Research

We collaborate closely with Medical Science and Biomedical Engineering laboratories across POSTECH as well as with national and international research partners.

The Medical Science and Translational Research Laboratory (MST Lab) seeks to understand the mechanisms driving cerebrovascular, cardiovascular, metabolic, and maternal–fetal diseases and to translate these discoveries into innovative clinical solutions.

By integrating vascular biology, immunology, biomedical engineering, advanced imaging, and multi-omics, we investigate disease mechanisms across scales—from molecules and cells to patients. Our interdisciplinary research spans stroke, atherosclerosis, vascular inflammation, placental biology, and maternal–fetal health, with the goal of developing next-generation diagnostics and therapeutics that improve patient outcomes.

Stroke

Human Thrombus Analysis

We investigate the spatial heterogeneity of human stroke thrombi using advanced 3D imaging, multiomics, and FACS. By characterizing fibrin, platelets, red blood cells, von Willebrand factor, and neutrophil extracellular traps, we aim to discover novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ischemic stroke.

Ischemic Stroke Models

We investigate the vascular and immune mechanisms underlying ischemic stroke using clinically relevant animal models. We also analyze cerebrovascular dynamics, collateral circulation, and neurovascular remodeling across various stroke models.

Atherosclerosis and Perivascular Adipose Tissue

We investigate how adipose tissue regulates vascular inflammation, immune responses, and metabolic homeostasis during atherosclerosis. Focusing on adipose–vascular crosstalk and thermogenic remodeling, our research aims to define novel mechanisms of cardiovascular disease and develop innovative therapeutic approaches targeting vascular metabolism and inflammation.

Maternal-Fetal Axis

Placenta Biology to Fetal Health

We investigate how gestational diabetes remodels the placental immune microenvironment and disrupts maternal–fetal communication. Focusing on immune cell senescence, placental barrier function, and fetal programming, our research aims to uncover disease mechanisms and develop novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies to improve maternal and offspring health.

Placenta Biology to Fetal Development

: Heart and Brain

Our research explores how innate immune memory and metabolic reprogramming shape disease susceptibility across the lifespan. We investigate trained immunity in cardiovascular and metabolic disorders while defining how maternal metabolic health reprograms the feto-maternal interface and fetal immune development. Through this work, we aim to identify novel therapeutic strategies that target immune and metabolic reprogramming.

Biomedical Engineering

Macrophage Mechanobiology

Physical stimulation can induce changes in cells. This research uses ultrasound to study changes in immune cells via mechanosensitive channels, examine ion flux through them, and investigate the genetic changes that occur through them.

Computational Flow Dynamics

We integrate computational fluid dynamics with advanced vascular imaging and experimental models to investigate the hemodynamic mechanisms of stroke. Our research focuses on how blood flow patterns regulate thrombosis, collateral circulation, vascular remodeling, and disease progression, enabling more precise diagnosis and therapeutic strategies.

Application of Advanced Medical Imaging

We combine photoacoustic imaging, ultrafast ultrasound, light-sheet microscopy, holotomography, and computational image analysis to visualize vascular structure, blood flow, tissue mechanics, and cellular interactions across multiple biological scales. Our goal is to translate advanced imaging technologies into clinically relevant diagnostic tools and precision medicine.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Our research explores the therapeutic potential of vagus nerve stimulation in atherosclerosis by defining its effects on macrophage reprogramming, vascular inflammation, and disease progression in cillaboration with IMS lab in POSTECH.

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