Cell Biology Laboratory (세포생물학실험실)
: Protein quality control in the brain during aging and neurodegeneration
The cell biology laboratory aims to understand the maintenance and disruption of neuronal integrity, as well as the occurrence of neuronal loss during aging. In light of the deterioration of cellular quality control systems, such as the ubiquitin-proteasome system and autophagy-lysosome pathway, during aging, our particular focus lies on these two pathways. The objective is to identify preventive measures against neuronal loss, a phenomenon observed in various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. To address these inquiries, our laboratory employs genetic, biochemical, cell biological, and organismal approaches. With expertise in working with mouse models and primary cells derived from them, we conduct research with the following keywords: (1) neurodegenerative diseases, (2) reactive astrogliosis, (3) ubiquitin-proteasome system, and (4) autophagy-lysosome pathway.
It is believed that astrocytes become active during aging, a phenomenon known as reactive astrogliosis or reactive astrocytosis. During the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, it is frequently observed that reactive astrocytosis occurs before neurodegeneration takes place
In particular, microglia activated through inflammatory stress (e.g., LPS) secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1α, TNFα, C1q) and activate nearby astrocytes. This, in turn, leads to an increase in the production and secretion of neurotoxins.
The primary objective of our laboratory is to develop a novel therapeutic strategy to overcome neurodegenerative diseases by regulating the cellular quality control system.
(1) Our first aim is to establish a model for enhanced neuronal viability or neuroprotection. We plan to achieve this by regulating the levels of secreted neurotoxic proteins, such as lipocalin-2 (LCN2), and by altering transcriptome profiles or modulating activation status in reactive astrocytes.
(2) Our second goal is to understand the molecular mechanisms through which glial cells, particularly astrocytes, interact with neurons and influence neuronal integrity.
(3) Lastly, we aim to apply our therapeutic strategy to animal models with neurodegenerative diseases and validate its neuroprotective effect in vivo
(2) Our second goal is to understand the molecular mechanisms through which glial cells, particularly astrocytes, interact with neurons and influence neuronal integrity.
(3) Lastly, we aim to apply our therapeutic strategy to animal models with neurodegenerative diseases and validate its neuroprotective effect in vivo
