Wonhwa Lee
Sungkyunkwan University · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
About the Lab
Professor Wonhwa Lee's research lab specializes in translational biomedical research, focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying inflammatory diseases and viral infections, particularly in the context of sepsis and COVID-19. The lab investigates regulatory proteins such as SREBP-2 and endocan, as well as natural compounds like maslinic acid and oleanolic acid, to understand their roles in inflammation, cholesterol metabolism, and coagulation. A central theme is the development of endogenous biomarkers and natural therapeutics for disease modulation.
Research Overview
Research Output Trend
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
Selected Papers
15Nanoparticles have been extensively used as carriers for the delivery of chemicals and biomolecular drugs, such as anticancer drugs and therapeutic proteins. Natural biomolecules, such as proteins, are an attractive alternative to synthetic polymers commonly used in nanoparticle formulation because of their safety. In general, protein nanoparticles offer many advantages, such as biocompatibility and biodegradability. Moreover, the preparation of protein nanoparticles and the corresponding encaps
Sterol regulatory element binding protein-2 (SREBP-2) is activated by cytokines or pathogen, such as virus or bacteria, but its association with diminished cholesterol levels in COVID-19 patients is unknown. Here, we evaluated SREBP-2 activation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of COVID-19 patients and verified the function of SREBP-2 in COVID-19. Intriguingly, we report the first observation of SREBP-2 C-terminal fragment in COVID-19 patients' blood and propose SREBP-2 C-terminal fragment
Endocan is a proteoglycan secreted by endothelial cells under the control of inflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of endocan on proinflammatory responses and on septic mice and underlying mechanisms. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) or mice were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or endocan with or without neutralizing endocan antibody. Mice were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) surgery with or without neutralizing endocan antibo
The current outbreak of the beta-coronavirus (beta-Cov) severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) began in December 2019. No specific antiviral treatments or vaccines are currently available. A recent study has reported that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, is associated with neutrophil-specific plasma membrane rupture, and release excessive neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and extracellular DNAs (eDNAs). This mechanism invo
Maslinic acid (MA), a natural compound of the triterpenoid group derived from olive, prevents the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), we characterized the effects of MA on the regulation of heme oxygenase (HO)-1, cyclooxygenase (COX-)2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). MA was tested in the lung tissues of LPS-treated mice, to determine its effect on levels of iNOS expre
Research Areas
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