My research interests are focused on neuronal cell death mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases. One of the great realizations in modern biology is that proper cell death is as important as cell survival and proliferation in normal development and health. Programmed cell death plays a fundamental role in development and tissue homeostasis. Therefore, dysregulation of programmed cell death underlies a variety of human diseases. Apoptosis-based approaches for neurodegenerative diseases often fail to yield neuroprotection, due to non-apoptotic forms of cell death and plasticity in switching between distinct cell death pathways. A fundamental gap in our understanding of molecular mechanisms of non-apoptotic cell death hinders development of novel strategies for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
1) Mechanisms of neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation and neuronal cell death
2) Role of autophagy in Alzheimer's disease, stress and depression
3) Role of autophagy in glia cell function and neuroinflammation
4) Regenerative therapy of neurodegenerative diseases
5) Role of mitochondria in neurodegeneration and neuronal cell death

Advisor Professor : Yu, Seong-Woon
Laboratory of Neuronal Cell Death Homepage