Jaekwon Lee
Professor Biochemistry University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Contact
- Address
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BEAD N210
Lincoln NE 68588-0664 - Phone
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402-472-2658 On-campus 2-2658
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jlee7@unl.edu
Research interests
Normal cellular functions are dependent on specific metals. Because cells are sensitive to metal toxicity and metal-induced oxidative damage, the uptake, distribution, and export of metals must be tightly controlled. Dr. Lee's research focuses on understanding the function and regulation of membrane metal transporters that import or export metals such as copper, cadmium, and potassium. His lab has identified new metal transporters and shown novel modes of post-translational regulation that organisms have evolved to use inorganic elements with minimal toxicity. Students in Dr. Lee's laboratory use a combination of mouse models, mammalian cell lines, yeast genetics, and Drosophila to identify and characterize molecular factors involved in metal metabolism, determine cellular consequences of metal dyshomeostasis, and advance therapeutic control of metal metabolism.
Research Description:
The research program in my laboratory focuses on understanding mechanisms of nutritional and toxic metal metabolism, and molecular basis of defective metal metabolism in diseases. All living organisms have developed delicate mechanisms for uptake, distribution, incorporation, and excretion of essential metals to acquire sufficient levels without toxic accumulation. Defense systems against toxicity of physiological and non-physiological metals are also vital for life. We have identified membrane transporters through which eukaryotes (including baker's yeast, mice, and humans) uptake or export copper (an essential yet toxic micronutrient) or cadmium (an ubiquitous toxic metal). Characterization of mechanisms of action and regulation of the transporters will provide new insights about how organisms control cellular metal accumulation. These studies are important in developing better strategies for combating metals and reactive oxygen species-mediated various human diseases.