Yonggu Kim
Korea University · Neuroscience
About the Lab
Professor Yonggu Kim's research lab focuses on the neuroimmune and neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying mood and anxiety disorders, with a particular emphasis on the gut-brain axis, systemic inflammation, and neuroinflammation. The lab investigates the role of cytokine imbalances, tryptophan metabolism, and stress-related HPA axis dysregulation in psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. A key research direction involves exploring the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of molecules like melatonin and lithium in modulating brain function and behavior. The lab integrates preclinical and clinical studies to uncover novel psychoimmunological pathways and potential therapeutic targets.
Research Overview
Research Output Trend
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
Selected Papers
15BACKGROUND: The human gut microbiome comprise a huge number of microorganisms with co-evolutionary associations with humans. It has been repeatedly revealed that bidirectional communication exists between the brain and the gut and involves neural, hormonal, and immunological pathways. Evidences from neuroscience researches over the past few years suggest that microbiota is essential for the development and maturation of brain systems that are associated to stress responses. METHOD: This review p
Lithium has been used for the treatment of bipolar disorder (BD) for the last sixty or more years, and recent studies with more reliable designs and updated guidelines have recommended lithium to be the treatment of choice for acute manic, mixed and depressive episodes of BD, along with long-term prophylaxis. Lithium's specific mechanism of action in mood regulation is progressively being clarified, such as the direct inhibition on glycogen synthase kinase 3β, and its various effects on neurotro
Stress-induced changes in the immune system, which lead to neuroinflammation and consequent brain alterations, have been suggested as possible neurobiological substrates of anxiety disorders, with previous literature predominantly focusing on panic disorder, agoraphobia, and generalized anxiety disorder, among the anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders have frequently been associated with chronic stress, with chronically stressful situations being reported to precipitate the onset of anxiety disor
Research Areas
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