Genome Engineering Lab

유전체 엔지니어링 연구실

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We are interested in
1) Genome / epigenome editing of disease-associated aberrations using CRISPR technology.
Mutations in protein coding-sequence and regulatory elements can cause altered gene expression which can cause diseases. Mis-regulated gene expression can be corrected by direct editing of genomic elements. Indeed, artificial transcription factors can regulate gene expression resulting rescue phenotypes. The fact that less than 2% of our genome encodes protein suggests regulatory elements are promising candidates for therapeutics. We aim to identify and develop strategy for correction of disease-associated aberrations using CRISPR and its derivative technology.
2) Identifying disease-associated functional lncRNAs using CRISPR library screening.
Non-coding RNA are not encoding proteins, regulates epigenetic environments to regulate gene expression, which has critical role in disease developments. Systematic functional studies of lncRNAs can be achieved.
CRISPR screen allows for functional studies of thousands of lncRNAs in manner of connecting genotype and phenotype. Using this, we screen lncRNAs affecting tumor microenvironment adaptation. These studies will provide novel understands and therapeutic approaches to treat the cancer.
3) Identifying regulatory elements of cancer using ATAC-seq
In eukaryotes, gene expression is from “accessible genome”, which allows for binding of transcription factors. The accessible genome is strongly specific to the and developmental stage and cell fate. Monitoring the accessible genome provides the information of gene expression and regulation. Using ATAC-seq, a technology for rapid and efficient identification of accessible genome, we are exploring the disease-associated active genome and their function.
4) Development of new methods for genome / epigenome editing
Programmable nucleases are the most promising technology for research and medicine future, we develop its applications and improve the “molecular machinery” for genome editing and gene regulation.

Major research field

Genome and epigenome engineering, epigenome profiling

Desired field of research

Functional genomics, Non-coding RNA, Gene regulation

Research Keywords and Topics

· Development of genome and epigenome editing technology
· Development of sequencing technology for specific epigenetic signatures
· Identifying disease-associated aberrations and their underlying mechanisms.
· Development of therapeutic strategies based on CRISPR technology

Research Publications
MORE

· Promoter of lncRNA gene PVT1 is a tumor suppressor DNA boundary element. Cho et al. (2018). Cell 173
· Targeted genome engineering in human cells with the Cas9 RNA-guided endonuclease. Cho et al. (2013). Nature Biotechnology 31
· Analysis of off-target effects of CRISPR/Cas-derived RNA-guided endonucleases and nickases. Cho et al. (2014). Genome Research 24

Patents

· Composition for cleaving a target DNA comprising a guide RNA specific for the target DNA and Cas protein-encoding nucleic acid or Cas protein, and use thereof. (2016) KR1016562360000