Research

Lab overview

EpiStasis Lab was established in September 2019 within the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Korea University College of Medicine. Our lab pursues three major research goals:

First, we aim to uncover key epigenetic reprogramming events that drive cancer development and the acquisition of resistance to anticancer therapies, and to develop strategies to modulate these processes.

Second, we investigate the distinct metabolic interactions between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment, with the goal of identifying novel anticancer targets through the regulation of autophagy.

Finally, we explore the mechanisms of proteostasis that govern protein stability in various disease contexts.

Main Research Areas

1. Investigation and Control of Key Epigenetic Reprogramming in Cancer Development

Gene expression in our body is precisely regulated by a spatiotemporal control system within the nucleus. Among these regulatory mechanisms, epigenetic regulation plays a central role by functioning as an on/off switch for gene expression. Remarkably, even in the absence of mutations in the DNA sequence, environmental factors can induce reversible and dynamic epigenetic modifications that result in profound changes in gene expression patterns. Consequently, individual susceptibility to diseases and responses to therapies can vary significantly.

At EpiStasis Lab, we are dedicated to identifying epigenetic alterations that are prominently associated with cancer development, with the goal of leveraging them as disease biomarkers and uncovering their regulatory factors as potential therapeutic targets. Notably, during cancer progression and the development of drug resistance, epigenetic mechanisms can reprogram the transcriptional landscape of cells, leading to distinct cellular phenotypes and behaviors. Because these changes are reversible, we aim to harness this plasticity as a novel strategy for cancer therapy.

2. Understanding Tumor Microenvironment-Specific Metabolic Systems and the Role of Autophagy

The diverse cells within the tumor microenvironment interact closely to create conditions that favor cancer cell survival. To adapt and thrive in otherwise hostile environments, cancer cells and their surrounding stromal cells often establish alternative metabolic networks. At EpiStasis Lab, we focus on elucidating the pivotal role of autophagy in these metabolic adaptations.

Autophagy is a vital cellular process that maintains homeostasis by degrading and recycling unnecessary or damaged components, including misfolded proteins, aged organelles, and other cellular debris, into usable energy sources. This process is activated in response to various upstream signals, such as nutrient deprivation and pathogen invasion. While nutrient-sensing autophagy plays a protective role in early cancer prevention by eliminating damaged cells, our research emphasizes its pro-tumorigenic functions in malignant cancers—where autophagy sustains energy production, supports cancer cell proliferation, and promotes tumor progression and maintenance.

We believe that a deeper understanding of how autophagy supports tumor-associated metabolic pathways—and how this process can be precisely modulated—will lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting cancer metabolism.

3. Investigating Disease Mechanisms Through the Regulation of Proteostasis

Proteins in the body are tightly regulated by cellular mechanisms that maintain their stability and proper function. These systems are essential for ensuring that the proteome remains functional and free from harmful abnormalities. However, during aging or disease progression, impairments in protein folding or degradation pathways can lead to the accumulation of misfolded or unstable proteins. This accumulation can be toxic to cells and is closely associated with the development of various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders and cancer.

The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and autophagy are the two major pathways responsible for maintaining protein homeostasis, or proteostasis, in the body. At EpiStasis Lab, we investigate how disease-causing proteins accumulate in cells, identify the key molecular players involved, and explore how the body’s intrinsic protein quality control systems work to eliminate these harmful proteins.

Our ultimate goal is to gain a fundamental understanding of how the UPS and autophagy contribute to proteostasis and to leverage this knowledge to develop therapeutic strategies for diseases associated with disrupted protein homeostasis.