Dr. Son is Associate Professor of Department of Biomedical Sciences, and Department of Legal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

He completed his Ph.D. at Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University and obtained research fellowships at Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Korea and at Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, UK.

Since he joined Korea University in 2011, Dr. Son has been interested in molecular bases of neuropsychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder (BPD) and suicide. He has particularly focused on the issues how circadian molecular clock is integrated into key biological pathways responsible for such psychiatric illness with circadian dysfunctions. In this regard, he is also trying to develop novel small molecules to modulate the biological rhythms and to define their potential applications for clinical purpose.

He has published over 80 peer reviewed manuscripts, and also serves as an editorial board member of several scientific journals. He is a key member of the Korean Chronobiology Research Group, and a regular member for the Korean Societies for Neuroscience, Endocrinology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, and Molecular & Cellular Biology.

BioClock: Circadian Timing System

Key Words

Circadian Rhythm / Circadian Clock / Circadian Rhythm-Related Diseases / Mood Disorder / Animal Behavior & Physiology / Pluripotent Stem Cell (PSC) / Brain Organoid / Transcriptome / Small Molecule Clock Modulators

Positions Available

We are looking for motivated Post-doc fellows and graduate students. Please contact with Prof. Son (songh@korea.ac.kr)

Education

Professional Experiences

Academic Activities

Selected Publications

• 10. Jeong YU, Jin HE, Lim HY, Choi G, Joo H, Kang B, Lee GH, Liu KH, Maeng HJ, Chung S, Son GH*, Jung JW* (2021) Development of non-ethoxypropanoic acid type cryptochrome inhibitors with circadian molecular clock-enhancing activity by bioisosteric replacement. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 14: 496. (*: Co-corresponding author)

• 09. Cha HK, Chung S, Lim HY, Jung JW, Son GH (2019) Small molecule modulators of the circadian molecular clock with implications for neuropsychiatric diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 11: 496.

• 08. Kim JY, Lim HY, Shin SE, Cha HK, Seo JH, Kim SK, Park SH*, Son GH* (2018) Comprehensive transcriptome analysis of Sarcophaga peregrina, a forensically important fly species. Sci Data 5: 180220. 

• 07. Chung S, Lee EJ, Cha HK, Kim J, Kim D, Son GH*, Kim K* (2017) Cooperative roles of the suprachiasmatic nucleus central clock and the adrenal clock in controlling circadian glucocorticoid rhythm. Sci Rep 7:46404. (*: Co-corresponding author)

• 06. Chung S, Lee EJ, Yun S, Choe HK, Park SB, Son HJ, Kim KS, Dluzen DE, Lee I, Hwang O, Son GH*, Kim K* (2014) Impact of circadian nuclear receptor REV-ERBα on midbrain dopamine production and mood regulation. Cell 157: 858-868. (*: Co-corresponding author)

• 05. Son GH, Chung S, Kim K (2011) The adrenal peripheral clock: impacts on circadian rhythm of glucocorticoid and circadian timing system. Front Neuroendocrinol 32: 451-465.

• 04. Lee EJ*, Son GH*, Chung S, Lee S, Kim J, Choi S, Kim K (2011) Impairment of fear memory consolidation in maternally stressed male mice offspring: Evidence for nongenomic glucocorticoid action on the amygdala. J Neurosci 31: 7131-7140. (*: Equal contributor)

• 03. Jo J*, Son GH*, Winters BL, Kim MJ, Whitcomb DJ, Dickinson BA, Lee YB, Futai K, Amici M, Sheng M, Collingridge GL, Cho K (2010) Muscarinic receptors induce LTD of NMDAR EPSCs via a mechanism involving hippocalcin, AP2 and PSD-95. Nat Neurosci 13: 1216-1224. (*: Equal contributor)

• 02. Son GH, Chung S, Choe HK, Kim HD, Baik SM, Lee H, Lee HW, Choi S, Sun W, Kim H, Cho S, Lee KH, Kim K (2008) Adrenal peripheral clock controls the autonomous circadian rhythm of glucocorticoid by causing rhythmic steroid production. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 105: 20970-20975.

