Research

As life expectancy increases, the incidence rate of degenerative diseases increases proportionally. Therefore, well-aging without degenerative diseases is a big concern for us humans. In particular, cancer is one of the unconquered degenerative diseases.

Our main research goal is to contribute a little to the conquest of cancer. First, we are focusing on elucidating the novel mechanism by which potential oncogenes or tumor suppressors control cancer development. Second, we are exploring the possibility of a small molecule inhibitor as an anti-cancer drug from various angles. Third, we are suggesting ways to mitigate side effects in the course of chemotherapy in order to improve the quality of life in cancer patients.

To achieve our goals, we cover a wide range of sciences including the molecular biology, genetics, epigenetics, pharmacology etc. In particular, we are interested in the following subjects.

1. Cell Cycle Regulation

The duplication and segregation of DNA are essential steps for producing identical two daughter cells with faithful genetic information. For this purpose, cell cycle is tightly regulated to maintain the stability of genome and chromosome. In particular, condensation and segregation of chromosome occurs in a spatiotemporal manner during mitosis. Otherwise, accumulated chromosomal instability leads to cancer development. In our laboratory, we have been studying a novel mechanism by which potential tumor suppressors guards mitotic progression.

2. Post-Translational Modification

Proteins are modified shortly after translation by diverse post-translational modifiers. These modifications occur either histone or non-histone proteins. Post-translational modifications affect cellular functions such as replication, transcription, chromatin remodeling and signal transduction. They are also associated with human diseases. The post-translational modifiers include acetyltransferase, deacetylase, methytransferase, demethylase, kinase, phosphatase etc. In our laboratory, we have been studying the functions of SIRTUIN deacetylase, DOT1L methyltransferase, and PPM1G phosphatase.

3. Stress Response

The signaling pathway following cellular stress is a network webbed with diverse protein functions. We primarily focus on how the post-translational modifier acts to maintain the cellular integrity against cellular stress. We have been studying the functions of post-translational modifier following hypoxia, high glucose and energy depletion. Moreover, the cellular stress responses after treatment of anti-cancer drugs are of great interest. Mitigating the cytotoxicity of anti-cancer drugs to normal cells will be a shortcut to improving the compliance of cancer treatment.