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Hyun Joon Kong Assistant Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Biophysics Ph.D. 2001, University of Michigan Design of synthetic extracellular matrix; FRET analysis of cell-ECM interaction; FRET analysis of biomolecular interaction; Vascular/Bone tisse engineering Hyun Joon Kong 108 RAL, Box C-3, MC-712 600 S. Mathews Urbana, IL 61801 217-333-1178 hjkong06@illinois.edu

Current Research

The Kong group's interests start with the design of a synthetic extracellular matrix (ECM) to mimic biochemical and biomechanical properties of the natural ECM through extensive chemical modifications of biomacromolecules. Specifically, the Kong group is focused on designing a synthetic ECM to facilitate three dimensional cell cultures, which more adequately represent in vivo environments as compared with traditional two dimensional cell culture methods. Using these synthetic ECMs, the Kong group has been studying the critical roles of the ECM in regulating diverse activities (e.g., proliferation, differentiation and migration) of a series of stem and progenitor cells in conjunction with several signaling molecules. We have been also correlating these cell-ECM interactions to several extracellular events including traction force and integrin-ligand bonds. These fundamental understandings of cell-ECM interactions are further translated into developing novel tissue regeneration strategies specifically focused on skeletal and cardiovascular tissues.