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POSTECH Life Science

KOR

Faculty

Professor
Sang Ki Park

LIFE SCIENCES

Sang Ki Park Professor

Neuroscience

ㆍLab
Lab. of Molecular Neuropsychiatry (MNPSY)
ㆍDetail research field
Molecular Psychiatry
ㆍPhone
+82-54-279-2349
ㆍE-mail
skpark@postech.ac.kr
ㆍHomepage
https://mnpsy.postech.ac.kr/

Research introduction

Mental disorders, including mood disorders and schizophrenia, represent some of the most pressing health challenges in today's society. Despite their prevalence, the intricate molecular mechanisms driving these disorders remain largely unexplored. At the forefront of this challenge is Molecular Psychiatry, an innovative field that merges molecular neurobiology with psychiatric disorder research. This exciting area of neuroscience offers fresh perspectives in understanding the complex pathogenesis of various psychiatric conditions.

Our lab is dedicated to deepening our understanding of the molecular foundations of major psychiatric disorders. We employ a range of cutting-edge techniques, from biochemistry and molecular biology to cell biology, pharmacology, genetics, and behavioral science. Our research aims to uncover new molecular targets for treatment and broaden our comprehension of higher brain functions. Through our work, we aspire to make significant contributions to mental health treatment and understanding.

Research Area

    Molecular modeling of schizophrenia

    Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder that is thought to have both neurochemical and neurodevelopmental causes in its pathogenesis. The complexity of the pathogenesis has been interfering establishment of the genuine molecular model. Recent advances in human genetics provided reliable candidategenes causative in thee pression of schizophrenia. We attempt to understand their physiological function to elucidate the molecular basis of schizophrenia.

    Neurodevelopment and diseases
    We are exploring the multifaceted aspects of neurodevelopment and its regulatory mechanisms, with a special focus on how these processes contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders. Our research spans several crucial stages of brain development, including neurogenesis (the formation of new neurons), neuronal migration (the movement of neurons to their destined locations in the brain), neuronal maturation (the process of neurons reaching functional maturity), and synaptic formation (the establishment of connections between neurons).

    Interorganellar communications and psychiatric conditions
    Our lab investigates the complex networks formed by intracellular organelles with primary interest in the Mitochondria-Associated ER Membrane (MAM), a crucial contact site between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum. In neurons, MAM is pivotal in modulating signal transduction, neural activity, neuronal metabolism, neuronal apoptosis, and stress responses, primarily through the regulation of intracellular calcium. Our research explores the link between the functionality of these organelle networks and major neuropsychiatric disorders, aiming to uncover new insights into their pathophysiology.

Major publications

  • Nhung TTM et al. (2023) Genome-wide kinase-MAM interactome screening reveals the role of CK2A1 in MAM Ca2+ dynamics linked to DEE-66. PNAS 120 (32) e2303402120
  • Cho EB and Woo YS et al. (2023) Ratiometric measurement of MAM Ca2+dynamics using a modified CalfluxVTN. Nat Communications 13:3586
  • Mun DJ et al. (2023) Gcap14 is a novel microtubule plus-end-tracking protein coordinating microtubule-actin crosstalk during neurodevelopment. PNAS 120 (8) e2214507120
  • Goo BS et al. (2022) Schizophrenia-associated Mitotic Arrest Deficient-1 (MAD1) regulates the polarity of migrating neurons in the developing neocortex. Molecular Psychiatry 28:856~870
  • Park SJ et al. (2017) DISC1 Modulates Neuronal Stress Responses by Gate-Keeping ER-Mitochondria Ca2+ Transfer through the MAM. Cell Reports 21:2748-2759
  • Park YU et al. (2010) Disrupted-in-schizophrenia 1(DISC1) plays essential roles in mitochondria in collaboration with Mitofilin. PNAS 107:17785-90
  • Park SK et al. (2005) Par-4 links dopamine signaling and depression. Cell 122:275-287

Education

  • B.S., Seoul National University, Korea (1991)
  • M.S., Seoul National University, Korea (1993)
  • Ph.D., University of Virginia, USA (2001)

Career

  • 2001-2006 : Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Harvard Medical School/Howard Hughes Medical Institute
  • 2006-2006 : Postdoctoral Associate, MIT/Picower Institute of Learning and Memory
  • 2004-2008 : NARSAD Young Investigator
  • 2014-2014 : Research Scientist, Jonhs Hopkins University School of Medicine
  • 2006-Present : Assistant, Associate, and Full professor, Dept. of Life Sciences, POSTECH

Activities

  • Elucidation of modulatory pathways for dopamine receptor signaling
  • Understanding of the cellular function of schizophrenia susceptibility factors
  • Analysis of functional relationships among the risk components of psychiatric diseases

Major Awards/Honors

  • 2004 & 2006 : National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD, USA Young Investigator Awards
  • 2011 : MEST Excellent Research Achievements 50
  • 2011 : National R&D Achievements 100
  • 2019 : Proud POSTECHIAN Award

Research Image

Sang Ki Park_Research image

Sang Ki Park_Research image

Research Youtube

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