The high cognitive function is one of the most important reasons why human beings are considered to be the primaries of all things. Cognitive functions include learning and memory, communicational ability with other objects and any other diverse abilities needed for social activities. The deeper we understand the human cognitive function, the more we could properly perceive humanity itself.
In order to reveal the mechanisms related to cognitive function, we focus on astrocyte which is one of the most abundant cell types in central nervous system. In the last century, even though most of the neuro-centric researchers have revealed many secrets of brain, it has not been able to answer all the mysteries in neuroscience. Our group seeks to understand sophisticated cognitive function deeper by uncovering the physiological functions of astrocyte which are being deviated from the existing neuronal research paradigm.
In addition, we study on the unique state of astrocytes in a pathological condition, called “reactive astrocyte.” Reactive astrocyte would be a powerful diagnostic and therapeutic target for brain diseases. Research on properties of reactive astrocyte will provide important clues for several brain diseases that have not been conquered yet. Therefore, we investigate the way regulating reactive state of astrocytes, and recovering cognitive function from brain diseases.
Our group also devotes ourselves to training young brain scientists to lead the future of South Korea. These young scientists will lead Korean neuroscience society to the top in the world, solidify the foundation of the basic science in Korea, and serve as a foothold for treating brain diseases. This is our ultimate goal to present new hope to patients who are still fighting brain diseases today.
Glioscience, Electrophysiology, Cognition and behavior, Brain diseases, Glia-neuron interaction, Glioplasticity and cognition, Gliopathy