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Yoo-Soo Yang

Sungkyunkwan University · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

About the Lab

Professor Yoo-Soo Yang's research lab specializes in developing exosome-based nanoplatforms for targeted drug delivery, particularly in cancer therapy. The lab focuses on engineering exosomes to display functional membrane proteins and therapeutic cargoes, leveraging their natural biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and intrinsic targeting abilities. Key research directions include membrane protein delivery via fusogenic exosomes, exosome-mediated tumor microenvironment modulation, and the use of enzymatically active exosomes for enhanced tumor penetration and immune activation.

exosome engineeringmembrane protein deliverycancer therapydrug deliverytumor microenvironment

Research Overview

Papers
103
Total Citations
5,404
Papers (5y)
34
Primary Field
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Research Output Trend

Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.

Publications per year (5y)
34total
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Citations per year (5y)
1,034total
20222023202420252026

Selected Papers

15
1
Article|350 citations·2017
Exosome-SIRPα, a CD47 blockade increases cancer cell phagocytosis
Eunee Koh, Eun Jung Lee, Gi‐Hoon Nam, Yeonsun Hong, Eunji Cho, Yoosoo Yang, In‐San Kim
SJR Q1Biomaterials
Molecular BiologyBiochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
2
Review|257 citations·2018
Extracellular vesicles as a platform for membrane‐associated therapeutic protein delivery
Yoosoo Yang, Yeonsun Hong, Eunji Cho, Gi Beom Kim, In‐San Kim
SJR Q1Journal of Extracellular VesiclesOA

Membrane proteins are of great research interest, particularly because they are rich in targets for therapeutic application. The suitability of various membrane proteins as targets for therapeutic formulations, such as drugs or antibodies, has been studied in preclinical and clinical studies. For therapeutic application, however, a protein must be expressed and purified in as close to its native conformation as possible. This has proven difficult for membrane proteins, as their native conformati

Molecular BiologyBiochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
3
Article|148 citations·2017
Virus‐Mimetic Fusogenic Exosomes for Direct Delivery of Integral Membrane Proteins to Target Cell Membranes
Yoosoo Yang, Yeonsun Hong, Gi‐Hoon Nam, Jin Hwa Chung, Eunee Koh, In‐San Kim
SJR Q1Advanced Materials

An efficient system for direct delivery of integral membrane proteins is successfully developed using a new biocompatible exosome-based platform. Fusogenic exosomes harboring viral fusogen, vascular stomatitis virus (VSV)-G protein, can fuse with and modify plasma membranes in a process called "membrane editing." This can facilitate the transfer of biologically active membrane proteins into the target cell membranes both in vitro and in vivo.

Molecular BiologyBiochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
4
Review|141 citations·2021
Recent Advances in Exosome-Based Drug Delivery for Cancer Therapy
Hyo‐Suk Kim, Hochung Jang, Haeun Cho, Ji‐Won Choi, Kwang Yeon Hwang, Yeonho Choi, Sun Hwa Kim, Yoosoo Yang
SJR Q1CancersOA

Exosomes are a class of extracellular vesicles, with a size of about 100 nm, secreted by most cells and carrying various bioactive molecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids, and reflect the biological status of parent cells. Exosomes have natural advantages such as high biocompatibility and low immunogenicity for efficient delivery of therapeutic agents such as chemotherapeutic drugs, nucleic acids, and proteins. In this review, we introduce the latest explorations of exosome-based d

Molecular BiologyBiochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
5
Review|141 citations·2020
Exosomes: Cell-Derived Nanoplatforms for the Delivery of Cancer Therapeutics
Hyo‐Suk Kim, Eun Hye Kim, Gijung Kwak, Sung-Gil Chi, Sun Hwa Kim, Yoosoo Yang
SJR Q1International Journal of Molecular SciencesOA

Exosomes are cell-secreted nanovesicles that naturally contain biomolecular cargoes such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Exosomes mediate intercellular communication, enabling the transfer biological signals from the donor cells to the recipient cells. Recently, exosomes are emerging as promising drug delivery vehicles due to their strong stability in blood circulation, high biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and natural targeting ability. In particular, exosomes derived from specific

