including industrial
enzymes, functional secondary metabolites, and microorganism
itself. There are three main topics being studied in our lab.
First, bioconversions using microbial cells and/or enzymes
in which we are making functional prebiotic carbohydrate materials
including palatinose, maltooligosaccharides, and many transglycosylation
products. Second, the production of functional secondary metabolites
from useful fungal strains originated from traditional Korean
food materials (Doenjang, Maeju, and Nuruk). We are interested
in functional genomics of many metabolic pathway genes related
with the anticholesterolemic, antimicrobial, and anticancer
agents produced from many filamentous fungi. Third, we are
trying to study the regulation of food pathogens via controlling
various environmental factors based on the hurdle theory.
Ongoing Projects
Functional genomic researches on food microorganisms originated
from the Korean tradition fermented food.
Production of efficient bio-energy from fungal enzymes and
cell wall-expanding protein.
Production of functional transglycosylated isoflavones using
microbial transglycosylation enzymes.
Modification of Ginseng saponin using microbial transglycosylation
enzymes.
[Food Processing Laboratory]
Director: Assistant Professor Moo-Yeol Baik (mooyeol@khu.ac.kr)
Research Overview
Our research goals are to develop the value-added technologies
that are related to the modification of functional food ingredients
such as carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, and their application
in food and non-food products. Controlling water interaction
and migration in various food systems is another area that
we are interested in . Investigation of molecular dynamics,
such as water and food biopolymer mobility/interaction is
of great interest to us. The research field involving functional
food ingredients and the interplay of water with food components
will provide basic and applied knowledge. This is beneficial
to the advancement of understanding of how food components
interact with each other in various complex systems.
Ongoing Projects
Physicochemical properties of cross-modified starches
Non-thermal starch modification using ultra high hydrostatic
pressure
Development of value added Korean ginseng products using ultra
high hydrostatic pressure and puffing
[Functional Foods Laboratory]
Director: Dr. Dae-Ok Kim (dokim05@khu.ac.kr)
Reserach Overview
Our laboratory has been working on various subjects on chemistry
of fruits and vegetables related to nutritional, sensory,
and nutraceutical qualities.
Identification and quantification of bio-functional phytochemicals,
especially phenolics, is based on the instrumental analyses
using spectrophotometer, HPLC, etc.
Various chemical and enzymatic assays for antioxidant activity
of phytochemicalsl from plants are currently used in our laboratory.
For the investigation of in vitro effects (anticarcinogenic
or antineurodegenerative effect) of bio-functional phytochemicals,
we have used various cell lines such as human cancer cell
lines and PC 12 cells.
Fruit and vegetable processing has been also studied to evaluate
its effects on the profile of phenolic phytochemicals and
antioxidant activity.
Ongoing Projects
Phenolics in lettuce and their protective effects on neuronal
cells
Characterization of flavan-3-ols in green teas organically
grown in Bosung area and their industrial applications to
improve the quality of green tea products
[Natural Products Chemistry Laboratory]
Director: Professor Nam-In Baek (nibaek@khu.ac.kr)
Research Overview
Our research at the Natural Products Chemistry Laboratory
focuses of the study on isolation of secondary metabolites
from natural sources including oriental medicinal materials,
determination of the chemical structure, evaluation of the
biological and pharmacological activity. Through our research,
we develop novel and safe materials for drugs, cosmetics,
functional foods and agrochemicals, which finally create the
way for human well-being.
Ongoing Projects
Development of pharmacological materials from oriental medicinal
drugs
Study on the biosynthetic pathway of guaianolide sesquiterpenes
in composite plants
Development of anticancer materials from natural sources
Study on the metabolomics of the secondary metabolites in
the higher plants
[Biotechnology Lab for Oriental Medicinal
Materials (HanBangBio)]
Director: Associate Professor Deok-Chun Yang (dcyang@khu.ac.kr)
Research Overview
Our research(HanBangBio) is being done on oriental medicinal
plants including ginseng. 1) More than 20,000 expressed sequence
tags(ESTs) from ginseng, Codonopsis Ianceolata and other medicinal
plants have been obtained. New genes from the EST sequences
have been identified and characterized. 2) Oriental medicinal
plants including Codonopsis sp. Adenophora sp. etc. are re-identified
by molecular taxonomic technique using ITS and ribosomal DNA
sequences. After identification, molecular markers for discrimination
of specific plants are developed. 3) Promoter regions of medicinal
plant genes responsive to environmental stresses are identified.
