Choe Sunghwa

Choe Sunghwa is a Professor in the Department of BIO at Seoul National University. Her research focuses on genome editing technologies, particularly CRISPR/Cas systems, with applications in plant biology and synthetic biology. Her lab, the Genome Editing Lab, investigates the functional roles of genome editing enzymes and develops methods for targeted genome modification. Choe has contributed to advancements in DNA-free genome editing in plants and has published extensively on topics such as CRISPR-based genome editing, plant regeneration, and bioinformatics. She is also involved in academic leadership roles and has held visiting professor positions at institutions such as Purdue University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Sunghwa Choe's research focuses on plant molecular biology, particularly in the areas of CRISPR/Cas genome editing, sterol and brassinosteroid biosynthesis, natural products, and plant-made pharmaceuticals. Their work explores the genetic and biochemical mechanisms underlying brassinosteroid biosynthesis, including the role of genes such as DWARF4 and its impact on plant growth and development. Choe also investigates the application of DNA-free genome editing techniques in plants to improve agricultural traits. Additionally, they study the biosynthesis of natural products and their potential use in pharmaceutical applications. Their research contributes to understanding plant hormone signaling and its implications for crop improvement.