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Cancer Mitochondrial biology Mitochondria is critical regulatory nodal points intersecting multiple cell death signaling pathways. We are interested in molecular regulatory mechanisms of mitochondrial outer and inner membrane permeabilization (MMP) which is the most important event for 'life or death' decision and is the 'point of no return' in cell death program. Mitochondrial chaperones and related molecules (Hsp90, TRAP1, Hsp60, mtHsp70, and Cyclophilin-D) and Bcl-2 family members regulate the mitochondrial membrane permeabilization and can induce biochemical, physiological, and structural changes in mitochondria. The function of these molecules in MMP and molecular mechansims of their cross-regulation are our primary interest. 
(Figure) Mitochondria in cell death. Mitochondrial outer and inner membrane permeabilization is regulated by Bcl-2 family member proteins (MOMP) and permeability transition pore complex (MPT), respectively. MMP eventually leads to release of proapoptotic mitochondrial proteins into the cytosol, which is the point of no return in cell death program. Regulation of MMP is compromised in most cancer cells. (Mol. Aspects Med 31, 1 (2010))
(Figure) Series of anticancer drugs developed and investigated by PI. All these drugs are mitochondriotropic, i.e. targeted to and accumulated in mitochondria, and induce mitochondrial membrane permeabilization through inhibiting mitochondrial chaperones followed by reactivation of Cyp-D, the MMP inducer of mitochondrial inner membrane. (J. Clin. Invest. 119, 454 (2009); Cell 131, 257 (2007)) Media highlights Nature Reviews Research highlight Journal of Clinical Investigation Commentary Nature Medicine News and Views Chemistry and Biology Preview BRIC interview 한국세포분자생물학회: 뉴스지 웹진 2월호 특집 기사 (아래첨부화일)
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