Woon-Joon Kang
Yonsei University · Medicine
About the Lab
Professor Woon-Joon Kang's research lab specializes in developing targeted molecular imaging and therapeutic strategies for cancer using aptamers, nanomaterials, and positron emission tomography (PET). The lab focuses on engineering aptamer-conjugated nanoparticles and radiolabeled probes for precise in vivo imaging of cancer biomarkers, such as HER2 and nucleolin, enabling early detection and real-time monitoring of tumor progression. Additionally, the lab designs smart drug delivery systems, like aptamer-gemcitabine conjugates, to enhance chemotherapy efficacy and overcome drug resistance in aggressive cancers such as pancreatic cancer. Their work bridges molecular biology, nanotechnology, and nuclear medicine to advance personalized cancer therapy.
Research Overview
Research Output Trend
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
Selected Papers
15UNLABELLED: Adult stem cell therapy is expected to improve left ventricular function in patients with myocardial infarction. Because of the low risk of arrhythmia and the maximal concentration at the target tissue, intracoronary infusion of stem cells is preferred. The aim of this study was to investigate the homing and tissue distribution of intracoronary injected peripheral hematopoietic stem cells labeled with 18F-FDG. METHODS: Seventeen patients with myocardial infarction were included as th
Aptamers conjugated with quantum dots (QDs) bind to target molecules on the cellular membrane of cancer cells. QDs with a carboxyl terminal are conjugated with three types of tumor-targeting aptamer (see picture). Various types of cancer cell are simultaneously targeted with QD-TTA1 (605nm, light green), QD-AS1411 (655nm, red), and QD-MUC-1 (705nm, violet). Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy
Gemcitabine has been considered a first-line chemotherapy agent for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. However, the initial response rate of gemcitabine is low and chemoresistance occurs frequently. Aptamers can be effectively internalized into cancer cells via binding to target molecules with high affinity and specificity. In the current study, we constructed an aptamer-based gemcitabine delivery system, APTA-12, and assessed its therapeutic effects on pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in v
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Aptamers are oligonucleotide or peptide molecules that bind to a target molecule with high affinity and specificity. The present study aimed to evaluate the target specificity and applicability for in vivo molecular imaging of an aptamer labeled with a radioisotope. METHODS: The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/ErbB2) aptamer was radiolabeled with 18F-fluoride. HER2-positive tumor cell uptake of the aptamer was evaluated in comparison to negative controls by flo
Metabolic tumor volume and TLG are independent prognostic factors for predicting PFS and OS in patients with metastatic RCC. Furthermore, MTV and TLG could provide additional prognostic information in patients with clinically high-risk metastatic RCC treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor-targeted therapies.
Research Areas
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