Based on the understanding that microbes produce a wide array of elements and that the host's immune system, in response, deploys a diverse set of defenses to counteract the actions of these microbial factors, we have employed multi-omics approaches to investigate the dynamic interplay between the host and microbes. Recently, we have identified candidates for key cellular pathways underlying mucosal immune homeostasis and the molecular interactions between the host and microbes in the tumor microenvironment. Our ultimate goal is to uncover causality in microbe-related diseases and, consequently, elucidate new treatment strategies for such conditions.

Based on “master switch” hypothesis, regenerative process can be successfully achieved by simple signaling input, and the concept inspired to carry out this project. Inflammatory process has been regarded as a determinant factor of the fate of damaged tissues, such as regeneration (or repair), fibrosis, scarring. Given immunological evidences, we investigate the cellular language (cell signaling networks) between immune cells and mesenchymal stem cells through multidisciplinary approaches. We recently identified the unique immune cell population in the tissues with high regenerative potential by scRNA-seq, and are now validating the core mediator and underlying molecular mechanism. The final goal of this project is to provide a new therapeutic target for regenerative approach.

• Proteolytic targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology: PROTAC uses heterologous bifunctional chimeric molecules to Imitate the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS), an endogenous protein homeostasis machine, to achieve post-translational selective degradation of target proteins in eukaryotes. PROTAC technology has emerged as a new model for drug research and development for its beneficial mechanisms. We are finding a powerful target protein for PROTAC technology through multidisciplinary approaches.

• Direct reprogramming: the major question in regenerative medicine is how to obtain the desired cell types quickly and safely. In recent studies, direct reprogramming has emerged as a direct technique for fate of stem cells differentiation in a fast and low risk of teratoma. Unlike methods using viral vectors, small molecule induce stem cell reprogramming are cost effective, non-immunogenic and easy to manipulate and standardize. We intend to effectively differentiate stem cells into customized functional cell types using direct reprogramming and use it as a therapeutic strategy for regenerative medicine.