SMB&B LAB

Single-Molecule Biophysics & Biosensing Lab

The overall goal of our research team is to develop a “molecular mechanistic movie” for the operation of various molecular machines in biological system (including CRISPR-Cas DNA endonucleases, DNA topoisomerases, membrane fusion proteins). To achieve this goal, we use cutting-edge single-molecule imaging and manipulation techniques including single-molecule FRET and optical tweezers. As molecular systems of interest become more complex, however, conventional single-molecule technique is insufficient to investigate the complex bio-molecular dynamics, and there is an ever increasing demand for more advanced techniques. Hence, we have been also focused on the development of new single-molecule techniques including single-molecule multi-color FRET, optical tweezers combined with multi-color FRET, and single molecule probes for short distance sensitivity. And also, we have a strong interest to develop single-cell imaging and manipulation techniques based on biophotonics.

KEY PUBLICATIONS

Injoo Hwang, Yo Han Song, and Sanghwa Lee (2024) “Enhanced trans-cleavage activity using CRISPR-Cas12a variant designed to reduce steric inhibition by cis-cleavage products" Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 267, 116859
Heyjin Son*, Jaeil Park*, Injoo Hwang, Y. Jung, S. Bae and Sanghwa Lee (2021) “Mg2+-dependent conformational rearrangements of CRISPR-Cas12a R-loop complex are mandatory for complete double-stranded DNA cleavage" Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 118, e2113747118 (*equal contribution)
Yunsu Jang*, Heyjin Son*, S.W. Lee, W. Hwang, S.R. Jung, J.A.W. Byl, N. Osheroff#, Sanghwa Lee# (2019) “Selection of DNA cleavage sites by topoisomerase II results from enzyme-induced flexibility of DNA” Cell Chemical Biology, 26, 502 (*equal contribution, #co-corresponding authors)
Y. Jeon*, You Hee Choi*, Yunsu Jang*, J. Yu, J. Goo, G. Lee, Y.K. Jeong, S.H. Lee, I.-S. Kim, J.-S. Kim, C. Jeong#, Sanghwa Lee#, S. Bae# (2018) “Direct observation of DNA target searching and cleavage by CRISPR-Cas12a” Nature Communications, 9, 2777 (*equal contribution, #co-corresponding authors)

RECENT NEWS

Aug 2025 - Yuyoung's paper published in BMB Rep
Nov 2024 - Yuyoung, Surim's paper published in Mol Cells
Oct 2024 - Heyjin, Youngjae's paper published in Chem Commun
Oct 2024 - Injoo's paper published in Biosens Bioelectron
Apr 2024 - Research Grant for young investigator awarded from NRF of Korea (3yrs)
Feb 2024 - Minhwa joins as a researcher
Jan 2024 - Yonghyeon and Yoon Hwan join as a graduate student