Our research aims to establish programmable protein engineering platforms that connect molecular structure to therapeutic function.
By combining structural biology, computational protein design, and delivery engineering, we seek to understand how proteins recognize, assemble, and transport biomolecules, and to redesign these processes for biomedical applications. Our major interests include structure-guided antibody and nanobody engineering, de novo protein binder design, dynamic protein self-assembly, and receptor-mediated delivery across biological barriers such as the blood brain barrier.
Development of an Protein Origami based BBB Shuttle Platform for target specific delivery
Due to the blood–brain barrier (BBB), only an extremely small fraction of biopharmaceuticals is delivered to brain tissue. The BBB is a selectively permeable barrier that protects the central nervous system (CNS) by tightly regulating the entry of blood-borne substances into the brain. For example, the brain distribution coefficient (Kp) of Gantenerumab is reported to be only approximately 0.015–0.02%. As a result, achieving therapeutic efficacy often requires high-dose administration, which can increase the risk of adverse effects.
We aim to develop a BBB shuttle through protein engineering and overcome the limitations of existing BBB shuttle systems and lipid-based nanoparticle delivery approaches.
Development of an peptides and single domain antibody for modulating protein-protein interactions
Protein–protein interactions mediate many key cellular processes. They control diverse biological events, including signal transduction, intracellular transport, and cell-cycle regulation. Therefore, understanding and modulating these interactions is essential for addressing fundamental biological questions and developing new therapeutic strategies.
Our laboratory aim to develop protein/peptide-based therapeutic modalities to regulate these interactions by integrating structure-based design and de novo protein design. Current target systems include Aurora kinase and dynein activators.