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To maintain a life, biological cells have incredible capabilities: 1) replication/transmission/replacement of genetic information, 2) catalyzing enzymatic reactions, 3) recognition of molecular targets, and 4) even regulation of molecule transport into and out of the cells. When looking into this amazing world, it is discovered that sequence-controllable biopolymers, including nucleic acids (DNAs and RNAs), amino acids (proteins), and saccharides (carbohydrates), are the core elements of the living cells. Depending on the specific sequence of the biopolymers, they fold into unique 3D nanostructures that control a cellular life, and this is one of the essential principles in molecular biology. Based on the fundamental principle, we intend to create highly ‘sequence-controlled’ biopolymers capable of performing valuable molecular functions, using innovative technologies: rational design and Darwinian evolution. With the newly developed molecular materials, we challenge not only the traditional fields of biotechnology such as the development of high-performance biosensors and highly effective therapeutic agents, but also creative and innovative ventures such as implementing artificial cells via sophisticated control of cellular functions, for which emerging synthetic biology is aiming.  

살아있는 세포는 "생명 유지"라는 놀라운 현상을 위해, 매우 다양하고 유익한 생물학적 기능들(유전정보의 복제/전달/교체, 효소촉매반응, 목표분자인식, 물질출입 통제/조절 등)을 수행합니다. 이러한 특별한 기능 뒤에는 핵산(DNA, RNA), 아미노산(단백질), 당류(탄수화물)와 같은 서열 조절이 가능한 생체고분자들이 존재하고, 그들이 이루는 독특한 삼차원 나노구조에 의해 생명체의 구성 요소들과 기능들이 구현됩니다. 이러한 분자 생물학적 기본 원리를 통해, 본 연구실은 "합리적 분자 설계"와 "시험관 분자 진화"라는 신개념 기술들을 적극 활용하여 세포의 분자적 기능을 뛰어넘는 서열 조절 생체고분자를 새롭게 개발하고자 합니다. 개발된 혁신적 분자소재들을 토대로 고성능 바이오센서, 약물 치료제와 같은 전통적 생명공학의 분야뿐만 아니라, 합성 생물학이 지향하는 세포 기능의 자유로운 조절을 통한 인공 세포의 구현이라는 창조적이고 획기적인 과제들에 도전하고 있습니다.

We are recruiting highly motivated graduate students(MS-PhD integrated of PhD courses) interested in Biomolecular Materials with Cellular Functions. If you're interested in joining our team, please email Prof. Seung Soo Oh at seungsoo @postech.ac.kr. Please kindly attach your CV and include a summary of your research interests.

We look forward to potentially collaborating with you on exciting scientific endeavors!