A novel paradigm of neuro-immuno-metabolic axis in liver disease

About Lab of Liver Research

Liver-centered multi-organ crosstalk between adipose tissue, gut and brain has been shown to involve in various liver diseases, ranging from alcoholic liver disease, steatohepatitis and fibrosis. In Lab of Liver Research, we focus on three aspect of liver research – metabolic, immunologic and neurologic aspects to elucidate the mechanisms of liver diseases. Liver as a metabolic organ, metabolic dysregulation of hepatic cells (hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells and ductal cells) contributes to disease pathogenesis via different metabolites. As an immunologic organ, granulocytes, innate and adaptive immune cells in the liver release cytokines and chemokines to trigger inflammation. As a neurologic organ, the liver metabolizes and responds to the change of neurotransmitters, such as catecholamine and glutamate, under diseased state. Our lab suggests this new paradigm of neuro-immuno-metabolic axis which may better illustrate the pathogenesis of liver diseases and shed a new light on novel therapeutic treatment development. 

The candidate will be encouraged to participate in projects in the above-mentioned areas. They will gain expertise in flow cytometry, hepatic cell isolation, cell culture, animal breeding, generating various mouse models of liver diseases and handling patient samples obtained from collaborative hospitals. Some prior experience in the above techniques is of benefit but not essential.

Please refer to our website for further details: http://labofliver.kaist.ac.kr/

KAIST Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering

Our research team is under the Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering (GSMSE) in KAIST. There is an open Q&A session for those who are interested in our program.

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KAIST GSMSE Q&A session for admission and application

A. Date and Time: March 8th, 16:00 (Korean Standard Time)

B. Medium of Communication: English

C. Channel & Medium of the Meeting: ZOOM

D. Application method: Please reply to [Email Address Removed]

Our department website: https://gsmse.kaist.ac.kr/

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Funding

International students will be provided with KAIST scholarship, which includes tuition fee waiver. Monthly stipends will be supported by chief supervisor, Professor Jeong. The exact amount of stipend is adjusted every year and extra scholarship is also available for successful candidates.

Academic advisor

Professor Won-Il, JEONG (D.V.M., Ph.D)

Admission application deadlines

There are two rounds of admission application period in a year.

1. 2022 Fall intake

Online application deadline: March 15th 10:00 (Korean Standard Time) ~ March 29th 17:00 (Korean Standard Time)

Application material submission deadline: April 8th 18:00 (Korean Standard Time)

2. 2023 Spring intake

The application will begin in August to September 2022.

Beginning of the Semester

29^th August 2022

Qualification Required

A.    Physician Scientist Track

1.   M.S.-Ph.D. Integrated Program

A bachelor’s degree holder who has received (or is expecting to receive) a medical license as a physician, dentist

2.   Ph.D. Program

A master’s degree holder who has received (or is expecting to receive) a medical license as a physician, dentist (all majors at the master’s level are eligible)

B.    Biomedical Scientist Track

1.   M.S.-Ph.D. Integrated Program

A bachelor’s degree holder who has received (or is expecting to receive) a medical license as a physician, dentist

2.   Ph.D. Program

One who has received (or is expecting to receive) a master’s degree in science and engineering (including degree holders in pharmacy and veterinary medicine)

How to apply

To apply, please send your CV to [Email Address Removed]. Please also provide a covering letter to indicate your interests, what you hope to achieve from the program and your career aspirations.