Molecular Physiology & Biophysics Lab
RESEARCH
Research Interest
Cells are enclosed by selective barrier, phospholipid bilayer, called membrane. Membrane proteins of the cells are critical to respond to external stimulations, relay signals from outside to inside or visa versa, transport molecules in- and out-of cell, catalyze enzymatic activities, and generate cellular electricity.
About 30% of genes are predicted to encode transmembrane proteins and more than 50% of current drugs are targeting membrane proteins. However, only 2% of proteins of known structure is membrane proteins.
We are currently studying various membrane proteins including ion channels, transporters, and receptors. Especially, a membrane transporter which is critical for the function of endothelial cell and a new class of astrocytic membrane protein have been focused to understand their functional characteristics and physiological roles in the nervous system. In the long term, we hope to develop a way of modulating membrane proteins, which play key roles in neuronal, glial, vascular interaction through understanding molecular mechanisms and 3D-architecture of them. We are also actively studying molecular mechanism and physiological significance of CLC family proteins. Eventually, our aim is to elucidate what determines that CLC proteins act as passive ion channels or secondary active transporter.
To tackle the questions on membrane proteins, we are conducting multidisciplinary approaches including electrophysiology, x-ray crystallography, membrane biochemistry, and cell biology.
About 30% of genes are predicted to encode transmembrane proteins and more than 50% of current drugs are targeting membrane proteins. However, only 2% of proteins of known structure is membrane proteins.
We are currently studying various membrane proteins including ion channels, transporters, and receptors. Especially, a membrane transporter which is critical for the function of endothelial cell and a new class of astrocytic membrane protein have been focused to understand their functional characteristics and physiological roles in the nervous system. In the long term, we hope to develop a way of modulating membrane proteins, which play key roles in neuronal, glial, vascular interaction through understanding molecular mechanisms and 3D-architecture of them. We are also actively studying molecular mechanism and physiological significance of CLC family proteins. Eventually, our aim is to elucidate what determines that CLC proteins act as passive ion channels or secondary active transporter.
To tackle the questions on membrane proteins, we are conducting multidisciplinary approaches including electrophysiology, x-ray crystallography, membrane biochemistry, and cell biology.