• 01. Son GH, Geum D, Chung S, Kim EJ, Jo JH, Kim CM, Lee KH, Kim H, Choi S, Kim HT, Lee CJ, Kim K (2006) Maternal stress produces learning deficits associated with impairment of NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic plasticity. J Neurosci 26: 3309-3318.

Journal Papers

    2022

84. Kim HJ, Yoo H, Kim JY, Yang SH, Lee HW, Lee HJ, Son GH*, Kim H* (2022) Postmortem gene expression profiles in the habenulae of suicides: implication of endothelial dysfunction in the neurovascular system. Mol Brain 15: 48. (*: Co-corresponding author)

83. Yoo H, Kim HJ, Yang SH, Son GH, Gim JA, Lee HW, Kim H (2022) Gene expression profiling of the habenula in rats exposed to chronic restraint stress. Mol Cells 45: 306. 

   2021

82. Jeong YU, Jin HE, Lim HY, Choi G, Joo H, Kang B, Lee GH, Liu KH, Maeng HJ, Chung S, Son GH*, Jung JW* (2021) Development of non-ethoxypropanoic acid type cryptochrome inhibitors with circadian molecular clock-enhancing activity by bioisosteric replacement. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 14: 496. (*: Co-corresponding author)

   2020

81. Shaker MR, Lee JH, Park SH, Kim JY, Son GH, Son JW, Park BH, Rhyu IJ, Kim H, Sun W (2020) Anteroposterior Wnt-RA gradient defines adhesion and migration properties of neural progenitors in developing spinal cord. Stem Cell Reports 15: 898-911.

80. Roh SY, Kim JY, Cha HK, Lim HY, Park Y, Lee KN, Shim J, Choi JI, Kim YH, Son GH (2020) Molecular signatures of sinus node dysfunction induce structural remodeling in the right atrial tissue. Mol Cells 43: 408-418.

79. Yun S, Lee EJ, Choe HK, Son GH, Kim K, Chung S (2020) Programming effects of maternal stress on the circadian system of adult offspring. Exp Mol Med 52: 473-484. 

78. Kim D, Jang S, Kim J, Park I, Ku K, Choi M, Lee S, Heo WD, Son GH, Choe HK, Kim K (2020) Kisspeptin neuron-specific and self-sustained calcium oscillation in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus of neonatal mice: Regulatory factors of its synchronization. Neuroendocrinology 110: 1010-1027. 

   2019

77. Lee E, Kim HJ, Shaker MR, Ryu JR, Ham MS, Seo SH, Kim DH, Lee K, Jung N, Choe Y, Son GH, Rhyu IJ, Kim H, Sun W (2019) High-performance acellular tissue scaffold combined with hydrogel polymers for regenerative medicine. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 5: 3462. 

76. Yun S, Reyes-Alcaraz A, Lee YN, Yong HJ, Choi J, Ham BJ, Sohn JW, Kim DH, Son GH, Kim H, Kwon SG, Kim DS, Kim BC, Hwang JI, Seong JY (2019) Spexin-based galanin receptor type 2 agonist for comorbid mood disorders and abnormal body weight. Front Neurosci 13: 391. 

75. Kim SH, Seo M, Hwang H, Moon DM, Son GH, Kim K, Rhim H (2019) Physical and functional interaction between 5-HT6 receptor and Nova-1. Exp Neurobiol 28: 17-29. 

74. Cha HK, Chung S, Lim HY, Jung JW, Son GH (2019) Small molecule modulators of the circadian molecular clock with implications for neuropsychiatric diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 11: 496.

   2018

• 73. Sanderson TM, Bradley CA, Georgiou J, Hong YH, Ng AN, Lee Y, Kim HD, Kim D, Amici M, Son GH, Zhuo M, Kim K, Kaang BK, Kim SJ, Collingridge GL (2018) The Probability of neurotransmitter release governs AMPA receptor trafficking via activity-dependent regulation of mGluR1 surface expression. Cell Rep 25: 3631-3646. 

