Bong-Joon Yoon
Korea University
研究室紹介
Professor Bong-Joon Yoon's research lab specializes in neuroscience and molecular engineering, focusing on the development and optimization of genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) to visualize neuronal electrical activity with high sensitivity and specificity. The lab investigates the structure-function relationships of voltage-sensing domains, particularly how specific amino acid residues influence the voltage-sensing properties and optical responses of these sensors. Additionally, the lab explores the long-term neurobiological impacts of early-life stress on neural circuitry, aiming to uncover molecular mechanisms linking environmental stressors to susceptibility to major depressive disorder. Their work bridges molecular biophysics, optogenetics, and psychiatric neuroscience to advance tools for brain activity monitoring and understanding mood disorder pathogenesis.
Research Overview
Research Output Trend
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
Selected Papers
2Saturation mutagenesis was performed on a single position in the voltage-sensing domain (VSD) of a genetically encoded voltage indicator (GEVI). The VSD consists of four transmembrane helixes designated S1-S4. The V220 position located near the plasma membrane/extracellular interface had previously been shown to affect the voltage range of the optical signal. Introduction of polar amino acids at this position reduced the voltage-dependent optical signal of the GEVI. Negatively charged amino acid
Major depression is a devastating disorder of which lifetime prevalence rate is as high as up to 25% in general population. Although the etiology of the disorder is still poorly understood, it is generally accepted that both genetic and environmental factors are involved in the precipitation of depression. Stressful lifetime events are potent precipitating environmental factors for major depression and early-life stress is in particular an important element that predisposes individuals to major