Molecular BiologyBiochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
6
Article|121 citations·2010
Dynamic Ca 2+ -Dependent Stimulation of Vesicle Fusion by Membrane-Anchored Synaptotagmin 1
Hanki Lee, Yoosoo Yang, Zengliu Su, Changbong Hyeon, Tae-Sun Lee, Hong-Won Lee, Dae‐Hyuk Kweon, Yeon‐Kyun Shin, Tae‐Young Yoon
SJR Q1ScienceOA

In neurons, synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1) is thought to mediate the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the plasma membrane when presynaptic Ca2+ levels rise. However, in vitro reconstitution experiments have failed to recapitulate key characteristics of Ca2+-triggered membrane fusion. Using an in vitro single-vesicle fusion assay, we found that membrane-anchored Syt1 enhanced Ca2+ sensitivity and fusion speed. This stimulatory activity of membrane-anchored Syt1 dropped as the Ca2+ level rose beyond physi

Cell BiologyBiochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
7
Article|119 citations·2017
Exosome as a Vehicle for Delivery of Membrane Protein Therapeutics, PH20, for Enhanced Tumor Penetration and Antitumor Efficacy
Yeonsun Hong, Gi‐Hoon Nam, Eunee Koh, Sangmin Jeon, Gi Beom Kim, Cherlhyun Jeong, Dong Hwee Kim, Yoosoo Yang, In-San Kim
SJR Q1Advanced Functional Materials

Abstract As biochemical and functional studies of membrane protein remain a challenge, there is growing interest in the application of nanotechnology to solve the difficulties of developing membrane protein therapeutics. Exosome, composed of lipid bilayer enclosed nanosized extracellular vesicles, is a successful platform for providing a native membrane composition. This study reports an enzymatic exosome, which harbors native PH20 hyaluronidase (Exo‐PH20), which is able to penetrate deeply into

Molecular BiologyBiochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
8
Article|115 citations·2018
Comparison of exosomes and ferritin protein nanocages for the delivery of membrane protein therapeutics
Eunji Cho, Gi‐Hoon Nam, Yeonsun Hong, Yoon Kyoung Kim, Dong‐Hwee Kim, Yoosoo Yang, In‐San Kim
SJR Q1Journal of Controlled Release
Molecular BiologyBiochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
9
Article|92 citations·2015
Amyloid-β Oligomers May Impair SNARE-Mediated Exocytosis by Direct Binding to Syntaxin 1a
Yoosoo Yang, Jaewook Kim, Hye Yun Kim, Nayeon Ryoo, Se‐Jin Lee, Young Soo Kim, Hyewhon Rhim, Yeon-Kyun Shin
SJR Q1Cell ReportsOA

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is closely associated with synaptic dysfunction, and thus current treatments often aim to stimulate neurotransmission to improve cognitive impairment. Whereas the formation of the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complex is essential for synaptic transmission, the correlation between SNAREs and AD neuropathology is unknown. Here, we report that intracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers directly inhibit SNARE-mediated exocytosis b

PhysiologyMedicine
10
Article|89 citations·2017
Harnessing designed nanoparticles: Current strategies and future perspectives in cancer immunotherapy
Sung Duk Jo, Gi‐Hoon Nam, Gijung Kwak, Yoosoo Yang, Ick Chan Kwon
SJR Q1Nano Today
ImmunologyImmunology and Microbiology
11
Article|76 citations·2022
Potential of Colostrum-Derived Exosomes for Promoting Hair Regeneration Through the Transition From Telogen to Anagen Phase
Hyo‐Suk Kim, Yeongji Jang, Eun Hye Kim, Hochung Jang, Haeun Cho, Geonhee Han, Hyun Kyu Song, Sun Hwa Kim, Yoosoo Yang
SJR Q1Frontiers in Cell and Developmental BiologyOA