• 72. Kim JY, Lim HY, Shin SE, Cha HK, Seo JH, Kim SK, Park SH*, Son GH* (2018) Comprehensive transcriptome analysis of Sarcophaga peregrina, a forensically important fly species. Sci Data 5: 180220. 

• 71. Rho E, Park JW, Kang GM, Lee CH, Hong D, Gil SY, Song DK, Kim HJ, Son GH, Yu R, Kim MS (2018) Exogenous Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide regulates energy metabolism via hypothalamic connexin 43. Metabolism 88: 51-60.

• 70. Roh E, Myoung Kang G, Young Gil S, Hee Lee C, Kim S, Hong D, Son GH, Kim MS (2018) Effects of Chronic NAD Supplementation on Energy Metabolism and Diurnal Rhythm in Obese Mice. Obesity (Silver Spring) 26: 1448-1456. 

• 69. Kim J, Jang S, Chung S, Choe Y, Choe HK, Son GH, Rhee K, Kim K (2018) Abrogation of the circadian nuclear receptor REV-ERBα exacerbates 6-hydroxydopamine-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration. Mol Cells 41: 742-752.

• 68. Jang J, Chung S, Choi Y, Lim HY, Son Y, Chun SK, Son GH, Kim K, Suh YG, Jung JW (2018) The cryptochrome inhibitor KS15 enhances E-box-mediated transcription by disrupting the feedback action of a circadian transcription-repressor complex. Life Sci 200: 49-55.

• 67. Son GH*, Cha HK, Chugng S, Kim K* (2018) Multimodal regulation of circadian glucocorticoid rhythm by central and adrenal clocks. J Endocr Soc 2: 444-459.

• 66. Park JH, Kim YH, Ham CS, Lee HJ, Ko KS, Choi J, Son GH, Park SH (2018) Molecular identification of forensically important calliphoridae and sarcophagidae species using ITS2 nucleotide sequences. Forensic Sci Int 284: 1-4.

   2017

• 65. Kim J, Jang S, Choe HK, Chung S, Son GH, Kim K (2017) Implications of circadian rhythm in dopamine and mood regulation. Mol Cells 40: 450-456.

• 64. Kim JY, Kim Y, Cha HK, Lim HY, Kim H, Chung S, Hwang JJ, Park SH, Son GH (2017) Estimation of postmortem interval based on cell death-associated ribosomal RNA cleavage. Mol Cells 40: 410-417.

• 63. Chung S, Lee EJ, Cha HK, Kim J, Kim D, Son GH*, Kim K* (2017) Cooperative roles of the suprachiasmatic nucleus central clock and the adrenal clock in controlling circadian glucocorticoid rhythm. Sci Rep 7:46404. (*: Co-corresponding author)

   2016

• 62. Son GH, Chung S, Kim K (2016) Pharmacological modulators of molecular clock and their therapeutic potentials in circadian rhythm-related diseases. Med Chem (Los Angeles) 6: 724-733.

• 61. Moon JH, Cho CH, Son GH, Geum D, Chung S, Kim H, Kang SG, Park YM, Yoon HK, Kim L, Jee HJ, An H, Kripke DF, Lee HJ. (2016) Advanced Circadian Phase in Mania and Delayed Circadian Phase in Mixed Mania and Depression Returned to Normal after Treatment of Bipolar Disorder. EBioMedicine 11: 285-295.

• 60. Cho CH, Moon JH, Yoon HK, Kang SG, Geum D, Son GH, Lim JM, Kim L, Lee EI, Lee HJ (2016) Molecular circadian rhythm shift due to bright light exposure before bedtime is related to subthreshold bipolarity. Sci Rep 6: 31846.

