| Research
Interests
Our research focuses on molecular and cellular engineering for
biopharmaceuticals, gene delivery and stem cell research.
Proteins play important roles in all kinds of biological systems from
viruses to human beings. Therefore, understanding the function and structure
of proteins in biological systems is a very interesting and challenging area
for engineers as well as scientists. In the post-genomic era, dynamic
changes of protein structure play a key role in understanding and modulating
cellular functions. Rapid changes in protein structure can be attributed to
posttranslational events, including folding, oligomerization, and chemical
modification. Recent advances in protein engineering tools with the aid of
genetic engineering, such as rational design and high-throughput screening
of peptides and proteins, facilitate design of proteins with novel physical,
chemical, and biological properties.
Our research program
employs protein engineering tools to manipulate diverse biological
systems, including
(i) self-assembly and oligomer formation of peptides and proteins for development of novel biopharmaceuticals and gene delivery vehicles,
(ii) small-molecule-dependent protein switches for manipulation of cellular functions,
(iii) novel hybrids between synthetic polymers and biomolecules, and
(iv) manipulation of differentiation and self-renewal of stem cells.
Selected Publications
I. Kwon and D.V. Schaffer, "Designer gene delivery vectors:
Molecular engineering and evolution of adeno-associated viral vectors for
enhanced gene transfer", Pharm. Res. (2007), DOI
10.1007/s11095-007-9431-0.
I. Kwon, D.A. Tirrell, "Site-Specific Incorporation of Tryptophan Analogs into Recombinant Proteins in
Bacterial cells", J. Amer. Chem. Soc. (2007) 129, 10431-10437.
I. Kwon, P. Wang, D.A. Tirrell, "Design of a Bacterial Host for Site-Specific Incorporation of para-Bromophenylalanine into Recombinant Proteins", J. Amer. Chem. Soc. (2006) 128, 11778-11783.
I. Kwon, K. Kirshenbaum, D.A. Tirrell, "Breaking the degeneracy of the genetic code", J.
Amer. Chem. Soc. (2003) 125, 7512-7513.
(Highlighted in C&EN News, June 23, 2003, 40-43.)
M.V. Donova , D.V. Dovbnya, G.V. Sukhodolskaya , S.M. Khomutov, V.M. Nikolayeva,
I. Kwon , K. Han, "Microbial conversion of sterol-containing soybean oil production waste", J.
Chem. Tech. Biotech. (2005) 80, 55-60.
I. Kwon, Y.J. Yoo, J.H. Lee, J.O. Hyun, "Enhancement of taxol production by in situ recovery
of the product", Process Biochem. (1998) 33, 701-707.
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