Sung-Kil Ji
Korea University · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
About the Lab
Professor Sung-Kil Ji's research lab specializes in developing advanced nanomaterials and molecular therapeutics for targeted cancer therapy, with a focus on overcoming tumor microenvironment challenges. The lab investigates stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems, particularly those activated by redox (GSH/H₂O₂) and enzymatic (e.g., NQO1) triggers, to enhance precision and efficacy. Key research directions include mitochondria-targeted theranostic agents, autophagy modulation, and the molecular mechanisms of tumor suppressors like XAF1 and CAV1 in cancer metabolism and apoptosis. The lab integrates nanomedicine, molecular biology, and cancer cell signaling to drive translational innovations.
Research Overview
Research Output Trend
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
Selected Papers
15AUTORES: Daniel J Klionsky1745,1749*, Kotb Abdelmohsen840, Akihisa Abe1237, Md Joynal Abedin1762, Hagai Abeliovich425, \nAbraham Acevedo Arozena789, Hiroaki Adachi1800, Christopher M Adams1669, Peter D Adams57, Khosrow Adeli1981, \nPeter J Adhihetty1625, Sharon G Adler700, Galila Agam67, Rajesh Agarwal1587, Manish K Aghi1537, Maria Agnello1826, \nPatrizia Agostinis664, Patricia V Aguilar1960, Julio Aguirre-Ghiso784,786, Edoardo M Airoldi89,422, Slimane Ait-Si-Ali1376, \nTakahiko
Nanomedicines for drug delivery and imaging-guided cancer therapy is a rapidly growing research area. The unique properties of nanomedicines have a massive potential in solving longstanding challenges of existing cancer drugs, such as poor localization at the tumor site, high drug doses and toxicity, recurrence, and poor immune response. However, inadequate biocompatibility restricts their potential in clinical translation. Therefore, advanced nanomaterials with high biocompatibility and enhance
Reported here is a molecular construct (<b>K1</b>) designed to overcome hurdles associated with delivering active drugs to heterogeneous tumor environments. Construct <b>K1</b> relies on two cancer environment triggers (GSH and H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>) to induce prodrug activation. It releases an active drug form (SN-38) under conditions of both oxidative and reductive stress <i>in vitro</i>. Specific uptake of <b>K1</b> in COX-2 positive aggressive colon cancer cells (SW620 and LoVo) was see
A mitochondria targeted AIE fluorophore was further decorated with an NQO1 cleavable masking unit and showed selective targeting to and activation in cancer cells resulting in bright AIE fluorescence and apoptosis triggered by mitochondrial dysfunction.
X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP)-associated factor 1 (XAF1) is a proapoptotic tumor suppressor that is frequently inactivated in multiple human cancers. However, the molecular basis for the XAF1-mediated growth inhibition remains largely undefined. Here, we report that XAF1 forms a positive feedback loop with interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1) and functions as a transcriptional coactivator of IRF-1 to suppress tumorigenesis. Under various stressful conditions, XAF1 transcription is act
Although elevated expression of CAV1/caveolin 1 is associated with the malignant progression of various human cancers, the molecular mechanism underlying its oncogenic functions is largely unknown. We found that CAV1 is frequently overexpressed in advanced colorectal tumors due to aberrant promoter CpG site hypomethylation, and its elevation is implicated in enhanced aerobic glycolysis of tumor cells. Depletion of elevated CAV1 downregulates glucose uptake, intracellular ATP level and lactate ac
PURPOSE: PRKCDBP is a putative tumor suppressor in which alteration has been observed in several human cancers. We investigated expression and function of PRKCDBP in colorectal cells and tissues to explore its candidacy as a suppressor in colorectal tumorigenesis. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Expression and methylation status of PRKCDBP and its effect on tumor growth were evaluated. Transcriptional regulation by NF-κB signaling was defined by luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays.
RASSF1A is a tumor suppressor implicated in many tumorigenic processes; however, the basis for its tumor suppressor functions are not fully understood. Here we show that RASSF1A is a novel antagonist of protumorigenic RhoA activity. Direct interaction between the C-terminal amino acids (256-277) of RASSF1A and active GTP-RhoA was critical for this antagonism. In addition, interaction between the N-terminal amino acids (69-82) of RASSF1A and the ubiquitin E3 ligase Smad ubiquitination regulatory
TGF-β1 plays biphasic functions in prostate tumorigenesis, inhibiting cell growth at early stages but promoting malignant progression at later stages. However, the molecular basis for the oncogenic conversion of TGF-β1 function remains largely undefined. Here, we demonstrate that PPARδ is a direct transcription target of TGF-β1 and plays a critical role in oncogenic redirection of TGF-β1 signaling. Blockade of PPARδ induction enhances tumor cell response to TGF-β1-mediated growth inhibition, whi
Research Areas
Dive deeper into Sung-Kil Ji's research on Nubint
Open this lab's papers in the app to read with AI, summarize, and cite in your writing.