• 59. Chung S, Kim IH, Lee D, Park K, Kim JY, Lee YK, Kim EJ, Lee H, Choi J, Son GH, Sun W, Shin K, Kim H (2016) The role of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase A in regulating emotional behavior and amygdala function. Sci Rep 6: 23757.

• 58. Reyes-Alcaraz A, Lee YN, Son GH, Kim NH, Kim DK, Yun S, Kim DH, Hwang JI, Seong JY (2016) Development of Spexin-based human galanin receptor type II-specific agonists with increased stability in serum and anxiolytic effect in mice. Sci Rep 6: 21453.

• 57. Lee J, Lee S, Chung S, Park N, Son GH, An H, Jang J, Chang DJ, Suh YG, Kim K (2016) Identification of a novel circadian clock modulator controlling BMAL1 expression through a ROR/REV-ERB-response element-dependent mechanism. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 469: 580-586.

   2015

• 56. Lee J, Chun SK, Son GH, Kim K (2015) Sumoylation of Hes6 regulates protein degradation and Hes1-mediated transcription. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 30: 381-388.

• 55. Koo J, Choe HK, Kim HD, Chun SK, Son GH, Kim K (2015) Effect of mefloquine, a gap junction blocker, on circadian Period2 gene oscillation in the mouse suprachiasmatic nucleus ex vivo. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 30: 361-370.

• 54. Chun SK, Chung S, Kim HD, Lee JH, Jang J, Kim J, Kim D, Son GH, Oh YJ, Suh YG, Lee CS, Kim K (2015) A synthetic cryptochrome inhibitor induces anti-proliferative effects and increases chemosensitivity in human breast cancer cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 467: 441-446.

   2014

• 53. Kim YH, Shin SE, Ham CS, Kim SY, Ko KS, Jo TH, Son GH, Park SH, Hwang JJ (2014) Molecular identification of necrophagous muscidae and sarcophagidae fly species collected in Korea by mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I nucleotide sequences. Scientific World Journal 2014: 275085.

• 52. Chung S, Lee EJ, Yun S, Choe HK, Park SB, Son HJ, Kim KS, Dluzen DE, Lee I, Hwang O, Son GH*, Kim K* (2014) Impact of circadian nuclear receptor REV-ERBα on midbrain dopamine production and mood regulation. Cell 157: 858-868. (*: Co-corresponding author)

• 51. Kim DK, Yun S, Son GH, Hwang JI, Park CR, Kim JI, Kim K, Vaudry H, Seong JY (2014) Coevolution of the Spexin/Galanin/Kisspeptin Family: Spexin Activates Galanin Receptor Type II and III. Endocrinology 155: 1864-1873.

• 50. Son GH, Park SH, Kim Y, Kim JY, Kim JW, Chung S, Kim YH, Kim H, Hwang JJ, Seo JS (2014) Postmortem mRNA expression patterns in left ventricular myocardial tissues and their implications for forensic diagnosis of sudden cardiac death. Mol Cells 37: 241-247.

• 49. Nam HJ, Boo K, Kim D, Han DH, Choe HK, Kim CR, Sun W, Kim H, Kim K, Lee H, Metzger E, Schuele R, Yoo SH, Takahashi JS, Cho S, Son GH, Baek SH (2014) Phosphorylation of LSD1 by PKCα Is Crucial for Circadian Rhythmicity and Phase Resetting. Mol Cell 53: 791-805.

• 48. Chun SK, Jang J, Chung S, Yun H, Kim NJ, Jung JW, Son GH, Suh YG, Kim K (2014) Identification and validation of cryptochrome inhibitors that modulate the molecular circadian clock. ACS Chem Biol 9: 703-710.

   2013

• 47. Kim TS, Han DH, Lee YJ, Son GH, Kim K, Kim CJ, Cho S (2013) Adrenal peripheral clock disruption leads to altered circadian behavioral responses to voluntary exercise in middle-aged female mice. Animal Cells Syst (Seoul) 17: 397-405.