Human hair dermal papillary (DP) cells comprising mesenchymal stem cells in hair follicles contribute critically to hair growth and cycle regulation. The transition of hair follicles from telogen to anagen phase is the key to regulating hair growth, which relies heavily on the activation of DP cells. In this paper, we suggested exosomes derived from bovine colostrum (milk exosomes, Milk-exo) as a new effective non-surgical therapy for hair loss. Results showed that Milk-exo promoted the prolifer

UrologyMedicine
12
Article|70 citations·2022
The Potential of Bovine Colostrum-Derived Exosomes to Repair Aged and Damaged Skin Cells
Geonhee Han, Hyo‐Suk Kim, Da Eun Kim, Yeonjoo Ahn, Joongsoo Kim, Ye Ji Jang, Kwangmeyung Kim, Yoosoo Yang, Sun Hwa Kim
SJR Q1PharmaceuticsOA

In this study, we examined the potentially beneficial effects of bovine colostrum-derived exosomes on UV-induced aging and damage in three major resident skin cells including keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblasts. The treatment with colostrum exosomes prevented the UV-induced generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species in epidermal keratinocytes. In UV-stimulated melanocytes, colostrum exosomes could also significantly reduce the production of the protective skin-darkening pigment

Molecular BiologyBiochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
13
Article|69 citations·2021
Harnessing the Natural Healing Power of Colostrum: Bovine Milk‐Derived Extracellular Vesicles from Colostrum Facilitating the Transition from Inflammation to Tissue Regeneration for Accelerating Cutaneous Wound Healing
Hyo‐Suk Kim, Da Eun Kim, Geonhee Han, Nu Ri Lim, Eun Hye Kim, Yeongji Jang, Haeun Cho, Hochung Jang, Ki Hun Kim, Sun Hwa Kim, Yoosoo Yang
SJR Q1Advanced Healthcare MaterialsOA

As wound healing is an extremely complicated process, consisting of a cascade of interlocking biological events, successful wound healing requires a multifaceted approach to support appropriate and rapid transitions from the inflammatory to proliferative and remodeling phases. In this regard, here the potential use of bovine milk extracellular vesicles (EVs) to enhance wound healing is investigated. The results show that milk EVs promote fibroblast proliferation, migration, and endothelial tube

Molecular BiologyBiochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
14
Article|63 citations·2019
Degradation of tumour stromal hyaluronan by small extracellular vesicle‐PH20 stimulates CD103+ dendritic cells and in combination with PD‐L1 blockade boosts anti‐tumour immunity
Yeonsun Hong, Yoon Kyoung Kim, Gi Beom Kim, Gi‐Hoon Nam, Seong A Kim, Yoon Park, Yoosoo Yang, In‐San Kim
SJR Q1Journal of Extracellular VesiclesOA

ABSTRACT Highly accumulated hyaluronan (HA) not only provides a physiological barrier but also supports an immune‐suppressive tumour microenvironment. High‐molecular‐weight (HMW)‐HA inhibits the activation of immune cells and their access into tumour tissues, whereas, low‐molecular‐weight oligo‐HA is known to potentially activate dendritic cells (DCs). In this paper, we investigated whether small extracellular vesicle (EVs)‐PH20 hyaluronidase induces tumour HA degradation, which, in turn, activa

Molecular BiologyBiochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
15
Article|63 citations·2020
Xenogenization of tumor cells by fusogenic exosomes in tumor microenvironment ignites and propagates antitumor immunity
Gi Beom Kim, Gi‐Hoon Nam, Yeonsun Hong, Jiwan Woo, Yakdol Cho, Ick Chan Kwon, Yoosoo Yang, In‐San Kim
SJR Q1Science AdvancesOA

T cell cross-priming. The administration of these exosomes in multiple tumor mouse models xenogenized tumor cells, resulting in tumor growth inhibition. The combinatorial treatment with anti-PD-L1 exhibited complete tumor regression (30%) and better long-term overall survival. These results suggest that tumor xenogenization by fusogenic exosomes provides a previously unidentified novel strategy for cancer immunotherapy.

Molecular BiologyBiochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Research Areas

Molecular BiologyCell BiologyImmunologyBiomedical EngineeringOncologyNeurology

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