연구진 소개

Our laboratory investigates the biological mechanisms that regulate hair growth and hair follicle function, with the aim of identifying new approaches to treating alopecia. Our research examines interactions among hair follicle cells, growth-related signaling pathways, mitochondrial function, and oxidative stress. We also conduct multi-omics studies of developing skin. Alongside these basic research efforts, we conduct clinical studies to evaluate treatment responses in various forms of alopecia, including alopecia areata and anticancer therapy-induced alopecia. By integrating experimental and clinical research, we aim to advance our understanding of the pathophysiology of alopecia and develop effective therapeutic strategies.

Skin immune diseases are not a single disease entity but rather a heterogeneous group of disorders. Recognizing that these conditions are often closely associated not only with skin manifestations but also with systemic immune-mediated or inflammatory conditions, we collaborate with researchers from diverse specialties. In particular, based on the frequent association between immune-mediated skin diseases and gastrointestinal disorders, we have developed a strong interest in the skin–gut axis and continue to conduct research in this field.

My research focuses on two core areas: skin aging and allergic and inflammatory skin diseases. My team and I aim to elucidate the mechanisms that maintain skin homeostasis and drive skin aging and the pathogenesis of allergic skin diseases. In my skin aging research, I investigate how inflammaging, immunosenescence, cellular senescence, and epigenetic dysregulation affect skin barrier function, the extracellular matrix, and the tissue microenvironment. I also focus on skin–brain interactions, exploring how the skin senses environmental stress and aging-related signals and communicates them to the nervous system and systemic physiological responses. Through this perspective, I seek to understand skin aging not merely as a local cutaneous process, but as a biological phenomenon closely linked to systemic health. In my research on allergic and inflammatory skin diseases, I focus on atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and pruritus, which are also central areas of my clinical practice. My team and I integratively analyze immune-cell networks, skin barrier dysfunction, cutaneous neuroimmune responses, and cutaneous immunometabolism. To this end, we employ an end-to-end translational research strategy that connects cells, animal models, and human studies, together with advanced multiomics-based analytical technologies. Ultimately, I aim to translate these findings into precision dermatology, translational medicine, regenerative medicine, and medical device–based therapeutic strategies.

My research focuses on vitiligo, pigmentary skin disorders, scars, skin aging, and dermatologic medical devices. Using cellular and animal models as well as clinical studies, I investigate the pathogenesis of vitiligo, pigmentary disorders, and scars, and develop novel therapeutic approaches. I am particularly interested in how physical stimuli affect skin tissues and cells, and how these processes contribute to skin physiology and disease development. I also study the mechanisms of skin aging, including cellular senescence, with the aim of developing strategies to regulate senescent cells and prevent or improve skin aging. In addition, I evaluate the dermatologic mechanisms of action and clinical efficacy of medical devices, including laser-based technologies.

Our laboratory conducts translational research grounded in skin physiology and cutaneous immunology. Starting with the skin of patients affected by disease and the clinical questions that arise from their care, we aim to understand the fundamental nature of disease and translate these insights into meaningful therapeutic innovation. Our primary research interests include skin injury, immune dysregulation, fibrosis, and chronic pruritus in chronic autoimmune inflammatory diseases. The skin is the body’s largest organ and a sophisticated biological system that connects the external environment with the internal milieu. It integrates complex interactions among the immune, nervous, vascular, and metabolic systems. Drawing on patient tissues and clinical data, we closely examine disease heterogeneity and progression. We employ advanced approaches—including single-cell analysis, spatial transcriptomics, multi-omics, high-resolution imaging, bioinformatics, gene therapy, cell-based therapeutics, and induced pluripotent stem cells—to elucidate disease mechanisms at cellular and molecular levels. Through this work, we seek to understand why patients with the same diagnosis may differ in underlying mechanisms and treatment responses, thereby laying the foundation for more precise diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Our laboratory embraces physician-scientist research at the interface of medicine and biotechnology. Beginning with clinical clues identified in human tissues, we investigate disease mechanisms, discover therapeutic targets and candidate compounds, and validate their potential using cellular and tissue models as well as animal studies. We further explore disease-modifying therapeutic approaches, including cell therapy, gene therapy, and targeted biologics, with the goal of restoring damaged skin function and altering disease trajectories—not merely controlling symptoms. We believe that the ultimate value of research lies beyond discoveries reported in scientific publications. Research is complete when it leads to meaningful change: alleviating patients’ suffering, improving their quality of life, and reducing the societal burden of intractable skin diseases. By organically integrating questions from clinical practice, the rigor of basic science, and innovation in biotechnology, our laboratory strives to create research that delivers tangible benefits to patients and society.