• 46. Whitehead G, Jo J, Hogg EL, Piers T, Kim DH, Seaton G, Seok H, Bru-Mercier G, Son GH, Regan P, Hildebrandt L, Waite E, Kim BC, Kerrigan TL, Kim K, Whitcomb DJ, Collingridge GL, Lightman SL, Cho K (2013) Acute stress causes rapid synaptic insertion of Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors to facilitate long-term potentiation in the hippocampus. Brain 136: 3753-3765.

• 45. Lee HJ, Son GH, Geum D (2013) Circadian rhythm hypotheses of mixed features, antidepressant treatment resistance, and manic switching in bipolar disorder. Psychiatry Investig 10: 225-232.

• 44. Choe HK, Kim HD, Park SH, Lee HW, Park JY, Seong JY, Lightman SL, Son GH, Kim K (2013) Synchronous activation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone gene transcription and secretion by pulsatile kisspeptin stimulation. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 110: 5677-5682.

• 43. Hwang JI, Moon MJ, Park S, Kim DK, Cho EB, Ha N, Son GH, Kim K, Vaudry H, Seong JY (2013) Expansion of Secretin-Like G Protein-Coupled Receptors and Their Peptide Ligands via Local Duplications Before and After Two Rounds of Whole-Genome Duplication. Mol Biol Evol 30: 1119-1130.

• 42. Park Y, Lee JM, Hwang MY, Son GH, Geum D (2013) NonO binds to the CpG island of oct4 promoter and functions as a transcriptional activator of oct4 gene expression. Mol Cells 35: 61-69.

   2012

• 41. Chung U, Seo JS, Kim YH, Son GH*, Hwang JJ* (2012) Quantitative analyses of postmortem heat shock protein mRNA profiles in the occipital lobes of human cerebral cortices: Implications in cause of death. Mol Cells 34: 473-480. (*: Co-corresponding author)

• 40. Yoon JA, Han DH, Noh JY, Kim MH, Son GH, Kim K, Kim CJ, Pak YK, Cho S (2012) Meal time shift disturbs circadian rhythmicity along with metabolic and behavioral alterations in mice. PLoS One 7: e44053.

• 39. Park N, Cheon S, Son GH, Cho S, Kim K (2012) Chronic circadian disturbance by a shortened light-dark cycle increases mortality. Neurobiol Aging 33: 1122.

   2011

• 38. Kwon I, Son GH, Kim K (2011) Mammalian molecular clocks. Exp Neurobiol 20: 18-28.

• 37. Son GH, Chung S, Kim K (2011) The adrenal peripheral clock: impacts on circadian rhythm of glucocorticoid and circadian timing system. Front Neuroendocrinol 32: 451-465.

• 36. Park E, Iaccarino C, Lee J, Kwon I, Baik SM, Kim M, Seong JY, Son GH, Borrelli E, Kim K (2011) Regulatory Roles of Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein M and Nova-1 Protein in Alternative Splicing of Dopamine D2 Receptor Pre-mRNA. J Biol Chem 286: 25301-25308.

• 35. Lee EJ*, Son GH*, Chung S, Lee S, Kim J, Choi S, Kim K (2011) Impairment of fear memory consolidation in maternally stressed male mice offspring: Evidence for nongenomic glucocorticoid action on the amygdala. J Neurosci 31: 7131-7140. (*: Equal contributor)

• 34. Kim HD, Choe HK, Chung S, Kim M, Seong JY, Son GH*, Kim K* (2011) Class-C SOX transcription factors control gonadotropin-releasing hormone gene expression via the intronic transcriptional enhancer. Mol Endocrinol 25: 1184-1196. (*: Co-corresponding author)

• 33. Eun B, Kim HJ, Kim SY, Kim TW, Hong ST, Choi KM, Shim JK, Moon Y, Son GH, Kim K, Kim H, Sun W (2011) Induction of Per1 expression following an experimentally induced epilepsy in the mouse hippocampus. Neurosci Lett 498: 110-113.

