Yonsei University · Psychology
Professor Jee In Kang's research lab focuses on the neurobiological and genetic underpinnings of psychiatric disorders, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and treatment-resistant mental illnesses such as obsessive-compulsive disorder. The lab investigates epigenetic mechanisms—such as DNA methylation of genes like BDNF—and genetic polymorphisms (e.g., COMT and BDNF) that influence resilience and treatment response. Using neurostimulation techniques like rTMS and integrating clinical, psychological, and molecular approaches, the lab aims to identify biomarkers and develop personalized interventions for mental health conditions.
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
Article AbstractObjective: The present study investigated possible therapeutic effects and safety of sequentially combined low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and supplementary motor area in patients with treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder. Method: Between February 2007 and January 2008, we carried out a study with a rater-blinded, sham-controlled design in which 20 patients with treatment-resistant obsessiv
This study demonstrated an association between higher DNA methylation of the BDNF promoter and PTSD diagnosis in combat-exposed individuals. Our findings suggest that altered BDNF methylation may be a valuable biomarker of PTSD after trauma exposure.
Mental adjustment and coping affect the physical outcome and survival as well as quality of life in cancer patients. The Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer (Mini-MAC) scale is a new refined, economical and reliable self-rating instrument measuring cognitive and behavioral responses to cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Mini-MAC in Korean cancer patients. A total of 208 cancer patients recruited from the Yonsei Cancer Center were assessed with the Mini-
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01325831.
The incidence rates of psychiatric disorders in Korean women with breast cancer from the nationwide database were much lower than found by previous reports using screening tools. The finding implicates that psychiatric disorders among breast cancer patients tend to be underdiagnosed and undertreated in actual clinical practice. Our epidemiological findings provide important information for establishing a national strategy of cancer care to detect and manage psychiatric problems.
These findings suggest the effects of COMT Val158Met polymorphism on resilience could be modulated by BDNF Val66Met polymorphism in males.
Altered GABAergic transmission and/or the imbalance of inhibitory and excitatory systems in the striatum may be present at the putative prodromal stage and play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of psychosis.
These findings suggest that disgust sensitivity may be affected by genetic components, such as dopamine-related genes.
Open papers in the app to read, cite, and organize with AI.
