Research Area - About the Institute - Institute of Human-Environment Interface Biology, Medical Research Center, SNU

Research Fields

Our institute's main research areas are as follows:

First, we are conducting innovative research in the field of skin aging biology.

We are identifying the characteristics of aging cells and developing technologies to control them, while studying changes in the extracellular matrix, including collagen and elastin. In particular, we are indetifying epigenetic changes that occur during aging and the key factors that regulate them to develop innovative aging control technologies. We are also researching groundbreaking anti-aging treatment strategies that use cell reprogramming technology to revert aged skin cells to a younger state.

Second, in hair and stem cell research, we are conducting in-depth studies on the regulation of hair follicle stem cell function and regeneration mechanisms.

We are elucidating the signaling systems that regulate hair growth and regeneration, and studying the activation and differentiation regulation mechanisms of hair follicle stem cells to apply them to the development of hair loss treatments. We are focusing on developing innovative therapies that can promote skin regeneration and wound healing by studying the characteristics and fate determination mechanisms of skin cells.

Third, in the fields of immune skin diseases and skin cancer, we are studying the pathogenesis of various skin disorders.

We are researching the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, as well as various skin cancers including maliganant melanoma. We focus particularly on characterizing the microenvironment of diseases, discovering new biomarkers, and developing innovative immunomodulatory therapeutics, presenting advanced therapeutic strategies that can effectively control intractable skin diseases.

Fourth, in environment-skin interaction research, we study skin defense mechanisms and barrier functions against external stimuli.

We understand the skin's response mechanisms to various environmental stresses and develop innovative strategies to promote skin health. In particular, through the study of interactions between the skin and the neuroendocrine system, we are elucidating the effects of stress and hormonal changes on the skin, and the effects of various neurotransmitters and hormones secreted by the skin on overall health.

Fifth, we are pioneering research in the field of skin-systemic health connections.

Recognizing that skin is not simply a physical barrier protecting our body but an important endocrine organ, we are researching the impact of skin health on systemic health. In particular, through research elucidating the skin-brain axis, skin-gut axis, and the relationship between skin and metabolic syndrome, we are developing innovative approaches to improve systemic health by targeting the skin.

Six, in the medical device field, we are developing advanced technology-based treatment solutions.

We study the mechanisms of various energy-based therapeutic devices, such as lasers and radio frequency, at the molecular biological level to develop optimal therapeutic strategies for skin diseases and anti-aging treatments. Through these technological approaches, we are presenting non-invasive yet effective treatments for skin and mucous membranes.