Chronobiology

Currently, Hong lab is the only lab studying chronobiology in the Department. Hong lab investigates diverse aspects of chronobiology ranging from the molecular mechanisms of core circadian clock machinery to functions of circadian rhythms orchestrating temporal organization of cellular and physiological processes. Hong lab utilizes mathematical modeling and different model systems including the model filamentous fungus, Neurospora crassa, 3-dimensional mouse and human intestinal organoids, and transgenic mice to address specific biological problems. In the past decade, Hong lab uncovered molecular mechanisms regulating circadian clock-dependent processes such as cell divisions in Neurospora crassa, intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation, and necrotic cell death responses to Clostridium difficile toxin B (TcdB) in both mouse and human intestinal organoids. Hong lab continues to expand their research interest investigating roles of circadian rhythms in infection and cancer.

PPN Chronobiology Lab:

Hong Laboratory

Our long-term goal is to utilize temporal information from the circadian clock and its connections with other cellular processes (e.g. cell cycle, metabolism, etc.) to improve human health.

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