Tae-Ju Park
Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology · 生化学・遺伝学・分子生物学
研究室紹介
Professor Tae-Ju Park's research lab focuses on cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying tissue development, homeostasis, and disease, with a strong emphasis on extracellular matrix biology, redox regulation, and protein quality control in cartilage and epithelial tissues. The lab investigates key signaling pathways such as ITGBL1 and ERAD in cartilage protection and chondrocyte function, while also exploring the roles of antioxidant enzymes like peroxiredoxins in ciliogenesis and mitochondrial health during vertebrate embryogenesis. Additionally, the lab examines host-parasite interactions through the characterization of parasitic proteins such as paramyosin and develops novel biomaterials for biomedical applications, including UV-protective nanohybrids. These interdisciplinary efforts aim to uncover fundamental biological mechanisms with translational potential in regenerative medicine, aging-related disorders, and infectious diseases.
Research Overview
Research Output Trend
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Selected Papers
15protected joint cartilage against OA development in the destabilization of the medial meniscus-induced OA mouse model. Our results reveal ITGBL1 signaling as an underlying mechanism of protection against destructive cartilage disorders and suggest the potential therapeutic utility of targeting ITGBL1 to modulate integrin signaling in human disease.
Chondrocytes secrete massive extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules that are produced, folded, and modified in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Thus, the ER-associated degradation (ERAD) complex-which removes misfolded and unfolded proteins to maintain proteostasis in the ER- plays an indispensable role in building and maintaining cartilage. Here, we examined the necessity of the ERAD complex in chondrocytes for cartilage formation and maintenance. We show that ERAD gene expression is exponentially
Abstract Peroxiredoxin1 (Prdx1) is an antioxidant enzyme belonging to the peroxiredoxin family of proteins. Prdx1 catalyzes the reduction of H 2 O 2 and alkyl hydroperoxide and plays an important role in different biological processes. Prdx1 also participates in various age-related diseases and cancers. In this study, we investigated the role of Prdx1 in pronephros development during embryogenesis. Prdx1 knockdown markedly inhibited proximal tubule formation in the pronephros and significantly i
Paramyosin is a myofibrillar protein present in helminth parasites and plays multifunctional roles in host-parasite interactions. In this study, we identified the gene encoding paramyosin of Clonorchis sinensis (CsPmy) and characterized biochemical and immunological properties of its recombinant protein. CsPmy showed a high level of sequence identity with paramyosin from other helminth parasites. Recombinant CsPmy (rCsPmy) expressed in bacteria had an approximate molecular weight of 100 kDa and
The melanin plays key roles to protect internal tissues against the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays in human beings. The most common form of biological melanin is a complex polymer of either or both of 5,6-indolequinone and 5,6-dihydroxyindole carboxylic acid. Micronized TiO 2 has been also widely used as a representative inorganic pigment for the formulation of the UV-care cosmetic products. We synthesized a number of new organic-inorganic nanohybrid compounds to develop sunscreens having s
AIMS: Peroxiredoxin5 (Prdx5), a thioredoxin peroxidase, is an antioxidant enzyme that is widely studied for its antioxidant properties and protective roles in neurological and cardiovascular disorders. This study is aimed at investigating the functional significance of Prdx5 in mitochondria and at analyzing its roles in ciliogenesis during the process of vertebrate development. RESULTS: We found that several Prdx genes were strongly expressed in multiciliated cells in developing Xenopus embryos,