• 32. Chung S, Son GH, Kim K (2011) Circadian rhythm of adrenal glucocorticoid: Its regulation and clinical implications. Biochim Biophys Acta 1812: 581-591.

• 31. Chung S, Son GH, Kim K (2011) Adrenal peripheral oscillator in generating the circadian glucocorticoid rhythm. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1220: 71-81.

• 30. Choe HK, Son GH, Chung S, Kim M, Sun W, Kim H, Geum D, Kim K (2011) Maternal stress retards fetal development in mice with transcriptome-wide impact on gene expression profiles of the limb. Stress 14: 194-204.

   2010

• 29. Son GH, Chung S, Kim K (2010) Biological rhythms and neuroendocrine systems. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 25: 1-9.

• 28. Lee Y, Lee J, Kwon I, Nakajima Y, Ohmiya Y, Son GH, Lee KH, Kim K (2010) Coactivation of the CLOCK-BMAL1 complex by CBP mediates resetting of the circadian clock. J Cell Sci 123: 3547-3557.

• 27. Jo J*, Son GH*, Winters BL, Kim MJ, Whitcomb DJ, Dickinson BA, Lee YB, Futai K, Amici M, Sheng M, Collingridge GL, Cho K (2010) Muscarinic receptors induce LTD of NMDAR EPSCs via a mechanism involving hippocalcin, AP2 and PSD-95. Nat Neurosci 13: 1216-1224. (*: Equal contributor)

   1998 ~ 2009

• 26. Dickinson BA, Jo J, Seok H, Son GH, Whitcomb DJ, Davies CH, Sheng M, Collingridge GL, Cho K (2009) A novel mechanism of hippocampal LTD involving muscarinic receptor-triggered interactions between AMPARs, GRIP and liprin-alpha. Mol Brain 2: 18.

• 25. Park E, Lee MS, Baik SM, Cho EB, Son GH, Seong JY, Lee KH, Kim K (2009) Nova-1 mediates glucocorticoid-induced inhibition of pre-mRNA splicing of gonadotropin-releasing hormone transcripts. J Biol Chem 284: 12792-12800.

• 24. Jo J, Seok H, Kim M-J, Son GH, Park Y, Weiss J, Henley J, Sheng M, Collingridge G, Cho K (2008) Differential postsynaptic Ca2+-signaling mechanisms determine NMDA receptor- versus metabotropic glutamate receptor-mediated LTD. Neuron 60: 1095-1111.

• 23. Son GH, Chung S, Choe HK, Kim HD, Baik SM, Lee H, Lee HW, Choi S, Sun W, Kim H, Cho S, Lee KH, Kim K (2008) Adrenal peripheral clock controls the autonomous circadian rhythm of glucocorticoid by causing rhythmic steroid production. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 105: 20970-20975.

• 22. Kim J, Lee S, Park K, Hong I, Song B, Son G, Park H, Kim WR, Park E, Choe HK, Kim H, Lee C, Sun W, Kim K, Shin KS, Choi S (2007) Amygdala depotentiation and fear extinction. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 104: 20955-20960.

• 21. Shim HS, Kim H, Lee J, Son GH, Cho S, Oh TH, Kang SH, Seen DS, Lee KH, Kim K (2007) Rapid activation of CLOCK by Ca2+-dependent protein kinase C mediates resetting of the mammalian circadian clock. EMBO Rep 8: 366-371.

• 20. Son GH, Chung S, Geum D, Kang SS, Choi WS, Kim K, Choi S (2007) Hyperactivity and alteration of the midbrain dopaminergic system in maternally stressed male mice offspring. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 352: 823-829.

• 19. Kim HS, Yumkham S, Choi JH, Son GH, Kim K, Ryu SH, Suh P-G (2006) Serotonin stimulates GnRH secretion through src-PLC1 pathway in hypothalamic GT1-7 cells. J Endocrinol 190: 581-591.

