Research Interest

My area of research centers around epigenetics and post-translational modification of proteins in craniofacial development. To better understand this process, I am using knock-out/-in mouse models and a Cre/loxP conditional gene-targeting approach. Specifically, I am investigating how the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is impacted by epigenetic regulation and post-translational modification in neural crest and mesenchymal cells during craniofacial development, particularly in midline facial formation and fusion. Additionally, I am interested in exploring how targeting key regulating genes can affect cancer progression and prognosis using tumorigenic/transgenic mice models. Over the years, my research has identified important functions of several gene biomarkers such as Wntless (Wls), G protein-coupled receptor 50 (GPR50), and Cytokeratin 19 (KRT19) in both craniofacial development and cancer progression. My previous and current research interests are as follows-

1. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of orofacial clefts and neural tube defects: 

My interest in developmental biology is a fundamental aspect of my research career, which has led me to evaluate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying facial morphogenesis and neural tube defects. Through our studies, we were able to gain a mechanistic insight into the modulation and integration of multiple signaling pathways by Wls, which is essential for the regulation of a core gene regulatory network (GRN) in the midfacial primordia. Furthermore, our research has identified several downstream target genes of GRN in the midfacial primordia, which are critical for the proper formation and fusion of the lip and palate during craniofacial development.

In addition to our work on facial morphogenesis, we also demonstrated the essential role of Lrp6-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in posterior neuropore (PNP) closure. Our findings have the potential to provide a therapeutic target for neural tube defects (NTD) intervention by manipulating canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling activities. Overall, our research provides valuable insights into the complex regulatory mechanisms underlying craniofacial development and neural tube closure, which have important implications for the diagnosis and treatment of craniofacial malformations and NTDs.

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2. Cytokeratin in Cancer Progression and Prognosis

Our interest on the cellular and molecular mechanism of breast cancer progression and prognosis. In our research, we utilized RNA Seq data from CD133high/CXCR4high/ALDH1high cancer stem-like cells (KU-CSLCs) and normal breast cells, which were obtained from breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at Konkuk University Hospital. Our analysis revealed a significant decrease in the expression of various cytokeratins (KRTs) in KU-CSLCs, particularly KRT19, while high levels of KRT19 were detected in breast cancer cell lines. This led us to investigate the role of KRT19 in breast cancer progression and the underlying signaling mechanism. To accomplish this, we employed KRT19-targeted shRNA to knock down KRT19 in breast cancer cell lines and overexpressed KRT19 in KU-CSLCs. Our findings revealed that silencing KRT19 induced cancer properties, whereas overexpression of KRT19 attenuated KU-CSLCs properties. To elucidate the underlying mechanism of this phenomenon, we employed omics tools and found that KRT19 was linked to Wnt and Notch signaling. Experimental data confirmed that KRT19 positively regulates Wnt signaling-mediated NUMB transcription, which is a Notch signaling inhibitor, ultimately inhibiting Notch signaling-mediated cancer properties. Our Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay further confirmed the interaction between KRT19, β-catenin, and RAC1. Furthermore, our chromatin-immunoprecipitation (CHIP), protein fraction western blot, and immunocytochemistry (ICC) assays confirmed the translocation of β-catenin and RAC1 onto the NUMB promoter, ultimately affecting the Notch signaling-mediated cancer properties. These findings could be beneficial for researchers working in this field.

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3. Exploring biomarkers of cancer progression and prognosis using multi-omics tools 

My interest in cancer progression and prognosis led to the use of microarray and RNA sequencing data that can reveal widespread changes in tumor genomes, including alterations in mRNA expression, promoter methylation, mutations, and copy number alterations (CNAs). These changes can provide insights into the role of specific genes in cancer progression and prognosis. As a researcher, I analyze publicly available microarray and RNA sequencing data from TCGA, oncomine, and GEO to investigate mRNA expression, promoter methylation, CNAs, and clinical outcomes in various cancers. Using co-expressed and PPI data, I propose underlying mechanisms of genes through gene ontology (GO) and KEGG or Reactome pathway search, which could help develop new anti-cancer therapies. 

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4. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in Cancer Progression and Prognosis

Our interest was in the largest family of cell surface receptor proteins and its function in cancer progression and prognosis. G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) contain hundreds of different types of proteins and are targeted by nearly a third of all drugs. However, some GPCRs, known as orphan GPCRs, are thought to function independently of ligands. In my research, I focus on investigating the role of an orphan GPCR called GPR50 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and prognosis. While previous studies have suggested that GPR50 may be involved in the reprogramming of somatic cells to cancer stem cells, its precise function in cancer is still not well understood. To explore the potential of GPR50 as a target for cancer therapy, I used the CRISPR-Cas9 system to knock out GPR50 expression in HCC cells. This led to the suppression of HCC properties via the Notch signaling pathway, independent of ligands. Additionally, I found that GPR50 regulates the transcription of ADAM17 through the AKT/SP1 signaling axis, and my Co-IP data confirmed the direct interaction between GPR50 and ADAM17. Overexpression of GPR50 in normal hepatic cells induced cancer properties through the GPR50-ADAM17-Notch signaling cascade, providing valuable insights into the development of Notch-based HCC treatment strategies.

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Future prospective 

In the future, there is great potential for advancements in our understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying cancer and craniofacial abnormalities. With the advent of new technologies and research methods, it is likely that we will continue to uncover new insights into the complex nature of these disorders. There is also potential for the development of more targeted and personalized treatments for cancer and craniofacial abnormalities, based on an individual's unique genetic profile and disease characteristics. Additionally, with a greater understanding of the genetic basis of these disorders, it may be possible to develop preventative measures or early intervention strategies to reduce the incidence and severity of these conditions. Overall, the future looks promising for advancements in both our understanding and treatment of cancer and craniofacial abnormalities.