Junsu Kang, PHD

The capacity for complex tissue regeneration is unevenly distributed among vertebrate tissues and species. Zebrafish possess a remarkable potential to regenerate tissues such as amputated appendages and damaged heart muscles. Our overarching research goal is to understand how genetic and epigenetic factors control tissue regeneration at cellular and molecular levels. Specifically, my laboratory uses adult zebrafish to investigate roles of crucial regeneration genes, regulatory mechanisms underlying their regeneration-specific expression, and functions of key chromatin modifiers during tissue regeneration. Using cutting edge techniques and high-throughput screening assays, we will define gene regulatory networks of tissue regeneration, which will reveal how stem/progenitor cells are activated to facilitate tissue regeneration. Additionally, we plan to elucidate molecular mechanisms of unexplored regeneration genes that are identified by forward genetic screening. Long-term goals of our research are to translate knowledge obtained from our basic research to advance therapeutic strategies of tissue repair in humans.