• 18. Kwon I, Lee J, Chang SH, Jung NC, Lee BJ, Son GH, Kim K, Lee KH (2006) BMAL1 shuttling controls transactivation and degradation of the CLOCK/BMAL1 heterodimer. Mol Cell Biol 26: 7318-7330.

• 17. Son GH, Geum D, Chung S, Kim EJ, Jo JH, Kim CM, Lee KH, Kim H, Choi S, Kim HT, Lee CJ, Kim K (2006) Maternal stress produces learning deficits associated with impairment of NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic plasticity. J Neurosci 26: 3309-3318.

• 16. Park E, Han J, Son GH, Lee MS, Chung S, Park SH, Park K, Lee KH, Choi S, Seong JY, Kim K (2006) Cooperative actions of Tra2alpha with 9G8 and SRp30c in the RNA splicing of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone gene transcript. J Biol Chem 281: 401-409.

• 15. Son GH, Geum D, Chung S, Park E, Lee KH, Choi S, Kim K (2005) A protective role of 27-kDa heat shock protein in glucocorticoid-evoked apoptotic cell death of hippocampal progenitor cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 338: 1751-1758.

• 14. Chung S*, Son GH*, Park SH, Park E, Lee KH, Geum D, Kim K (2005) Differential adaptive responses to chronic stress of maternally stressed male mice offspring. Endocrinology 146: 3202-3210. (*: Equal contributor)

• 13. Son GH, Park E, Jung H, Han J, Lee KH, Seong JY, Kim K (2005) GnRH pre-mRNA splicing: solving the mystery of a nature's knockout, hpg mouse. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 326: 261-267.

• 12. Kim J, Choe Y, Son GH, Park J-H, Lee S, Khang I, Lee CC, Lee KH, Kim K (2004) Calcium-induced expression of period1 in SK-N-SH human neuroblastoma cells. Exp Neurobiol 13: 39-46.

• 11. Han K, Lee S, Park J-H, Son GH, Khang I, Lee KH, Lee CC, Kim K (2004) Modeling ultradian rhythmicity of the hypothalamic GnRH neurosecretory cells. Exp Neurobiol 13: 47-56.

• 10. Jung H, Choe Y, Kim H, Park N, Son GH, Khang I, Kim K (2003) Involvement of CLOCK:BMAL1 heterodimer in serum-responsive mPer1 induction. Neuroreport 14: 15-19.

• 09. Choe Y, Son GH, Lee S, Park E, Moon Y, Kim K (2003) Cell differentiation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons and alternative RNA splicing of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone transcript. Neuroendocrinology 77: 282-290.

• 08. Son GH, Jung H, Seong JY, Choe Y, Geum D, Kim K (2003) Excision of the first intron from the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) transcript serves as a key regulatory step for GnRH biosynthesis. J Biol Chem 278: 18037-18044.

• 07. Han J, Son GH, Seong JY, Kim K (2002) GnRH pre-mRNA splicing: role of exonic splicing enhancer. Prog Brain Res 141: 209-219.

• 06. Geum D, Son GH, Kim K (2002) Phosphorylation-dependent cellular localization and thermoprotective role of heat shock protein 25 in hippocampal progenitor cells. J Biol Chem 277:19913-19921.

• 05. Seong JY, Kim BW, Park S, Son GH, Kim K (2001) First intron excision of GnRH pre-mRNA during postnatal development of normal mice and adult hypogonadal mice. Endocrinology 142: 4454-4461.

• 04. Son GH, Geum D, Jung H, Kim K (2001) Glucocorticoid inhibits growth factor-induced differentiation of hippocampal progenitor HiB5 cells. J Neurochem 79: 1013-1021.

• 03. Park S, Seong JY, Son GH, Kang SS, Lee S, Kim SR, Kim K. Analysis of steroid-induced genes in the rat preoptic area-anterior hypothalamus using a differential-display reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. J Neuroendocrinol 13: 531-539.

