The Hoon-Ki Sung Lab

Research focus

Our research program focuses on the biology of adipose tissue, with particular emphasis on the metabolic function of adipose tissue and its remodelling in response to nutritional challenges and increased adipose blood vessels. We reported that intermittent fasting (IF), a periodic energy restriction diet regimen, promotes metabolic homeostasis through brown fat-like changes (browning) in WAT and activation of anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages through increased expression of angiogenic growth factor (VEGF-A). Recently, our research interests extend to IF-responses of other organs (e.g., liver, intestine, and microbiome). Additionally, we have developed various novel technologies for adipose biology, including mouse metabolic phenotyping, high-dimensional mass cytometry, tissue clearing and 3D imaging, adipose organoid culture and genetic mouse models.