Won-Suk Chung

Won-Suk Chung is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at KAIST. His research focuses on Brain Science, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Genetics, Human Disease, and Neuroscience. His laboratory, the KAIST GLIA LABORATORY, investigates the role of glial cells in brain function and disease, particularly through the study of glial phagocytosis and its implications for neural circuit refinement and homeostasis. The lab also explores interactions between the central nervous system and immune responses, aiming to develop new immunotherapies for brain disorders. Chung's work has been featured in various media outlets and has contributed to significant research advancements in the field.

Won-Suk Chung's research focuses on glia, synapses, plasticity, vascular biology, and neuroimmunology. His work explores the role of astrocytes in synapse elimination, formation, and function, emphasizing pathways such as MEGF10 and MERTK. Chung investigates how reactive astrocytes and microglia contribute to neurotoxicity and synaptic impairment in disease. He also examines glial phagocytosis of synapses for circuit homeostasis and the impact of glial dysfunction on cognitive decline. His studies include the development of methods for astrocyte purification and culture, as well as the role of glial cells in stroke-related synapse elimination. Chung's research also extends to vascular biology, such as Bmp2 signaling in hepatic and pancreatic fate decisions, and the phagocytic roles of glial cells in healthy and diseased brains.