• 02. Kam K, Park Y, Cheon M, Son GH, Kim K, Ryu K (2000) Effects of immobilization stress on estrogen-induced surges of luteinizing hormone and prolactin in ovariectomized rats. Endocrine 12: 279-287.

• 01. Kang SS, Son GH, Seong JY, Choi D, Kwon HB, Lee CC, Kim K (1998) Noradrenergic neurotoxin suppresses gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and GnRH receptor gene expression in ovariectomized and steroid-treated rats. J Neuroendocrinol 10: 911-918.

Patents & Others

• 06. 손기훈, 김지연, 차효경 (2018) RNA 분해 양상을 이용한 사후 경과시간 추정방법 및 이에 사용되는 사후 경과시간 추정용 조성물. (대한민국 특허 제10-1550098호)

• 05. 김경진, 정수영, 손기훈 (2016) 도파민 의존성 신경장애 치료를 위한 REV-ERBα 유전자의 용도. (대한민국 특허 제10-1633881호)

• 04. 김경진, 정수영, 손기훈 (2016) 정서장애 및 중독질환 치료를 위한 REV-ERBα 유전자의 용도. (대한민국 특허 제10-1633876호)

• 03. 손기훈, 박성환, 김윤미, 김지연, 김진욱 (2015) 급성 심장사 판별용 조성물 및 판별 방법. (대한민국 특허 제10-1550098호)

• 02. 서영거, 김경진, 정종화, 김남중, 윤화영, 장재봉, 손기훈, 정수영, 전승국, 이지연, 정윤택 (2015) 2-에톡시프로피온산 유도체 또는 이의 약학적으로 허용가능한 염을 유효성분으로 함유하는 일주기 연관성 질환의 예방 또는 치료용 약학적 조성물. (대한민국 특허 제10-1497577호)

• 01. 황적준, 남종현, 손기훈, 정욱희 (2013) 열충격 단백질군의 mRNA 발현 양상 분석을 통한 사인 추정 방법. (대한민국 특허 제10-1468047호)

Multimodal Approach to Neuropsychiatric Disorders

We aim to uncover the neurobiological basis of psychiatric disorders such as ‘bipolar disorder (BPD), major depression (MDD) and substance use disorders (SUDs)’. For this purpose, we employ multimodal strategy based on 1)our panel of animal models, 2)human postmortem gene expression analysis and 3)patients-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Transcriptome profiling accompanied by bioinformatic analyses are used to identify key gene-regulatory networks among the distinct experimental models and neurobehavioral studies to functionally evaluate the relevance of modular targets.

Circadian Clock and Bipolar Disorder

We have recently identified a ‘molecular connection between the circadian timing system and mood regulation’ by demonstrating that circadian nuclear receptor REV-ERBα associated with bipolar disorder, impacts midbrain dopamine production and mood-related behaviors. We are now trying to reveal a ‘switching mechanism’ underlying BPD and then develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for the circadian rhythm-related psychiatric disorder.

Modeling Neuropsychiatric Disorders Using iPSCs

Recently, we have established our own iPSCs panels derived from BPD patients and suicide completers. We believe that ‘brain organoids from these patient-derived iPSCs’ will provide a breakthrough to understand molecular and cellular bases of the complex diseases, in particular regarding their neurodevelopmental origins.

Drug Discovery: Novel Circadian Clock Modulators

Pharmacological modulation of circadian clockworks is believed to have beneficial effects on a wide range of circadian rhythm-related human diseases including metabolic diseases, psychiatric disorders, neurodegenerative diseases and even several types of cancers. In this regard, we are developing novel ‘small molecules directly acting on druggable clock components’ such as REV-ERBs, RORs and CRYs. Our own pipeline to screen clock modulators, has successfully identified several hits and now we are trying to optimize them to improve their efficacy and pharmacokinetic properties in vivo. By use of our hits/leads in combination with disease models, we aim to develop novel therapeutic strategies targeting molecular circadian clock.  

Current Members

Alumni