Janghyun Choi

jchoi@inha.ac.kr

Research Institute for Molecular Cell Biology
Inha University, Room 5N521
100 Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu
Incheon 22212, Korea
Current Position

Research Institute for Molecular Cell Biology, Inha University Incheon, Korea

Postdoctoral Fellow 2021-present

Education

Inha University Incheon, Korea

Ph.D. in Biological Sciences 2015-2021

Thesis: Studies on the molecular mechanism by which KDM4D-NFIB-MLL1 complex regulates mesenchymal stem cell differentiation


Inha University Incheon, Korea

M.S. in Biological Sciences 2013-2015

Thesis: The histone lysine demethylase JMJD2B is required for myogenic differentiation of C2C12 myoblast cells

Research Interest

• Molecular Pathways in Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation Understanding the specific epigenetic and transcriptional regulations governing mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation into muscle (myogenesis), fat (adipogenesis), and bone (osteogenesis) is a key area of interest. The focus is on identifying key genes and regulatory pathways through advanced techniques in biochemistry, molecular biology, and bioinformatics.


• Epigenetic Regulation of Cellular Defense in Response to Oxidative Stress Examine how cells utilize epigenetic modifications to response and adapt to oxidative stress, including exposures to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nanoparticles, is also a significant area of interest. This area of interest involves examining the role of epigenetic regulators in altering the chromatin landscape, potentially leading to new insights into stress resistance and cellular longevity.

Skills and Techniques

• Molecular Biology Proficient in the extraction, manipulation, and amplification of nucleic acids across diverse cells and tissues. Skilled in both traditional end-point PCR and advanced quantitative PCR techniques, emphasizing precision in genetic analysis.


• Cell Culture Experienced in culturing a diverse range of cell types, including MSCs, epithelial cells, and neuronal cells. Specialized focus on conducting in vitro differentiation assays and employing genetic manipulation techniques such as transfection and viral infection. Proficient in performing cytotoxicity and apoptotic tests to assess cell health. Expert in preparing and processing samples for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to ensure high-quality, detailed ultrastructural analysis.


• Biochemistry Expert in the purification of recombinant proteins, extraction of proteins, and nuclear fractionation from cells. Proficient in protein quantification and gel electrophoresis techniques, including both native and denatured SDS-PAGE, to analyze protein integrity, functional states, and post-translational modifications.


• Immunology Advanced skills in immunological techniques including immunoblotting (IB), immunofluorescence (IF) with proficiency in using confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) to enhance visualization and analysis of target genes/proteins. Experienced in immunoprecipitation (IP) and chromatin IP (ChIP), along with fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) for precise cellular analysis and sorting.


• Data Science Strong computational skills in analyzing RNA and ChIP sequencing data using programming languages and statistical analysis. Experience includes custom script development for data analysis and visualization, enhancing research outcomes and insights.

Publications
  1. Choi, J.* and Lee, H. (2024). MLL1 histone methyltransferase and UTX histone demethylase functionally cooperate to regulate the expression of NRF2 in response to ROS-induced oxidative stress. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 217, 48-59. (*Co-corresponding author)
  2. Choi, J.* and Lee, H. (2023). NFIB–MLL1 complex is required for the stemness and Dlx5-dependent osteogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cells. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 299(10). (*Co-corresponding author)
  3. Choi, J. H., Lee, H., Lee, H., and Lee, H. (2021). Dopant-dependent toxicity of CeO2 nanoparticles is associated with dynamic changes in H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 and transcriptional activation of NRF2 gene in HaCaT human keratinocytes. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(6), 3087.
  4. Choi, J. H. and Lee, H. (2020). Histone demethylase KDM4D cooperates with NFIB and MLL1 complex to regulate adipogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cells. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 3050.
  5. Choi, J. H., Hong, J. A., Son, Y. R., Wang, J., Kim, H. S., Lee, H., and Lee, H. (2020). Comparison of enhanced photocatalytic degradation efficiency and toxicity evaluations of CeO2 nanoparticles synthesized through double-modulation. Nanomaterials, 10(8), 1543.
  6. Song, Y. J., Choi, J. H., and Lee, H. (2015). Setdb1 is required for myogenic differentiation of C2C12 myoblast cells via maintenance of MyoD expression. Molecules and cells, 38(4), 362.
  7. Choi, J. H., Song, Y. J., and Lee, H. (2015). The histone demethylase KDM4B interacts with MyoD to regulate myogenic differentiation in C2C12 myoblast cells. Biochemical and biophysical research communications, 456(4), 872-878.