4) Useful genes encoding biosynthetic enzymes for pharmaceutically
active compounds in ginseng have been transformed to other
plants and amplified for mass production. 5) A new vector
system without antibiotic resistance genes is being developed
for plant transformation. 6) Roots of medicinal plants(Sedium
sp. and Rhodiola sp.)are regenerated in vitro. 7) Major ginsenosides
Rb, Rg are biotransformed to pharmaceutically more active
minor ginsenosides Rd, Rg3 and Rh2 by microbial enzymes. Many
lactic acid bacteria and their enzymes were isolated and characterized.
8) Pathogenic fungi on medicinal plants were isolated and
their distribution in Korean field is analyzed using molecular
technique.
Ongoing Projects
Mass production of ginsenoside using rhizosphere microorganisms
Development of ginseng culture technique for post-4 year culture
Development of new pharmaceutical material by microbial fermentation
in medicinal plant
Development of genetic maker for Chun-Poong cultivar
Development of new functional material using saponin-biosynthetic
genes
Analysis of Codonopsis lanceolata EST
Characterization of stress-resistant genes and their transformation
Re-evaluation of ginseng product containing red ginseng
[Lab of Oriental Medicinal Product
& Processing]
Director : Assistant professor Tae-hoo Yi (drhoo@khu.ac.kr)
Research Overview
Our research laboratory focuses on developing functional food
and cosmetic materials using oriental medicinal plants and
studying their mechanism. Until now we have focused on finding
anti-alopecia agents from oriental medicinal plants and developing
drugs and cosmetic products for alopecia. As most cases of
hair loss seen in clinical practice mainly represent disturbances
of the cycle of hair follicle that are based on a premature
termination of anagen, we have been studying how herbal medicinal
plants prevent anagen to telogen transformation and stimulate
telogen to anagen transformation in C57BL/6 mouse resulting
in both cellular proliferation and protein synthesis increase.
Furthermore we focus on cell regeneration and mutual delivery
mechanisms between the skin and drugs as well as a host of
innovative products for aging prevention, whitening, hydration,
etc, and study the delivery systems for effective oriental
medicinal materials.
Ongoing Projects
Development of hair follicle and hair cycle destruction /
recovery mouse model for anti-alopecia agent evaluating system
(APES).
Oriental medicinal plants screening for having hair growth
promoting effect by using keratinocyte and dermal papilla
cells.
[Plant Molecular Genetics Laboratory]
Director: Professor Young-Doo Park (ydpark@khu.ac.kr
)
Research Overview
Our research at the Plant Molecular Genetics Laboratory focuses
on the study on functional genomics, gene silencing, and isolation
of useful genes. Through our research, we develop useful techniques
and genetic pool for functional genomics, and also develop
new varieties of crops that have new characteristics and function.
Ongoing Projects
Development and function analysis of gene in Chinese cabbage
by gene tagging technology
Development of functional vegetable crops by molecular breeding
technique
Development of transgenic Chinese cabbage with Bt gene.
[Functional Materials and Metabolic
Engineering Laboratory]
Director: Assistant Professor Youn-Hyung Lee(younlee@khu.ac.kr)
Research Overview
Our research at the Functional Materials and Metabolic Engineering
Laboratory at Kyung Hee University focuses on the development
of new bio-materials through examination for anti-cancer,
antioxidant and high blood pressure suppression (antihyperlipidemia)
from fruits and edible plants. Extracts from active plants
with anti-cancer, anti-oxidant and anti-high blood pressure
activity are selected through conventional and high-throughput
technology including transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics.
The selected plants are isolated from active materials, the
chemical components determined and animal experiments are
carried out in order to determine their potentials for mass
production. Also, the active materials are produced in mass
scale for research on action mechanism.
Ongoing Projects
Development of new anti-cancer, anti-oxidant and antihyperlipidemic
biomaterials from fruits and plants. |
